Repairing Damaged Gutters

If you notice severe problems with a gutter, it is better to have it replaced by a professional than have the thing held together by duct tape and prayers; it will fail you once the first bad storm comes along, and that is not the time you want to deal with it.

If, however, the gutter has only a leaky joint or reasonable-sized hole, you can repair it quickly using this guide. Note: as is always the case, these fixes work fine when you don’t immediately need to do them; that is, do them in dry weather!

How To Repair A Leaky Joint
Use a silicone rubber sealant rated for outdoor use between the gutter and/or downspout sections on the inside and outside of the gutter.

How To Repair A ½ Inch Hole or Smaller
Slather on a generous amount of roofing cement with a spatula or paint stirrer. Extend the cement beyond the hole 2 inches in all directions.

How To Repair A Larger Hole
Layer a generous amount of roofing cement across the hole. Using a piece of sheet metal (ideally the same material as your gutter: e.g. aluminum for aluminum, copper for copper, etc.) sized to extend beyond the hole 1-2 inches on all sides, push the patch into the cement until it is firmly supported, and hold for 3 minutes. Cover the patch with more cement. Once dry, test with a hose. Congratulations, you just saved yourself at least fifty bucks!

Need more information on repairing damaged gutters? Head over to our Roofing forums and ask questions of other DIYers!