Lana Intl Home and Garden

Keeping your gutters in great shape is important to the structure of your home. If left unrepaired for too long, it could cause a great deal more damage that will be very expensive to repair. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to fix holes in your gutters. There isn’t a need to replace them, patching the holes is the cheapest solution to the problem. Be careful while climbing up to the gutters.

Here are step-by-step instructions for repairing holes in gutters:

Tools Needed

You will need the following items to assist you in the repairs: Wire brush, mineral spirits, wire cutters, scrap wire screening, roof cement, trowel, sheet metal, sheet metal cutters and pliers.

1. Use the wire brush to clean off any rust or dirt that is stuck to the damaged area. After you have wire brushed it, clean it well with a rag that has been soaked in mineral spirits. If the spot is very small, you can simply use the cement to cover the area. Spread it evenly over the area and the job is complete. If the damage is larger, you will need to follow the next steps to repair it properly.

2. Cut a piece of scrap wiring screen to fit 1/2 to 1 inch bigger than the hole that is in need of repair.

3. Spread the roofing cement on the area surrounding the damaged area. Use the trowel for this purpose. Place the screening over the area and press down. You may now spread some of the cement evenly over the screening. Let it dry before proceeding.

4. If there are areas that aren’t sealed after the cement dries, place another coat of the cement on it. The patch should be completely sealed.

5. Fold the edges of the patch over the lips of the gutter. You can do this using the pliers. Put one more coat of the cement over the patch on the inside of the gutter. Be sure to cover it well so that there will be no leaks.

While you are up there you might as well check for other signs of damage to the gutters. Be sure that the gutters aren’t sagging or loose. If they are, take steps now to repair these as well. Catching and fixing damage while it is still minor saves a lot of money in the future.

Your gutters are now in good repair and the little bit of money you spent will be well worth it. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep the outside of your home in good repair and can save you thousands of dollars down the road. Take care of your house and it will take care of you.