Homeowners must understand that gutters are not self-sustainable. They are bound to malfunction over time. Your home’s gutter system may leak, sag, get clogged, and develop various other issues. There is no stopping them. What you can do is keep them properly maintained, and get them repaired ASAP. The golden rule is, that the more you delay, the heftier the repair bill will be. Not only will you pay more in repair costs, but sometimes neglected gutter repairs can do irreversible harm to your home’s structural integrity. We have prepared this guide to help novice homeowners get through gutter repair intricacies smoothly. It can be a little confusing if you do it yourself. Remember, you can always hire a gutter service for professional repairs.
The Most Common Repairs Your Gutter May Need
You will fail if you try to enlist all gutter repairs in one go. Gutters can develop various issues as they are exposed to weather variations, debris, and structural stress. Some problems that you are most likely to face are;
Gutter Leaks
Your gutters can leak over time and the most common culprits are cracks and rust. If you have a sectional gutter system, your seams may separate. Once water starts leaking from your gutters, both your home’s structural integrity and your gutter’s functioning are compromised. The best way to spot them is water stains on walls. Never take leaks lightly and get them plugged on a priority basis.
Gutter Loosening
Gutters are under consistent pressure and they can get loose. If too much debris buildup is allowed, gutters are bound to lose weight. Fasteners also play an important role here. If they get loose or missing, your gutters get loose. Fascia boards, if degraded, are another culprit.
Gutters get detached when they are loose. Not only these are unsightly, but you can’t expect proper drainage from loose gutters.
Sagging Gutters
Without fixing sagging gutters, you can’t expect optimal drainage. It happens when there is too much debris accumulated in the gutters. Or the slope is improper. Or, the hangers that are holding your gutters, are not in good condition. In all these scenarios, gutters sag. Now, you can expect water overflow. Your siding will be damaged. And, the landscape around your house will also be impacted.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters clog when something is interrupting the smooth flow of water through them. You can expect frequent clogs if you have trees nearby. Fallen leaves and twigs are commonly behind consistently clogged gutters. Not just these, but any kind of debris can clog your gutters.
Rusty Gutters
Rusty gutters are fairly common due to the continuous exposure to moisture. You will have to deal with them more if your gutters are made of steel. Rust can be controlled, but if it sets in, you may not have many options.
Professional Gutter Repair Costs
Costs for a professional gutter repair depend upon various factors. The material of your gutters like aluminum, steel, vinyl, or copper will matter. Similarly, cost will vary based on the extent of damage done. Labor costs will also be included, which may vary from place to place.
You can save by doing repairs yourself but it won’t be able to beat professional expertise. Here’s a rough estimate of common gutter repairs.
- You will be charged between $75 and $200 for fixing your loose gutters.
- To seal gutter leaks, you should expect to spend between $100 and $300.
- If an entire section is to be replaced, the bill can be anywhere between $200 – $500.
- Downspout repair will range between $100 – $250.
- A full gutter replacement will depend on the size and your choice of material and can put you back between $1000 and $3000.
Can You Do Gutter Repairs Yourself?
The short answer is, yes, you can. But we do not recommend you to, especially if the issues are not minor. Professionals are equipped with all the essential tools needed to make gutter repair efficient and impactful. Safety is another concern. A common homeowner won’t be familiar with safety standards for the fieldwork like the OSHA’s 4:1 ladder rule.
But if you want to DIY nonetheless, here’s how you can repair your gutters.
Leaking Gutters: Get all the required materials like gutter sealant, wire brush, sandpaper, etc. Start by cleaning the affected area with the wire brush. Seal cracks and seams with the sealant. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Now, test thoroughly by passing water. Make sure you buy only the best quality gutter sealant for leaks.
Loose Gutters: For loose gutter repair, you need drills & screws, level, and hangers. Start by identifying loose or broken brackets. Replace them and make sure they are secure. Use only good-quality screws. Also, check the slope and ensure the pitch of ¼ inch per 10 feet.
Sagging Gutters: The best solution is to re-distribute weight. For this, you have to install steel braces at appropriate places between hangers. Try installing 5-10 screens (preferably aluminum) to prevent clogs.
Clogged Gutters: To prevent gutters from clogging frequently, install micro-mesh gutter guards. You will need a guard kit, measuring tape, drill with screws, ladder, and metal snips to cut. First, clean the gutters. Now measure and cut the micro-mesh. Now attach the guard with the help of screws. Apply sealant to close gaps between mesh sections. Test and adjust if necessary.
Tips to Prevent Gutter Repairs
As said earlier, gutter issues are bound to develop. But, with some proactive efforts, you can contain the damage and save a lot on repairs.
- The most important is to regularly clean your gutters. Use a garden hose to clean yourself and plan thorough cleaning at the end of every season.
- Make sure that gutter guards are installed to prevent blockages.
- Have your gutter fasteners inspected at least annually.
- Make sure there is no water standing anywhere by having your slope adjusted.
- Have your downspout placed in the right places. Extend if you have to.
- Look out for any signs of rust and corrosion. Apply rust-resistant solutions and replace sections that are beyond repair.
By following this guide, you can save yourself from many gutter issues and subsequent repairs. We recommend you be vigilant and keep your gutters maintained, especially before wet or windy seasons. Arrange regular inspections of your gutter system by some reliable gutter service. Only by taking these measures, you can ensure proper drainage and save your home from water damage.
