Dented gutter needs replacing...can I do this myself?
#1
01-18-11, 11:20 AM
Dented gutter needs replacing...can I do this myself?
I need to get this gutter fixed ASAP - it was raining buckets last night and the drooping section (a market umbrella blew over and wacked it this past summer) is just flooding the back of my house right at my kitchen window.
I'm a gal, but I'm fairly handy I think. My finances are a bit strapped right now, and I hate to spend money to hire someone to do something that I could do just as well, myself. But I have no experience at all. Is this something I could reasonably expect to do? I think my gutters are aluminum (I tried to bend the dent out but it didn't help any), and I think the rest of them are okay. House is a ranch, built in 1994. The one good thing here is this section is above my deck, so I really don't even need more than a 6 foot ladder to get to it. I've not even looked in Lowes or HD yet...just wanted to get some suggestions here first. Thanks for any advice you can offer.
I'm a gal, but I'm fairly handy I think. My finances are a bit strapped right now, and I hate to spend money to hire someone to do something that I could do just as well, myself. But I have no experience at all. Is this something I could reasonably expect to do? I think my gutters are aluminum (I tried to bend the dent out but it didn't help any), and I think the rest of them are okay. House is a ranch, built in 1994. The one good thing here is this section is above my deck, so I really don't even need more than a 6 foot ladder to get to it. I've not even looked in Lowes or HD yet...just wanted to get some suggestions here first. Thanks for any advice you can offer.
#2
01-18-11, 11:45 AM
Super Moderator
If they are seamless 1 piece gutters..it's best to replace with the same. The Home Center stuff will almost always leak if you have to connect multiple pieces. If it's a short run (less than 10 ft) then you can probably use the stuff from Big Orange or Blue w/o too many issues.
You should be able to repair it using a mallet and a wood block, some pliers, etc. Might be easier if you took it down, but depending on the damage..it's doable when it's up.
You should be able to repair it using a mallet and a wood block, some pliers, etc. Might be easier if you took it down, but depending on the damage..it's doable when it's up.
#3
01-18-11, 02:56 PM
Plus I don't think the gutters for sale at a big box store is the same exact size/style as seamless gutters are. It's also difficult for one person to handle a gutter as they tend to be a little flimsy/floppy. It's also important that the slope be right.
I agree with Vic, the simplest/cheapest fix would be to fix the gutter. A little work with pliers and maybe hammer and block of wood should return it to a working state. It might take a little more effort to get it looking nice too.
I agree with Vic, the simplest/cheapest fix would be to fix the gutter. A little work with pliers and maybe hammer and block of wood should return it to a working state. It might take a little more effort to get it looking nice too.
