How to Repair Gutters
Gutters protect your foundation, siding, and basement from water damage — when they fail, water goes exactly where it shouldn't. Most gutter repairs are beginner-friendly: sealing seams, re-hanging loose sections, or clearing clogs. This guide covers the most common gutter problems and how to fix them.
Likely Causes
- 1Clogged downspout causing overflow and back-pressure
- 2Failed caulk at seam joints (leaks at corners or end caps)
- 3Loose or missing gutter hangers causing sagging
- 4Improper slope — water pools instead of draining
- 5Rust holes or physical damage from branches or ice
Not an emergency, but failing gutters can cause significant foundation and basement problems over months. Fix within a season.
How to Fix It: Step by Step
- 1Clear the gutters and downspouts
Scoop out debris by hand (with gloves). Flush with a garden hose from the high end toward the downspout. If the downspout is clogged, flush from below with the hose or use a plumber's snake.
- 2Find leaks by running water
Run water from a hose at the high end while someone on the ground watches for drips at seams, corners, and end caps.
- 3Seal leaking seams
Dry the gutter interior completely (use a heat gun or let dry in sun). Apply gutter sealant/caulk (Flex Seal or gutter sealant) to the inside of leaking seams. Smooth with a gloved finger.
- 4Re-hang sagging sections
Replace missing or bent gutter hangers. Space them every 24 inches. The gutter should slope 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward the downspout — use a level and string line to set slope before screwing hangers.
- 5Patch rust holes
Clean the rusted area with a wire brush. Apply a patch of roofing membrane or gutter repair fabric, pressing it into gutter sealant. Smooth edges.
Materials & Tools Needed
Warning Signs It's Getting Worse
- ⚠Water staining on the foundation or basement wall after rain
- ⚠Fascia board (the board the gutters attach to) feels soft
- ⚠Gutters pulling completely away from the roofline
When to Call a Professional
Call a gutter company if sections need full replacement, if gutters are pulling away from the fascia board (which may indicate fascia rot), or for two-story gutters where ladder safety is a concern.
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