Repairing Copper Gutter Seams

Whatever piece of metal you choose rivet it into place with copper rivets then solder with copper flux.

Repairing copper gutter seams.

There are three main steps to repairing copper gutters that have been caulked. To restore or repair your rusted box gutter liner you first need to clean the gutter and remove any debris. 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.

Chances are the sealant will pull out easily. Scrubbing the crack reach your gutter by using an extension ladder. Alternatively you can use a joint or decorative cap on the exterior or a piece of gutter laid over the old gutter. 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.

Get ready to seal. Over time all things copper acquire a patina first turning a rich brown and then that classic green brown blue coating. Without them solder seams can break and the metal itself can tear thus causing leaks to occur. Then sand the area using fine grit sandpaper until the shine has been restored.

Find the crack and scrub the area around it to give way for a small plastic replacement sheet to fit into place. For sealing and joining lap seams in aluminum or vinyl gutters and downspouts we recommend a permanently flexible and water resistant sealant. Remove the caulk at the end caps outlets and miters. Use steel wool and gently scrub the crack to make the surface clean and stamped.

All residue must be removed to ensure that the seal that you re placing adheres fully. If some of it sticks don t worry. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house. Run water into the gutter at the top of the downspout and watch the drainage at the bottom.

If possible flush out gutters with a garden hose then allow them to air dry for a clean fix. Clean the outside of the gutter where the seam has been leaking. You can paint this primer directly over the existing liner and any rust that exists.