Gutter problems can cost a lot of money, but preventative maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your gutters in great shape. Learn about the most common issues with gutters and how to fix them.
Gutter clogs and loose gutters cause water to come behind gutters. Eventually, this can damage the fascia board, which needs to be replaced.
Loose Gutters
Gutter leaks and breaks are common problems that can be fixed with powerful sealants. Hammer gutter spikes back in place and apply the appropriate sealant. Leaking gutter seams can also be caulked to prevent water damage to the house and foundation.
Loose downspouts are a serious problem because they cause water to overflow and may even seep into the house. This is usually because the gutters weren’t properly installed or sloped. To fix this issue, add a downspout drop outlet.
Gutter sagging is a serious problem because it allows water to pool, leading to rot, foundation cracks, and ice dams. To solve this issue, get up on a ladder and sight down the length of the gutters to find the sagging section.
Dented Gutters
Many types of gutters can develop holes and cracks. If left unchecked, these can lead to clogging and other problems. To ensure durability and longevity of your gutters, it is best to choose top rated gutter Gresham for your needs.
Fortunately, these are easy to repair. You can purchase gutter patching material at your local hardware store and use tin snips to cut the patch to size and cement it into place.
You can also use a bench vise to reshape your gutters. This tool has two parallel clamps that can be used to hold materials in place. Begin by placing the damaged gutter section in the vise and slowly bringing it to the desired shape.
If you don’t have a bench vise, you can also use a hammer and screwdriver to tap out the dents of your gutters. However, this method is best used on smaller dents and may require patience.
Holes in Gutters
Gutters are constantly exposed to the elements, including sun, rain, snow and ice, and wind. They also collect debris – leaves, branches, twigs, acorns, and other objects (and sometimes pests).
Over time, the metal in gutters can rust or be punctured by these items. If you notice holes in your gutters, patch them right away.
Before starting any repairs, be sure you have a ladder long enough to reach the area you are repairing. Wear thick work gloves to protect your hands from jagged edges, exposed screws and hidden critters. You will also need a tube of roofing cement and a metal patch with the same material as your gutters.
Damaged Fascia Board
The fascia board is critical to your gutter system and roofing eave. If it gets damaged, it will rot, causing water damage to the roof and the house.
Fascia boards are susceptible to rot from moisture exposure and mold, algae, and fungus that can infect them. They can also crack due to temperature changes, aging and other factors.
You can check the condition of your fascia board by walking around your home every six months. If you can reach the boards, a general rule is that if you poke the wood with a screwdriver and it feels solid, it’s still good. However, if your screwdriver penetrates, it’s probably time to replace that section of the fascia board. A professional roofer will inspect the damaged area and make recommendations.
Gutter Spikes
Spikes (also called gutter nails) were once the standard method of mounting gutters. They are big nails hammered into the fascia board and rafter. Over time, however, spikes can loosen up and require pounding in again and again.
Loose gutter spikes are a common cause of sagging gutters. They can also pull away from the fascia board and rafter, creating holes that weaken the gutter system.
To fix loose gutter spikes, climb a ladder and use a rubber mallet to pound them back into place. Be careful not to dent the aluminum gutter. Gutter screws are a better alternative to spikes as they are stronger and more durable. They can be installed over existing spikes, as well.
