Gutter leaks can cause water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation if left unaddressed. Thankfully, repairing leaking gutters is usually an easy DIY project for most homeowners. With a few basic tools and materials, you can quickly diagnose and fix gutter leaks to prevent further issues.
Identifying Leaking Gutters
The first step is finding where exactly the gutter is leaking. Look for these telltale signs of a leak:
- Water damage on exterior walls or foundation – Stained areas, eroded mortar, or dark streaks underneath the gutter indicate water is overflowing from the gutter and running down the side of the home.
- Spilling over the sides – Check if water is visibly spilling over the sides of the gutter. This usually means the gutter is clogged or sloped incorrectly.
- Standing water – Excess water pooling in the gutter trough likely means it is clogged and preventing proper drainage.
- Dripping through joints – Gutters leak most commonly at seams where sections connect. Look for drips underneath joints.
Once you’ve identified the leaking area, the next step is diagnosing what is causing the leak so it can be properly repaired.
Diagnosing Leaking Gutter Causes
There are a few common culprits that typically lead to gutter leaks:
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters prevent proper water flow and drainage, leading to overflows and leaks over the sides. Make sure downspouts are clear and free of debris. Clean out leaves, sticks and other clogs with a trowel or garden hose.
Improper Slope
Gutters should slope slightly towards downspouts so water can drain properly. A level or back-sloping gutter will hold standing water and leak. Use a level to check the slope – 1/4 inch of drop for every 10 feet of gutter is ideal.
Leaks at Seams
Gutter seams connected with sealant or rivets can leak over time. Inspect seams closely for separations, cracks, or deterioration allowing water through.
Rust and Holes
Rust, small holes and other damage can develop in gutters, causing leaks. Inspect the full gutter length closely and look for these issues.
Loose Joints
Where gutter sections join through slip joints, the connections can become loose over time and lead to leaks. Check that slip joints are tight.
Missing/Damaged Hangers
The gutter hangers attaching the gutter to the roof fascia can also work loose or break. Check hangers are securely fastened.
Once you’ve diagnosed the cause, it’s time to start fixing that leaky gutter!
Fixing Leaking Gutter Seams and Joints
Leaking seams between gutter sections are one of the most common culprits. Here’s how to fix them:
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Caulk gun
- Quality exterior gutter sealant
- Rags
Steps:
- Clean the seam area thoroughly first by scraping out old caulk and wiping away debris.
- Apply a steady 1/4″ bead of sealant into the seam gap. Smooth with a gloved finger if needed.
- Allow the caulk to fully cure according to the sealant directions before re-testing the gutter.
- If leaks continue, additional sealant may be needed in troubled spots.
Pro tips:
- Only apply sealant to dry surfaces or it won’t adhere properly.
- For large gaps, use backer rod in the seam prior to caulking.
- Use a high-quality gutter sealant designed for outdoor use.
Repairing Leaky Gutter Joints
For leaky gutter slip joints where sections connect, tighten the joints then reseal:
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Exterior gutter sealant
- Rags
Steps:
- Loosen any fasteners at the slip joint so the gutter can be shifted.
- Align and press the gutter ends flush together so there are no gaps.
- Tighten down any loose fasteners fully. Do not overtighten.
- Seal the exterior joint seam thoroughly with a 1/4″ bead of gutter sealant. Smooth with gloved finger.
- Allow sealant to fully cure before retesting leakage.
Patching Small Gutter Holes and Rust Spots
Small holes or rust areas in the gutter bottom can lead to leaks. Here’s how to patch them:
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Wire brush
- Sandpaper
- Patching compound or sealant
- Paintbrush
Steps:
- Scrub area thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and flaking metal.
- Sand the area smooth using fine grit sandpaper.
- Apply a coating of exterior patching compound or rust-resistant sealant.
- Use a paintbrush to smooth and feather the edges.
- Allow patch to dry fully before retesting for leaks.
Unclogging Gutters
Clogged gutters are a prime culprit for overflows and leaks. Regular cleaning prevents debris buildup:
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Trowel or small shovel
- Garden hose
- Ladder
- Gutter scoop (optional)
Steps:
- Use a trowel or scoop to dislodge leaves, sticks and other debris from the gutter trough.
- A garden hose on a low pressure setting can help wash out smaller debris.
- Flush all downspouts thoroughly to ensure they are clear.
- Check that water flows freely and no ponding remains after cleaning.
- Install gutter guards to prevent future clogs.
Checking and Correcting Gutter Slope
Improper gutter slope where sections are too level or slope backwards will cause water to pool and leak.
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Ladder
- Level
- Shim materials (cedar shims, metal washers, etc)
Steps:
- Place the level across gutter sections to check for level.
- Ideal slope is 1/4 inch drop per 10 feet of gutter length.
- If slope is inadequate, place shims underneath gutter hangers to adjust pitch.
- Recheck with level and adjust shims until proper 1/4 inch per 10 feet slope is achieved.
Replacing Damaged Hangers
Loose, broken or missing gutter hangers can result in sagging and separated gutters that leak.
Tools/Materials Needed:
- Screwdriver
- Replacement gutter hangers
Steps:
- Inspect all existing hangers for damage or looseness.
- Remove and replace any damaged hangers with new ones.
- Check that gutters are level after replacing hangers. Adjust slope if needed.
- Take care not to overtighten screws into fascia when re-securing hangers.
When to Call a Professional for Gutter Repairs
While many gutter leaks can be repaired DIY, it’s best to call a professional gutter contractor for:
- Extensive gutter replacement – If more than small sections of gutter are rusted through or damaged, a professional gutter installation may be needed.
- Structural issues – Severely leaning, pulling away, or sagging gutters likely have underlying structural problems requiring professional repairs.
- Working at heights – If cleaning or repairs require high ladder work over 20 feet tall, professional assistance is recommended for safety.
- Complex diagnostics – If the source of leaks is unclear, a professional can inspect and identify issues.
- Hidden damage – A gutter pro can assess for damage to framing or fascia behind gutters that may need addressing.
Preventing Future Leaking Gutter Issues
To avoid repeated leaks down the road:
- Inspect and clean gutters at least twice per year, in spring and fall.
- Flush downspouts to keep them clear of debris.
- Consider gutter guards to minimize clogs from leaves and debris.
- Use quality gutter sealants and materials for any needed repairs.
- Watch for changes over time like rust, damage or sagging and address promptly.
- Arrange for professional gutter cleaning if ladder work is difficult.
With proper maintenance and care, your gutters should stay leak-free for many years. Following these repair techniques at the first sign of leaks will help stop gutter damage before it gets out of hand. Be sure to take appropriate safety precautions when working on gutters and address issues promptly before water can infiltrate and cause exterior rot or interior leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Leaking Gutters
What are the most common causes of a leaking gutter?
The most common causes of leaking gutters are clogged or improperly sloped gutters that allow water to overflow, leaks at seams between gutter sections, holes and rust in the gutter, and loose/missing gutter hangers.
What is the best way to find where my gutter is leaking?
Check for signs of water damage on exterior walls and foundations below the gutters. Also look for visible overflowing or leaking in the gutters when it rains. Trouble spots are often where seams connect between gutter sections.
Should I use caulk or sealant to fix leaking gutter seams?
It’s best to use a high quality exterior gutter sealant, not regular caulk. Gutter sealant is designed to better adhere to metals, resist weathering and stay flexible to absorb gutter expansion and contraction.
How can I keep my gutters from getting clogged?
Installing gutter guards or leaf screens over gutters helps prevent debris buildup that leads to clogs. You should still inspect and clean gutters periodically, especially after heavy storms.
How often should gutters be inspected?
It’s recommended to thoroughly inspect gutters at least twice per year, in spring and fall. This helps spot potential problems early before leaks and damage occur.
Can I use metal patches to fix small holes in gutters?
Yes, applying metal gutter patch compounds or sealants over small holes can temporarily patch them and prevent leaking. The repair may need to be redone periodically as a temporary fix until the gutter section is replaced.
Conclusion
Fixing gutter leaks is usually an accessible DIY home project. With some basic tools and materials, you can diagnose and repair many common gutter issues like clogs, slope problems, leaks at seams, or holes yourself. Get ahead of leaks quickly before water can infiltrate into your home’s walls and cause structural damage. Your gutters will function smoothly for many years with periodic inspection, maintenance, and proper leak repairs as needed.