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If your rain gutters seem to be damaged or clogged, you might be able to perform some simple repairs if the issues are small. You first need to inspect the entire gutter system to check the extent of damage and determine if it’s something you can do yourself.
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we aim to help all homeowners maintain their properties and protect them from unnecessary damage. In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions for you to carry out four easy gutter repairs.
Let’s get started!
Before the Repairs: Safety First!
Prior to starting any work, ensure you have proper safety gear before reaching the gutters.
Sturdy Ladder: Use a high-quality, properly sized ladder that is in good condition and can support your weight.
Gloves: Wear sturdy work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, debris, and potential contaminants in the gutter system.
Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris, dirt, and other hazards that may fall from the gutter system while you’re working.
Closed Toe Shoes: Wear closed toe shoes or boots with non-slip soles to provide stability and protect your feet from any objects that may fall.
Head Protection: Consider wearing a hard hat or helmet, especially if you’re working under trees or other overhead hazards that could potentially drop debris.
Sun Protection: When you’re working outdoors, especially in sunny conditions, wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing to protect yourself from sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Fall Prevention Equipment: If you’re working at heights, consider using fall protection equipment such as a safety harness or safety line attached to a secure anchor point.
Buddy System: Whenever possible, have someone else present while you’re repairing gutters at a height. They can provide assistance, spot you, or call for help in case of an emergency.
First Aid Kit: Keep a basic first aid kit nearby in case of minor injuries. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and other essential supplies.
Weather Considerations: Be aware of weather conditions such as rain, wind, or ice that could increase the risk of accidents. Avoid repairing gutters during adverse weather conditions.
Secure The Ladder
The first step to repairing any type of damage to your gutters is setting up the ladder.
Choose a Stable Surface: Set up the ladder on a flat and stable surface. Avoid placing it on uneven ground or slippery surfaces.
Check the Angle: Position the ladder at a safe angle, with the base of the ladder about one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height, to ensure stability.
Secure the Top: If possible, secure the top of the ladder to the wall or gutter using ladder stabilizers or standoff brackets to prevent it from slipping.
Now, let’s move on to the repair work.
Easy Gutter Repairs For Homeowners
Let’s learn how to fix minor damage to gutters and downspouts without spending too much money on expensive tools and products.
#1 Reattaching Loose Sections
As you inspect the gutters, pay close attention to any sections that appear to be disconnected or unstable. These are the areas that will require reattachment.
Gutter Screws or Brackets: Depending on the type of gutter system you have, you’ll need either gutter screws or brackets to secure the loose sections back into place.
Drill or Screwdriver: Have a drill or screwdriver on hand to drive the screws into the fascia board or attach the brackets.
Position Yourself: Climb the ladder carefully and position yourself so you can access the loose gutter section comfortably.
Attach Gutter Screws or Brackets: Depending on the method you’ve chosen (screws or brackets), use the drill or screwdriver to drive gutter screws through the gutter and into the fascia board at regular intervals. Alternatively, attach gutter brackets to the fascia board and secure the gutter to the brackets.
Ensure Proper Alignment: As you reattach the gutter, ensure it aligns properly with the rest of the gutter system and is level.
Check Your Work: After reattaching the gutter, give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s securely fastened to the fascia board. It should not move or feel loose.
#2 Sealing Leaks
Leaks in the drainage system can lead to water damage to your siding, foundation, and basement. If you notice gutter leaks, it’s important to fix them immediately.
Gather Materials: You’ll need a gutter sealant or silicone caulk and a caulking gun to repair leaks in gutters.
Locate the Leak: Inspect the gutter system for any small holes, cracks, or gaps where leaks may be occurring. Clean the area around the leak thoroughly to ensure good adhesion.
Apply Sealant: Load the caulking gun with gutter sealant or silicone caulk according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a generous bead of sealant along the length of the leak, covering it completely.
Smooth the Sealant: Use a gloved finger or a caulking tool to smooth the sealant and ensure it forms a watertight seal.
Allow to Dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time. Avoid disturbing the sealed area until the sealant has fully cured.
Inspect for Additional Leaks: Walk around your home and inspect the gutters and downspouts for any other leaks that may need to be sealed. Repeat the process as needed.
#3 Unclogging Downspouts
Before beginning, determine if the downspout is completely clogged or partially blocked. If it’s completely blocked, you may need to remove the downspout to clear the obstruction effectively.
Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a plumber’s snake or a pressure washer, a ladder, gloves, and possibly a bucket or bag to collect debris.
Disconnect Downspout (if necessary): If the downspout is easily accessible and you can see the clog, you may not need to disconnect it. However, if the blockage is severe or you If you can’t access it from above, you may need to disconnect the downspout from the gutter. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the fasteners connecting the downspout to the gutter.
Clear the Obstruction: If you’re using a plumber’s snake, feed it into the downspout from the top until you reach the clog. Use a twisting motion to break up the debris and push it through the downspout. If you’re using a pressure washer, attach a nozzle suitable for clearing clogs and insert it into the downspout. Use short bursts of water to dislodge the obstruction, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
Flush with Water: Once the clog is cleared, flush the downspout with water to ensure all debris is removed. Reconnect the downspout if you disconnected it earlier.
Check for Proper Drainage: After clearing the downspout, ensure that water flows freely through it when it rains. Monitor the downspout during rainfall to confirm that water is being directed away from the foundation of your home.
#4 Fixing Rust and Corrosion
Walk around your home and visually inspect the gutter system for any signs of rust or corrosion. Pay close attention to joints, seams, and areas where water tends to accumulate.
Gather Materials: To repair rusty gutters, you’ll need sandpaper or a wire brush, a rust-inhibiting primer, and paint compatible with your gutter material.
Remove Rust: Use sandpaper or a wire brush to remove any surface rust from the affected areas of the gutter. Work carefully to ensure you remove all traces of rust and create a smooth surface for painting.
Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer: Once the rust is removed, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the cleaned areas of the gutter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
Paint the Gutters: After the primer has dried, apply the chosen paint to the gutters to protect them from further corrosion. Choose a paint color that matches the existing gutter color for a seamless finish.
Allow to Dry: Let the paint dry completely before exposing the gutters to moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
If you suspect severe damage, you should consult a reputed gutter contractor in your area to understand what solutions are available for your rain gutters. Moreover, the cost of gutter repair services isn’t very high, and professional work always comes with long term value.
Call Pittsburgh’s Most Trusted Gutter Contractor!
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we aim to help our fellow homeowners maintain their homes. We specialize in repairing and replacing all types of gutter systems, and we’re here to help you, too. If you need affordable and quick gutter repair services in Pittsburgh, discuss your needs with our experts. Call us at (412) 353-5660 and book a free consultation today!
