Q: Can I repair my own gutters?

• <div><p>It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don&rsquo;t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend <b>$400</b> on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.</p></div>

Question 1

Can I repair my own gutters?

Accepted Answer

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It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don’t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend $400 on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.

Question 2

Can you add a downspout to an existing gutter?

Accepted Answer

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If your gutters get overwhelmed every time it rains, adding an extra downspout is a solution. First, you'll need to decide where to add the downspout. If your current setup only has a single downspout, one option is to place a new one at the opposite end of the gutter. If you already have a downspout at each end, adding a third one in the middle can help to lighten the load.

You can hire a professional to add a downspout yourself by cutting into the existing gutter and attaching the necessary parts, such as an outlet and brackets.

Question 3

Should gutter downspouts touch the ground?

Accepted Answer

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Unless you've chosen to install underground downspouts, your gutter downspouts shouldn't touch the ground. If they come into contact with the soil or pavement next to your home, rainwater can back up into them during a storm, preventing them from doing their job effectively. Instead, aim to have your downspouts end about 12 inches from the ground.

Question 4

Is gutter repair worth it?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, gutter repair is almost always worth the investment. Some homeowners believe that gutter repairs are only to improve the home’s curb appeal, but gutters play a pivotal role in protecting your foundation from damage and structural instability, and they also prevent water damage to your soffits, fascia, roof, and exterior walls. You will pay an average of around $400 to have your gutters professionally repaired, but it’s worth it even for the peace of mind of knowing that one of your largest investments is adequately protected from the elements.

Question 5

What is the biggest cause of gutter leaks?

Accepted Answer

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One of the biggest causes of gutter leaks is clogged gutters. If your gutters are full of debris and leaves, water will back up and eventually overflow outside of the gutter. Other common causes of gutter leaks include loosened gutter fasteners, faulty gutter slopes (sagging gutters), separated joints, and cracks or holes.