How to Fix a Leaking Gutter
A leaking gutter is one of the most common calls we get. The good news is that sometimes it’s an easy fix. The bad news is that sometimes it’s a sign of a bigger problem. Here’s how to tell the difference.
If Your Gutters Are Relatively New
If your gutter system is fairly new and you’ve got a leak at a corner or seam, this may be something you can fix yourself.
What you’ll need: A tube of Geocel 2032 sealant and a rag.Â
Step 1: Prep the area. Clean the leaking spot and make it as clean and dry as possible. Get rid of any dirt, debris, or old sealant. The sealant needs a clean, dry surface to bond properly, so don’t skip this step.Â
Step 2: Apply the sealant. Apply the sealant liberally over the leaking seam or corner. Don’t be shy with it.Â
Step 3: Spread and flatten. Use your fingers to spread the sealant out and flatten it. This pushes it into the seam so it bonds properly and creates a solid, watertight seal.Â
Give it time to cure before the next rain, and you should be good to go.Â
If Your Gutters Are Older
If you have an older gutter system that’s leaking, you will likely need to replace the whole system. Here’s why. Over time, sun rays, heat, and cold all take a toll on your gutter sealant, causing it to crack and fail. On top of that:
- The sealant may have been applied incorrectly in the first placeÂ
- Years of expansion and contraction put constant stress on every seam and corner
Resealing an old, corroded gutter system is really just a short-term band-aid fix. The metal is corroded, so new sealant won’t bond properly. And the sealant on your other corners was put in at the same time, which means it typically breaks down at roughly the same time too. Fix one leak today and you’ll likely be chasing the next one in a few months.
In most cases, it’s better to replace the system with a new gutter system and be done with it.Â
Not Sure Which Situation You're In?
Give us a call at (857) 837-3555. We’ll take a look and give you an honest answer on whether a quick repair will do the job or if it’s time for a new system.