Gutter repair doesn’t have to be an expensive job for professionals. If you follow these simple steps and use the right sealant, you’ll be able to fix leaks, mend cracks and repair end caps with ease. Â
Gutters and downspouts are essential parts of all roofs. They collect and remove rainwater that could cause serious damage to wall cladding, soil and foundations.
The weather in Britain can certainly be tough. It can also cause a series of problems for homeowners that need to be tackled, including cracks, leaks, holes and corrosion, as well as rust build-up. Branches and precipitation can cause copper or aluminium gutters to rupture, and leaks can form when the seams connecting gutters deteriorate.
- Clean the gutter. First, remove all debris and build-up. You may need to use a putty knife to scoop out leaves and anything else that might be clogging your gutter. Use a wire brush to scrub away rust, or use aviation snips to cut away damaged sections of the gutter. Flush out gutters with a garden hose when possible.
- Let the gutter dry. Dry gutters allow for the cleanest fix.
- Get ready to seal. We recommend using UniBond Roof & Gutter Sealant for all your joining and sealing needs. This product is perfect for use on roof tiles, drainpipes, downpipes, and all sorts of guttering, and it creates a protective seal that is both powerful and waterproof.
- Apply the sealant. Exert a steady pressure and force the sealant into the joint. Press the materials together or clamp them, if possible. In 24 hours, your seal will be fully cured. Â
Because gutters are exposed to the elements, even the toughest ones can develop cracks. They can also crack if sealants dry out and split over time. This section will show you how to repair gutter cracks and sealant gutters using sealants which were designed to create durable bonds outdoors.
- Prepare your gutter. The area must be free of leaves and other build-up. Use protective gloves and exercise caution when using ladders or scaling roofs.
- Prepare your sealant. When selecting the right sealant for a gutter leak repair, you need to consider several factors, such as the following common product features:
- drying time
- resistance to water and moisture
- product cost
- viscosity (state of the fluid)
- ease of application
- Apply the sealant. Force the sealant into the crack you want to repair, exerting steady pressure. The depth of the sealant should be half the width of the crack. Within 24 hours, the sealant will ‘skin’ over the crack and dry. The sealant will take a full week to cure, but your gutter will be functional within three days. Use a sharp-edged tool to cut away any cured sealant overflow.
Unibond Roof & Gutter Sealant can meet all your needs. Flexible even after application, this weather-resistant product keeps away moisture, prevents corrosion and creates a durable seal on most gutter types. Â
Many older gutter systems were produced with copper or sheet metal and feature soldered seams and end caps. Most newer gutters are made of aluminium or uPVC and do not have any seams, which reduce breakages. However, some of these systems still feature end caps that deteriorate with time. Follow these steps to seal gutter end caps:
- Prepare the end cap. Surfaces need to be clean and free of debris. Use a putty knife to scrape away sealant or other old material. If the end cap has been dislodged, you will need to clean the inside before you reseal it. You may need to tap the edges of the end cap using a hammer to position it firmly.
- Prepare the sealant. We recommend using UniBond Roof & Gutter Sealant, which can be used on nearly all guttering. This product is waterproof and weatherproof, and it creates a tight, superior seal as it dries.
- Apply the sealant. Apply the gutter sealant to the surfaces you want to bond and then press them together. The adhesive sets in approximately 10 minutes. Depending on humidity and moisture, full bonding can take up to 24 hours.