How to Repair Leaking Gutters

Leaky gutters can lead to expensive water damage in and around your home, so repairing them quickly is key. Learn how to repair leaking gutters in this video by The Home Depot:



You will need the following tools and materials for this project:

  • Ladder
  • Gloves
  • Screwdriver or drill
  • Putty knife
  • Scoop
  • Bucket
  • Cloth/rags
  • Snips
  • Wire brush
  • Roof patch cement
  • Flashing
  • Silicon caulk
  • Gaskets (optional)

1. Clean gutter: Begin by cleaning the area around the leak. Remove loose debris, then scrub with a wire brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly. (Tip: Use caution and wear proper safety equipment when working on your home’s exterior)

2. Repair holes: For small holes, simply apply plastic roofing cement over them using a putty knife. For larger holes, repair with a strip of flashing cut to cover the hole. Apply cement around the hole, then bend flashing if necessary and embed into the cement. Feather the cement over the flashing to smooth out any rough edges.

3. Prepare downspouts: Remove any screws or connecting hardware at the joint of a leaking or worn portion of the downspout and clean any old caulk or adhesive from both parts of the joint using a stiff wire brush. (Tip: PVC and vinyl gutters may require new rubber gaskets to complete repair)

4. Apply silicone and reassemble: Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the joint area and reassemble the gutter system. Finally, add any necessary fasteners or connectors to complete the project.

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