How to Repair a Bent Gutter
Gutters are installed across the front eave of nearly every house to help move rain and water away from the house. Rain drains from the roof, down the gutters and through the downspout away from the house. Gutters are typically made of either aluminum or vinyl and both are installed in a similar manner.
Over time, gutters suffer wear and tear, sag and become bent. Repairing a damaged gutter is accomplished rather easily with the proper tools and the right instruction.
Things You Will Need
- Ladder
- Drill bit
- Drill
- Gutter spikes and sleeves
- Hammer
Tip
More gutter spikes may be necessary, depending on how bad the bend is. They can be installed closer together if 12 inches is too far apart.
Warning
Always be careful when working on a ladder. Set it on steady ground to ensure it is stable when in use. Ladders can fall and cause fatal injuries when used incorrectly.
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Climb a ladder and inspect the gutter to determine where exactly it is sagging and bent. Clean out any debris and other materials that may be clogging the gutter and causing it to bend.
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Locate the center of the bend and drill a pilot hole through the top of the gutter. Set the sleeve of the gutter spike inside the gutter and line it up with the pre-drilled hole.
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Push the gutter spike in and through the sleeve until it hits the back of the gutter against the eave of the house. Hammer the spike the rest of the way in through the back of the gutter. Move the ladder 1 foot down the gutter and repeat the same process. Move 1 foot to the other side of the first hole and insert another spike to further correct the sag and bend in the gutter.
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Inspect the gutter from the top of the ladder to make sure it is no longer bent and is attached firmly to the house. Look at the gutter from ground level to verify that it is straight and in proper working order.
The Drip Cap
- Gutters are installed across the front eave of nearly every house to help move rain and water away from the house.
- Climb a ladder and inspect the gutter to determine where exactly it is sagging and bent.
- Set the sleeve of the gutter spike inside the gutter and line it up with the pre-drilled hole.
- Inspect the gutter from the top of the ladder to make sure it is no longer bent and is attached firmly to the house.
References
Writer Bio
Alexander Callos began writing in 2005 for "The Lantern" at The Ohio State University and has written for various websites, including Bleacher Report, Top Ten Real Estate Deals and Columbus Sports. He has published articles for CBS Sports, SI.com and other websites. He graduated in 2007 from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in public affairs journalism.
Photo Credits
- Antenne sur le toit image by CAROL33 from Fotolia.com
- Antenne sur le toit image by CAROL33 from Fotolia.com
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