How to Seal Gutter Seams to Avoid Gutter Leaks

Gutter leaks can not only compromise the integrity of your foundation, but can also cause flooding in your yard. Rain, snow, hail, wind  and sunlight can cause metal and plastic gutters to warp and come apart. Luckily, taking care of a leaking gutter seam is not hard to do and can be accomplished in several minutes.

Step 1 - Identify the Leaking Seam

Gutters are a series of pieces of metal or plastic set inside one another, much like shingled roofs. If there is a strong rain, you can probably spot the seam that needs repair because the water will be flowing out of it and the ground will be sopping wet. If there is no visible cu,e then you have to do some investigative work. You will be looking at the gutter pieces that rest inside of another. This is called an "uphill," and the one it sets inside is called a "downhill." You will be looking at the uphill pieces.

Also, gutters are constructed so that debris will not get caught on a seam. If you see leaves or other materials hanging around any particular seam, then that is a clear indication of a leak.

Step 2 - Disconnect the Seams

Wherever there are two pieces of gutter where the seam is dislodged, you need to disassemble those pieces. A seam occurs when two pieces of gutter intersect so you have to take them apart the area where they are caulked together. In addition to caulk, the gutter pieces are often held together by a series of screws. Use the utility knife to cut through the caulk and then utilize the screwdriver to remove the screws. The pieces will then be easily removed and you just pull the pieces apart.

Step 3 - Cleanup

Assess the gutter as a whole around the seam that you just took apart. Use the utility knife to scrape away any caulking material that is left on either side. Be sure that no other caulk or debris has settled around the joints. Rust is another factor in gutter leaks and this is where you use the wire brush to scrape away the rust.

Step 4 - Fixing Gutter Leaks

Use the caulking gun and apply the caulk to the inner lip of the gutter known as the downhill. Lower the other piece of gutter, the uphill, into the downhill piece and press them together for several seconds to make sure you evenly distribute the caulk. Replace all pieces that make the seam and replace the screws.