WARNING
Stay well away from electrical power lines.
If your metal gutters have developed a middle-age bulge, get ’em back in shape with these easy-to-install gutter hangers. (Make sure the problem isn’t caused by rotted wood.) They’re available at home centers. For help finding them in your area, contact Amerimax Home Products at Amerimax.com.
Another style of gutter hanger slides under the shingles and is nailed to the roof boards. If you use this type, be sure the shingles are flexible enough to be lifted without breaking.
Stay well away from electrical power lines.
Even if you have seamless gutters, there’s going to come a time when the end caps leak. If that time has arrived for you, here are two sealers recommended by pros: Aluminum Pigmented Gutterseal (No. VTS-138; available by the tube at vintagetrailersupply.com) and GeoGreen Pro Gutter Seal (available in cases of 12 at amazon.com).
To fix your gutter leak, start by scooping out all the crud. Clean the area with household spray cleaner, a scrub brush and rags to get it as clean as possible. If you have to, resort to a toothbrush for crevices. The cleaner it is, the better your patch will hold over time. Next, remove any oxidation and apply the sealer (Photos 1 and 2). Go back several days later and cover the entire area with a rubberized coating to prevent rust (one brand is Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating; available by the can at home centers).
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.