Gutters that are warped, aging or clogged are a common source of frustration for New Jersey homeowners—especially if you’re deluged with water every time you walk underneath roof eaves. When your gutters need some TLC, chances are you’re dealing with one of four common problems:
- Clogging by leaves, twigs, ice or other debris
- Improper pitching
- Warping or bending of old gutters
- Leaky gutter joints
If you’re capable of climbing on the roof on your own, you may decide to fix your gutter problems.
Check out the do-it-yourself tips below to learn more about gutter repair, or call LGC Roofing specialists to discuss professional gutter repair or replacement.
Tackling Gutter Problems Yourself
Clogging by leaves, twigs, ice or other debris
Gutter problem #1 is caused by plant matter, dirt and rocks clogging gutters and preventing rain and snow run-off from flowing freely. Over time, this debris turns to “sludge,” which weathers gutters and causes eventual breakdown.
In addition, it may weight down gutters and pull it away from the fascia.
To fix clogging issues (and prevent them from happening again), climb carefully on the roof and inspect each length of metal or vinyl gutter. Clear clogged areas by removing debris with a work glove, and flush clean gutters with a garden hose to ensure improved flow. For the long term, you may wish to install gutter leaf guards or covers—which come in mesh, vinyl or foam styles.
Improper pitching
Gutter problem #2 is caused when gutters are hastily installed or pitched improperly.
When you’re on your roof, check to make sure they’re pitched downward at least ¼ inch for every ten feet of gutter length. To adjust gutter pitch, re-hang affected sections or bend hangers slightly to accommodate water flow.
If your home has seamless gutters, you can’t adjust them easily. Instead, call the LGC gutter experts to discuss repair strategies and costs.
Warping or bending of old gutters
Gutter problem #3, warping and bending of old gutters, is often inevitable. As hangers and hardware age and weather, gutters may pull away from the house or become weighted down by heavy debris.
First, install new gutter hangers and fasteners on sagging or warped sections. Hangers are inexpensive, and the installation is simple. Next, if your warped gutter will not seat properly, you may need to replace small sections of the gutter, itself. Again, you may need a roofing expert if you have seamless gutters that cannot be easily replaced by section.
Leaky gutter joints
Gutter problem #4 is a leaky gutter joint or section. They are generally easy to repair with a tube of gutter sealant.
During dry weather, apply a small amount of gutter sealant to the inside of the gutter. Allow sealant to cure for 24 hours. If the hole is larger or the gutter has rusted through, purchase a patch kit from your local hardware store. Patch kits come with a screen that fills in the hole—or you can create your own patch from a metal flashing remnant.
Contact the New Jersey Gutter Repair Specialists
For several decades, LGC Roofing has been installing, repairing and replacing metal, vinyl and wood gutters for customers all over New Jersey.
Call our team today at (609) 712-8157 for a free gutter consultation with an estimator, or to inquire about gutter pricing and material selection. We’re ready to make your home or business roof leak-free for the upcoming fall and winter weather!
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2 Comments
Thanks for the great tips! Keeping you gutter system in good condition is vital to protecting your home from costly replacements later. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the tips. Nice blog. Great Do-it-yourself tips but puts your company in a good light.