Summary: Learn how to repair a gutter, unblock a gutter, re-align a gutter, repair a UPVC gutter, prevent a UPVC gutter from leaking, repair a metal gutter and prevent a metal gutter from leaking.
When carrying out repairs to guttering, always use a ladder with stand-off brackets or have the base of the ladder supported by a helper. Also remember that although a metal gutter will hold the weight of a ladder, a UPVC gutter will not.
All kinds of objects and debris, from leaves and tennis balls to birds' nests and dead birds, can block guttering causing it to overflow.
If water does not drain away down a gutter, this is usually due to loose guttering. Tighten or replace loose screws holding the gutter in position. If there are several sections of loose guttering then the fall may be affected and the guttering will need to be re-aligned.
Drive long nails into the fascia board at regular intervals to support the section of guttering being re-aligned.
Run a string line the length of the fascia board just below the guttering. Check that it falls 15-20mm for every 3m towards the position of the downpipe.
Leaks from UPVC guttering are generally located at the union joints where two sections of guttering are connected. A union joint will have rubber gaskets to produce a watertight joint. Leaks are caused when the gasket is worn or by dirt forcing the seal apart.
To replace a worn gasket, with the guttering still disconnected from the union piece peel the worn gasket away.
Rust should be treated as soon as possible.
Corrosion can make removing the nuts and bolts on a metal gutter difficult. Therefore it's best to try and repair the leak without dismantling the gutter.
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