A guide to gutter repair
The gutters on a house are the defenses against damage to the house’s foundation, and also to the house itself. They are not only there to direct rain water to a drain or a runway. If the gutters on your home begin to fall apart, then you are compromising the integrity of the house’s structure. You can repair rain gutters yourself when reading this article, and you will not need gutter repair specialists' help.
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Locate the damage
You can locate the damaged area by doing a practical test or a visual test. Inspect the gutter around the house, and try to pick out the conspicuous weak points. The failure to the gutters could be due to puncture, or from a build-up of weight. Before inspecting the gutter for damage, go ahead with removing the debris. Once this is done, pour water into the gutter and look for leaks.
Repairing holes in the gutter
You also have to make sure that the water is running toward the gutter downspout. Plug up any holes that you come across. If you notice any holes in the gutter, you can use a silicone caulk to fill the holes. If the holes are too big for the silicone, you can use sheet metal and roof cement. Place the metal over the area which is damaged, and secure it in place by using the cement. Make sure that you use enough cement on the metal in order to seal it. You need to ensure that the cement is smooth, and that the water flow continues to the downspout.
Replace it if it is broken
All that you will need is the right equipment and a little do-it-yourself knowledge. If the gutter is beyond repair, then you should consider gutter replacement. PVC gutters are very popular, because they are durable. Replace everything worn and old.
Structural supports
Structural supports should be replaced if they are falling. The purpose of the supports is to ensure that the gutter has a gentle slope which will direct water to the downspout. If the supports are too weak, there is a chance that they can be pulled off.
Final word
Follow the above steps the next time you are faced with the task of repairing your gutter.