The main difference between the gutter repair or just replacement really comes down to how much damage the gutter has sustained. Whether you’re just repairing small gaps in your gutter or repairing major damages, there are things you have to know. In the case of major repairs, such as a leak in your gutters, the repair is definitely going to be more expensive than just replacing the gutter. However, even with these repairs, you should still have some sort of gutter protection system in place. Here are a few tips for doing just that.
There are many different types of gutter protection systems, including ones designed specifically for vertical and horizontal styles of gutters. It is generally a good idea to avoid using gutters that are not designed for the specific size and style of home or structure. These can often do more harm than good and could end up causing you more water damage in the long run, even after just the initial installation. So, it is usually best to use the gutters that were designed to deal with the type of situation you are dealing with, without having to do any additional work. If the gutter repair is minimal, then replacement might be necessary, but never without gutter protection.
The gutter repairs themselves should also be handled with extreme caution. It is very important that you inspect the gutter for any possible signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or discoloration, before proceeding. Also, be sure to inspect the gutter joints for any obvious signs of failure such as bald spots, wrinkles, or missing seams. Gutter seams that have become weak or are starting to pull away from the edge are certainly signs to warrant getting the job done right away.
Now that you know what to look for when inspecting your gutters, you may wonder what type of gutter repair is best for you. Generally speaking, one of the most popular and successful types of gutter repair is a straight edge gutter system. These flat-earthen surfaces run from the edge of the roof to the ground. Because they do not incorporate channels, the edges are smooth and tightly joined together.
This type of gutter repair is a simple operation that does not require any kind of specialized tools or equipment. The main component to this type of gutter repair is a heavy duty tape and some type of scraper attached to it. Since most water accumulates at the bottom of the gutters, and since the scrapers are supposed to scrape away anything that is clogging the system, the scrapers are designed to scrape away anything obstructive. However, sometimes, a slight leak at the bottom can cause enough water to pool there, and it becomes necessary to remove some of the materials from around the edges of the gutters. You will see these pieces of debris floating around after the repairs have been made.
In a more complicated gutter repair, the tape and scraper are connected to something that has a visible shape. This piece usually resembles a round metallic box with the flat part of the metal inside. The purpose of this piece is to actually embed an image in the sheet metal so that the repair can be performed more effectively. The best images to use for these purposes are logos of popular brands, like Microsoft, Nike or Best Buy, and small illustrations of farm animals or farm equipment.
For example, you could make a frame with a large image of a cow, and then insert this into the top center of some of your aluminum gutters. Another way to create an impression is to use a soft clay model of an animal, like a chicken, and then plaster the animal onto the underside of some of your aluminum gutters. After the repair has been completed, you should also clean off the frame from any residual glue that may remain from the adhesive. If you choose to use aluminum gutters, you should also consider cleaning them before replacing the old gutter system. If you do not want to clean the gutters, you can just skip this step and contact a gutter contractor to replace the old gutters for you.
Gutter cleaning can be tricky. For best results, you should either remove the ladder while carrying out the cleaning process or have another person on hand who can assist in removing the ladder. Keep your ladder at least two feet away from the gutter so that the task can be completed without damaging the gutter’s liner. Use steel wool or sponge to remove the dirt from the gutters as you work so that they will last for longer.