There’s a certain sense of pride that comes with performing home repairs on your own. Even though not every problem can be a DIY quick-fix, there are several common gutter repairs that are simple enough for you to do without professional help. If you spot these typical gutter issues, here’s what you can do to fix them.
Leaking Gutters
Gutters can leak for a variety of reasons, but the most common culprits are your gutter seams. Over time, standing water can sit in your gutters, causing them to rust and allow water to seep out through the seems. To fix this, clean the leaking seams and apply silicone-rubber caulk around their inside and outside edges. If there are small holes in your gutters, use roofing cement to patch them up.
Overflowing Gutters
If you notice that water is spilling over your gutters instead of flowing down, out, and away from your home, you should check to see if your gutters are clogged. Leaves and debris can build up in your gutters and downspouts, preventing water from flowing properly. All that standing water has nowhere to go except over the edge of your gutters and down the sides of your home, which can cause water damage and other problems. The easiest way to remedy this is by taking a day to clean out your gutters.
Sagging Gutters
If your gutters are clogged from debris, they will simply hold standing water. Over time, that can weigh down your gutters and cause their hangers to loosen and sag. If that happens, they won’t properly drain water and can damage to your roof and fascia. You’ll need to re-seat the gutters on their hangers, if not replace the hangers altogether. Once they’re no longer sagging, clean your gutters out to prevent further problems.
One of the easiest ways to fix common gutter problems is by not having those problems in the first place. By installing a helmet system from Keystone Gutter Helmet, you can keep leaves and debris out of your gutters so you don’t ever have to worry about standing water causing damage to them or your home. Call us at 610-372-4383 to start protecting your home from water damage today.
