But gutters that leak aren’t doing their job properly.
Here are the top reasons why gutters leak, along with fixes.
Repair gutters with holes by applying metal flashing over the hole with gutter sealant.
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Downspout elbows ordownspoutround drops can leak, too.
Fix a leaking gutter seam or downspout junction by applying butyl rubber gutter sealant over the seam.
Tip
Seamless gutters run continuously from end to endno joints.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Seamless gutters are always professionally installed.
Loose end caps will leak water.
The end caps may have been installed without sealant.
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Installing a new end cap with sealant and crimping down the metal will fix the leak.
Clean the Gutter
Remove old materials with the wire brush.
Clean the inside surface of the gutter with warm water and mild soap.
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Extend the cleaning another eight to 12 inches beyond the hole to ensure that the entire area is clean.
Dry the gutter with a soft, dry cloth.
For a hole 1/2-inch diameter, cut the flashing so that it is a square 1-1/2-inch by 1-1/2-inch.
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Press the Flashing Into Place
Press the flashing firmly into the gutter sealant.
Smooth over the excess sealant with the putty knife, creating a transition from the gutter to the flashing.
Clean the Gutter Joint
Clean off the joint and several inches beyond with a wire brush.
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All old sealant must be removed or sanded down flat.
Clean off the area with warm water and mild soap to remove all dust.
Apply the Gutter Sealant
Squeeze a generous amount of gutter sealant over the joint.
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Use about 1/4 tube for gutter joints and about 1/3 tube for turns.
The sealant will shrink as it dries.
Spread the Gutter Sealant
Spread the gutter sealant into and over the gutter joint by hand.
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Press the sealant into the seam.
Smooth over the top of the sealant to aid with water flow.
Repairing gutter joints in place is an effective fix but repairing disassembled parts is always better.
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If the end cap is screwed on, unscrew the small metal screws with a hand screwdriver.
Clean off old gutter sealant with the wire brush.
Dry Fit the End Cap
Place the gutter end cap onto the end of the gutter.
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Straighten out bent metal with the pliers, if necessary.
Remove the end cap.
End caps are not interchangeable.
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verify that you have purchased the correct end cap, either left or right.
Place End Cap on Gutter
Press the end cap onto the end of the gutter.
Wipe away excess gutter sealant that squeezes out.
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Crimp End Cap to Gutter
Crimp the metal edges where the end cap meets the gutter.
Use the crimping tool.
While crimping, hold the end cap in place with your free hand.
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Press the sealant into place with your finger while wearing latex gloves.
One easy fix for leaky gutters is simply toclean the guttersand unclog them.
The best sealant for leaking gutter joints is a butyl rubber or urethane sealant.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
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The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
