Eavestrough and Downspout Repair
Eavestroughs are important for keeping water from causing rotting in a home’s soffit, fascia, shingles and other roofing materials. They also protect the foundation from structural damage caused by rainwater that doesn’t drain properly.
Sometimes eavestroughs and downspouts become damaged and need repair work. Whether it’s a small or large problem, it is important to address it as soon as possible.
Repairing Sagging Eavestroughs
When your gutters sag, water can spill over the edges of the gutter and downhill to the ground, where it causes damage such as eroding landscaping or flooding basements. In addition, sagging eavestroughs can cause problems with your roof. If your gutters are drooping, you will need to identify the exact cause. If debris is the culprit, remove it from your eavestroughs and replace with new materials. If sagging is due to broken gutter brackets, use a screwdriver or power drill to remove the screws holding the brackets in place and replace them with new ones. If the sagging is due to a problem with the hardware that holds your downspout in place, such as a loose screw or stirrup, use a pry bar or locking pliers to remove and replace the pieces.
Repairing Cracked Eavestroughs
The gutter system plays an important role in diverting rainwater away from the house. However, cracked downspouts can prevent water from flowing properly and eventually leak into your home or foundation.
In some cases, downspout damage can be repaired without the need for replacement. In others, however, this isn’t an option and a complete eavestrough system replacement should be considered.
Cracked downspouts can lead to soil erosion and water runoff problems that can cause damage to your landscape, including flowers and plants. Moreover, they can also be hazardous to pedestrians, especially in areas that have high traffic.
To repair a cracked downspout, remove the old sealant and apply silicone-strength caulk to the joints between the downspout and the gutter. For larger cracks, use roofing cement. Then, re-anchor the downspout and secure it within the gutter system. Finally, add a coat of silicone-strength caulk around the joint connection and along any other vulnerable areas. This will ensure that your gutters continue to function properly and provide a strong barrier against leaks in the future.
Repairing Damaged Downspouts
Your eavestroughs and downspouts help move rainwater from your roof to the ground, where it can run off and be redirected away from your home. However, over time, they can be damaged, requiring repair.
Often, this problem can be easily repaired by using a putty knife and a few simple tools. First, check for any broken clips or straps that may have separated the downspouts.
If you find them, simply replace the clips and straps. You can also use new screws to re-anchor them.
Next, re-seal any joints with silicone-strength caulk. This will provide better resistance against leaks in the future and make the downspout more water-resistant.
You should also take care to avoid clogging your downspouts with leaves and twigs. This is especially important during the winter, as this can cause water to freeze and back up inside your downspouts.