While being a homeowner usually brings on thoughts of happiness and a sense of accomplishment. That high and mighty feeling goes away real quick when the home you love now needs thousands of dollars in “Rain Gutter Repair” or another type of damage.
The exterior of your home—no matter how great the craftsmanship or materials —is susceptible to damage. Whether it’s from regular old age and wear and tear or a severe storm that came through, your gutters may occasionally need some repairs.
It’s important that if you ever do have damaged gutters, you repair them ASAP. Damaged gutters can potentially lead to water not draining properly, which can lead to leaks and, in turn, damage to your interior.
Here are some quick gutter repair tips for common gutter issues to help you keep your home safe and your gutters functioning. We’ll also discuss why some of the more extensive gutter repairs should be left to the pros.
Clean and Unclog Your Gutters Often
This one is more of a preventative tip. It’s essential to ensure your gutters are unclogged and free from leaves or stick build-up. Make sure that you follow best practices when it comes to using a ladder. For example, only use sturdy ladders and follow the “three points of contact” rule. If you’re nervous about cleaning your gutters yourself, you can call in a pro to make sure they are spic and span.
Clogged gutters will often lead to leaks because rainwater is unable to make its way out through the downspout. Always, always clean your gutters in the fall. If you have a lot of build-up from leaves or twigs, it can make it difficult for snowmelt to get through. Here in Texas, we don’t have to worry about that. But, if you live in the Midwest, make sure to keep an eye on your gutters in the fall. Here’s a Free guide on the Best Ways to Clean Your Rain Gutters + How to do it Safely.
Realigning the Gutter
If you suspect you have an issue with your gutter, or if you notice rainwater isn’t draining down your downspouts yet there is no clogging, then you may need to realign your gutters. If your gutters aren’t perfectly aligned and at a slight angle to help with drainage, then water will simply sit in there, which may lead to leaks.
If you look closely and see that there is an issue with alignment, you can realign them with relative ease. Check the brackets that attach the gutter to your home and use a screwdriver to tighten them. This may fix it and get the gutters back in alignment. If they are bent, carefully apply pressure and try and bend them back into place. Use a hose or bucket of water to test your gutters and see if they are functioning.
If you don’t have much experience with gutters or they look really out of whack, consider calling in a pro to make sure the job gets done right. You can also learn more about the expected lifespan of your rain gutters + 3 tips for improving their durability.
Plugging Leaks in Joints
Leaks—depending on their severity and location can be mended temporarily with sealants. Sometimes joints can become worn down, and their rubber seals or gaskets are no longer as effective against rain. If this is happening, you can separate the gutter section from the seal by simply squeezing the sides of the gutter. Remove any debris you find around the seal. If it’s too worn down, you’ll have to get new seals and press them in firmly. Then, refit your guttering and gaskets. Learn more on the process in this step-by-step guide from a leading developer.
Why DIY Rain Gutter Repairs Are Sometimes Not a Good Idea
We appreciate anyone willing to try their own home improvement projects or tasks. That being said, we always recommend homeowners give us a call if they have an issue with their roof that they aren’t comfortable doing on their own.
Failing to fix the gutter in the correct fashion can lead to further problems down the road. In some cases, a leak will form in the interior of your home and cause the property to become damaged.
For this reason, if you ever have a gutter issue, give us a call, and we’ll make it right. We’ll be transparent about the issue and let you know how we’re going to fix it. Whether it’s a simple fix or full-scale gutter tear down and replacement, Eagle Eye Roofing is the team for the job!
