Vinyl gutters have many advantages, such as they are light-weight, rust-proof, easy to clean, and they cost less than other types. However, you may experience a leak as the gutters age. Ignoring the leaky gutters causes the water to not redirect properly from the house foundation, which leads to more damage. You should be able to fix the leaky vinyl gutters yourself by following these tips.
Prepare to Fix the Leaky Vinyl Gutters
To fix the leaky seams, gather:
- work gloves
- ladder
- wire scrub brush or putty knife
- utility knife or shears
- sandpaper
- hose
- liquid dish soap
- nail or thin wire
- new gaskets
- silicone caulk for vinyl
Set a ladder to access the gutters easily, and attach a ladder stabilizer, or get someone to hold it for you. Don't lay the ladder directly against the gutters to avoid damage to your gutters. Scoop debris with the scrub brush or putty knife, squeeze several drops of dish soap in the gutter, and rinse using the hose.
If you don't know where the leak is, let the gutters dry, and spray them again. Set the hose so it won't move or get an assistant to hold the hose while you check the perimeter, occasionally moving it in different positions. Pay close attention to the areas of the gutter that have wet ground underneath it.
Replace Gaskets
Damaged gaskets are a common cause of leaks on vinyl gutters. Use the screwdriver to detach hardware at the seams and pull the retaining clips attached to the fitting to you while pressing the gutter inward to release it.
Taking the gutters down makes them easy to repair, and it helps them dry better. Remove all fittings in the same manner until the gutter comes loose and insert new gaskets.
Fix Holes, Cracks, and Seams
To fix pinholes and small cracks, lightly sand the area, and wipe the dust. Snip the tip of caulk at a forty-five-degree angle or at an angle big enough to fill the hole with the utility knife or shears.
Stick a wire or nail into the end of the caulking tube to clear out the tube, fill the holes, and set the piece in dry place to cure. It is best to replace gutter sections with several large holes or cracks.
To seal seams, insert the tube of caulk into a caulking gun. Fill the damaged area on the seam with a one-fourth inch layer of caulk, moving the gun at light pressure. Smooth the caulk using your fingers or a flat object, then let it cure and remove excess caulk on the tube and gutter. For more information, contact your local guttering services.
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