Repair Or Replace Aluminum Gutters

Rusty areas indicate a future problem even if the rust has not yet created a hole.

Repair or replace aluminum gutters.

Check the downspout step 4. Any damage is localized on one or two gutter sections. Once the hole is clean and dry spread roofing cement around the edges of the hole and apply a patch of appropriately sized metal flashing. Here s what you ll want to consider before deciding.

Gutters with holes or splits aren t reparable. Clean the downspout joints and replace the gaskets step 5. Then you can simply replace those sections instead of tearing out your entire guttering system. Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened up because of expansion and contraction.

Small openings can be cleaned with alcohol and covered over with a quality sealant. Seamless aluminum gutters last a long time up to 30 years if they ve been installed correctly. You can use the same process for repairing holes in both steel and aluminum gutters. Apply silicone and reassemble.

Gutter replacement may be necessary if gutters are rusting or leaking. If your home center or hardware store doesn t sell pre bent flashing ask an aluminum siding contractor or local sheet metal fabricator to bend some for you. If your original gutters are straight solid and don t leak they don t need replacement period. Clean the area around the leak step 2.

Gutter repair and replacement tips. First use a stiff wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion from the hole and the surrounding area. Clean out gutters at least once a year to make them last. Patches sealants step 1.

You only need to fix a few holes or cracks. If they do leak there s a fair chance they can be repaired. However even the best products in the world experience some wear and tear eventually. Photo by summer galyan gutters require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Apply plastic roofing cement step 3. If your gutter is still basically sound the easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape available at home centers and hardware stores. You don t have to rush to a replacement if something s going wrong however. Here are some warning signs that your gutters need work.