Repairing Copper Gutter Seams

Clean the outside of the gutter where the seam has been leaking.

Repairing copper gutter seams.

Find the crack and scrub the area around it to give way for a small plastic replacement sheet to fit into place. Over time all things copper acquire a patina first turning a rich brown and then that classic green brown blue coating. If water backs up out of the downspout instead of easily draining remove the downspout s base this. Next coat the inside of the gutter channel with a self etching metal primer.

Run water into the gutter at the top of the downspout and watch the drainage at the bottom. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house. To restore or repair your rusted box gutter liner you first need to clean the gutter and remove any debris. All residue must be removed to ensure that the seal that you re placing adheres fully.

The preferred method for mending a hole in a copper gutter is to use a piece of sheet copper on the inside of the gutter. If possible flush out gutters with a garden hose then allow them to air dry for a clean fix. There are three main steps to repairing copper gutters that have been caulked. Without them solder seams can break and the metal itself can tear thus causing leaks to occur.

For sealing and joining lap seams in aluminum or vinyl gutters and downspouts we recommend a permanently flexible and water resistant sealant. Whatever piece of metal you choose rivet it into place with copper rivets then solder with copper flux. Chances are the sealant will pull out easily. If some of it sticks don t worry.

You can paint this primer directly over the existing liner and any rust that exists. Remove the caulk at the end caps outlets and miters. Then sand the area using fine grit sandpaper until the shine has been restored. Expansion joints allow for the segments of gutter to move freely during expansion and contraction.

This old house general contractor tom silva has a fast fix for a dripping rain gutter. Alternatively you can use a joint or decorative cap on the exterior or a piece of gutter laid over the old gutter. Get ready to seal.