How to Repair a Leaking Gutter

As homeowners we realize how hard it is to stay on top of the numerous repairs that are required on a monthly basis around our homes. It's constantly one repair after another, just trying to keep on top of things and keep our homes from falling down around our ears. But if there's one thing we can't put off repairing, it's leaky gutters. Gutters are a very important part of our home. And faulty or leaky gutters can cause significant damage to the exterior of our homes. That's why it's so important to address the issue of leaking gutters immediately, before there is any additional damage that must be repaired. Pooling water around your home after a hard rain can signal a potential problem with leaking gutters. Repairing a leaking gutter is a relatively easy job that can be done in a few hours with a relatively minimal expense.

To begin the job of repairing leaking gutters you will need a few materials such as,
a. Silicone caulk
b. Flashing
c. A variety of sandpapers
d. Roofing cement
e. An assortment of wire brushes

The first step in repairing leaking gutters is to check the gutters to see where the leak is coming from. Some common problems found in metal gutters are leaks in the railings and downspouts. Usually these leaks can be resealed relatively quickly using roofing cement. Before you begin to repair the leaking gutter you must clean the area around it using a wire brush and some water. After cleaning the area around the leak, you must make sure it is thoroughly dry and then rub very well with course sandpaper. Cover any holes you may find with roofing cement. Making sure to spread the cement at least 2 to 3 inches around the holes. Carefully cover any larger holes with a piece of flashing (or sheet metal). If the hole is very large, the flashing can be pressed into the cement and the cement feathered to hold the flashing in place. To repair a leaking downspout you will need to remove the leaking part of the downspout and clean any old caulk or adhesive from the joints using a wire brush. If your gutters are PVC or Vinyl instead of metal, you will also need to replace the rubber gaskets. Apply silicone caulking to one joint, after it is in place put the gutter back together and reattach the gutter using new connectors or fasteners if needed.

Repairing leaks in your gutters doesn't have to cost you a fortune. It's a relatively simple job that anyone can do in an afternoon and shouldn't cost you much for the materials. It will save you tons of money in repair bills over time. If you have trouble finding any of the items needed to repair a leaking gutter, a visit to your local Home Depot, Lowes or any other neighborhood home repair store should be all you need to get started on repairing your leaking gutters. For more information on repairing leaking gutters visit www.homedepot.com or www.homebuyerfunds.com/how_to_repair_leaky_metal_gutters.htm