Repair Gutter

• Remember to respect all power tools. If used inappropriately, accidents can occur.


• When repairing or replacing gutters and downspouts, be sure to use a high quality ladder making sure it is stable and setting all 4 legs on a flat surface.

Supplies for Repairing Gutters and Downspouts

Instructions to Repair Gutter and Downspouts

1. Sometimes a gutter system just quits working and starts leaking. It can even detach itself from the house due to high winds or extra weight from ice or even heavy rain. Frequently, however, when your gutter is leaking it may be due to an obstruction in the downspout or a blockage of debris in the gutter itself.


2. I am assuming you already have gutters and downspouts on your house. Properly anchor a strong ladder if you plan on looking inside your gutters to clean them or to just check them out.


3. If cleaning them, use a brush or a block of wood to move debris along. You may want to use a garden hose if the debris is not too bulky. All leaves etc should be removed before a freeze for the gutters to operate as they should.


4. Be sure and check each downspout for proper drainage by pouring a bucket of water down each one and observing how long it takes for all that water to drain out the bottom.


5. Check the anchoring of all gutters and their related downspouts. All should be tightly fastened and not move.


6. If you have a seam leaking, clean out the inside of the gutter and apply gutter caulking. You may also clean the outside of the gutter seam and apply a gutter patch.




7. Using the metal shears, you can successfuly cut to length any store bought metal gutter and install yourself if need be.




8. When you do find a loose gutter or need to install a new piece of gutter, use a spike and ferrell to anchor it. Some spikes and ferrells will screw into the fascia through the gutter while others you can simply hammer in.




9. A gutter strainer is a great idea. It simply sets in the downspout in the gutter trough and keeps debris from blocking the exit.




10. All downspouts should include a 4 to 6 foot long extension at the bottom to help whisk water away from the building's foundation.




11. Whenever replacing gutters or downspouts, always use products that are aluminum so that rust is not a factor.


12. If a large gutter job is required, it is best to use a professional gutter company who will construct long lengths of gutter out of the back of a truck. These will not have any seams in them and therefore will perform better longer. They are quite competitive too.