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Gutter Repair
Basic Tips for Gutter Repair
and Maintenance
By Mark
J. Donovan
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Gutter repair is an
important maintenance task that needs to be performed regularly. Gutter repair
could be as simple as removing leaves and debris from the gutters, to as
comprehensive as replacing them.
Gutters should be
inspected at least a couple of times each year. Preferably, gutters should be
inspected before and after the winter months.
When inspecting the
gutters look for broken rivets connecting the gutter sections together.
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Pay particular
attention to the gutters and the downspouts. Frequently they can separate from
each other.
Also make sure the
gutters are attached properly to the home. If the gutters are not fastened
properly to the home, besides not functioning properly they could tear away from
the home causing damage and risk to the home and the persons around and near
them.
Un-repaired gutters
are a key source for causing damage to the home. Un-repaired gutters can cause
significant water problems to the roof, soffits vents, and even basements and
crawl spaces. If gutters are left un-repaired during the winter months, severe
ice damage could also result.
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Gutter Guards
The installation of
gutter guards can help to prevent the collection of leaves and debris that leads
to standing water in the gutters. Frequently it is the weight of water sitting
in the gutters that leads to them tearing away from the home, or causing ice
damage. By preventing the leaves and debris from entering the gutters, water can
flow smoothly to and down the gutter downspouts. |
Inspecting and
Repairing Gutters
When inspecting
gutters, check for leaks and sags. If you see leaks you may need to replace old
rivets that connect the gutter sections. When installing new rivets, it is best
to first drill out the old rivets, and then replace them with new rivets in the
exact locations. Use a rivet gun to install the new rivets.
If you are using
PVC type gutters, you may need to replace gasket seals, or replace the entire
gutter section.
Find a Pre-Screened Gutter Contractor in Your Area
If you see the
gutters sagging, check to make sure the hangers have not pulled away from the
home. You will need to re-attach the gutter hangers to the home to prevent the
gutters from eventually tearing away from the house.
If the gutter
sealant around the seams is dried and crack, apply a new coat of gutter sealant
to the seams.
If you see rust
forming in sections of the gutter, it is best to replace these sections. If you
want a temporary fix, grind out the rusted area and apply a sealant to it to
prevent further rusting.
With these few
gutter repair tips, your gutters should operate properly and you will save
yourself significant dollars on other home repairs.
Related Subjects on Gutters
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