While water is the source of life, it can also be a source of destruction if it isn’t handled correctly. Whether you live in a brick house or a wooden home, having too much water in or around the structure can be a major safety hazard. In most homes, the only line of defense against rainwater is the rain gutters installed on the roof.
These lead directly into an underground gutter system or into a surface-level drain that directs the water into a city gutter. Luckily, repairing gutters and improving water flow is easier than you think. Here are some quick fixes to common problems.
Leaking Joints
Rain gutters can be made from a variety of kinds of metal pipes. The ideal solution is to use seamless pipes but these are slightly more expensive. The installation process is relatively similar and to ensure longevity, you need to pay extra attention to the joints. Leaks tend to develop at the joint of the pipe earlier than anywhere else.
A quick solution for a leaking joint is to use a water-proof silicone paste that is designed to work on metal surfaces or use a surface sealant for metal surfaces to water-proof the leaking spot. If you want a proper solution then the best option is to remove the entire section and either reinstall a new piece of pipe or a fresh collar at the joint.
Sagging Gutters
Another common problem in older homes is that a section of the gutter or even an entire gutter length starts to droop down. The culprit is usually a weak or detached support bracket that actually holds the gutter up. This is common when the build quality of the metal roofing is not that good and the socket of the bracket starts to give way. As the Bozeman, Montana roofing contractors at America’s Choice state, you need to invest in durable roofing material to get the best start possible. In the case that the bracket’s socket has become enlarged you will need to find a new spot where you can install the bracket. If the bracket is broken or cracked then you will need to replace it.
Holes And Tears
Another common problem is that the base of the gutter, or the pan of the gutter, develops holes that start to leak. If this is a small hole, a quarter of an inch or less, then you can seal this up using some kind of metal sealant. If it is half an inch or more, then your best option is to seal it using a bit of scrap metal. Place the piece of metal over the hold and either weld it on or use the sealant to secure it to the surface. The perfect solution would be to weld it and then coat the welding with a sealant.
If the rain gutter gets damaged and is unable to deliver water to the drain properly, you could compromise your roof, the walls of the home, the flooring, and even the tar road around the home. This makes the house not only look bad but it can be a serious safety hazard if the integrity of the home is compromised. Repairing gutters is quick and easy and you can easily do it by yourself if you need to.
