In the age of high-tech homes, gutters are old-school, and easily something you can repair yourself. No high end revolutionary parts are found here: it is all low-cost sheet metal, sealer, a few screws, and a couple of specialty items that you can find for cheap at your local hardwood store. The best part about do-it-yourself gutter repair is, there is almost no learning curve involved!
Sagging Gutters
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What You Observe: Gutters are sagging, usually at mid-point in the gutter run. The gutters can be hanging so low that water pours over the sides like a waterfall rather than traveling to the downspouts.
What You Can Do: Install gutter hangers. If you look at your current attachment method and see spikes running through thin tubes, this is called the “spike and ferrule” method and should be replaced with gutter hangers. A gutter hanger is a self-contained system that initially includes a spacer that keeps the gutter from crimping, and a long screw. You can attach the gutter hanger at a solid spot in the fascia, then screw it in firmly to keep it from detaching. Our team at Legacy Gutters suggest that you purchase metal hangers. Avoiding the plastic hangers will increase longevity, as the plastic ones tend to be less durable and often break.
While having a good and stable weather, the Denver metro area often gets pounded with heavy storms that cause huge amounts of debris to be flushed to the gutters - which could add a lot of weight to the gutter and cause 'sudden' sagging. That's why it is so important to inspect your gutters and make sure there's nothing clogging the gutter and won't cause sagging.
What You Can Do: Install gutter hangers. If you look at your current attachment method and see spikes running through thin tubes, this is called the “spike and ferrule” method and should be replaced with gutter hangers. A gutter hanger is a self-contained system that initially includes a spacer that keeps the gutter from crimping, and a long screw. You can attach the gutter hanger at a solid spot in the fascia, then screw it in firmly to keep it from detaching. Our team at Legacy Gutters suggest that you purchase metal hangers. Avoiding the plastic hangers will increase longevity, as the plastic ones tend to be less durable and often break.
While having a good and stable weather, the Denver metro area often gets pounded with heavy storms that cause huge amounts of debris to be flushed to the gutters - which could add a lot of weight to the gutter and cause 'sudden' sagging. That's why it is so important to inspect your gutters and make sure there's nothing clogging the gutter and won't cause sagging.
Leaking Gutter End Caps
What You Observe: Water dripping out of the ends of the gutters near the downspouts.
What You Can Do: Install new end caps. Take note of the end profile of your gutter, because you will need this information when purchasing new end caps. Also, most end caps are either left-side or right-side, so you will need to buy the correct side. Remove the old end cap. Thoroughly scrub off any debris from around the end of the gutter. Fill inside section of end cap with exterior grade silicone sealant and press end cap onto gutter. Attach with a pop rivet tool or sheet metal screws. Clean off excess caulk with a gloved hand.
What You Can Do: Install new end caps. Take note of the end profile of your gutter, because you will need this information when purchasing new end caps. Also, most end caps are either left-side or right-side, so you will need to buy the correct side. Remove the old end cap. Thoroughly scrub off any debris from around the end of the gutter. Fill inside section of end cap with exterior grade silicone sealant and press end cap onto gutter. Attach with a pop rivet tool or sheet metal screws. Clean off excess caulk with a gloved hand.
Loose Downspouts
What You Observe: Downspouts waving in the wind or banging on the side of your home.
What You Can Do: Thankfully there is an easy fix to this issue. You can purchase downspout straps at your local hardware store. These flat, thin strips of metal can be formed by hand into a U-shape that holds the downspout to the house. You can attach these straps (or use existing straps, if in good shape) to the house. Form around the downspout, conforming to its shape. Drill pilot holes into the downspout and connect with two 3/8-inch sheet metal screws per strap.
If you ever have any questions on how to improve the longevity of your gutters you can always call the experts at Legacy Gutters at (719) 464-8945. We would love to come out and assess any issues you may be experiencing to resolve them quickly.
What You Can Do: Thankfully there is an easy fix to this issue. You can purchase downspout straps at your local hardware store. These flat, thin strips of metal can be formed by hand into a U-shape that holds the downspout to the house. You can attach these straps (or use existing straps, if in good shape) to the house. Form around the downspout, conforming to its shape. Drill pilot holes into the downspout and connect with two 3/8-inch sheet metal screws per strap.
If you ever have any questions on how to improve the longevity of your gutters you can always call the experts at Legacy Gutters at (719) 464-8945. We would love to come out and assess any issues you may be experiencing to resolve them quickly.
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