How to Repair Your Own Gutter in Metro Detroit: A Kanga-Roof Guide

For most homes in Metro Detroit, gutters are a critical component of your roofing system. They collect the water running off the roof and direct it away from the foundation and any other potential problem areas. The problem is they are also some of the most commonly damaged components leading to leaky gutters and the need for repairs.

Many homeowners think this is a repair they can handle themselves, and I am here to tell you that they are often right. Gutter repair and maintenance are some of the common DIY repairs that homeowners can tackle themselves if they are handy. This is especially true for minor fixes, saving you the cost of calling a professional gutter repair service immediately.

So how do you do it?

1. The Right Materials Matter!

   One of the most common issues we see when called out on gutter repairs and service in Macomb and Oakland County is previous attempts at repairs using the wrong materials. Of those, the key one to get right is actual gutter sealant. This is not the same as a normal polyurethane exterior sealant. It is designed to work on gutters and handle the amount of moisture that gutters often are exposed to. A great example of this product is Seamer Mate.

   • The other component that is frequently the cause of issues are the fasteners. Most residential gutters are made of aluminum. It is important not to mix and match metal materials. Aluminum has a negative reaction to both steel and copper, which will cause corrosion and the deterioration of the metal. Always make sure your fasteners are made of like-kind materials. For more on preventing corrosion, check out this guide from a materials science source on galvanic corrosion.

2. Be Safe.

   Repairing your gutters involves getting onto your roof and using ladders. Safety should always be your number one priority! It is important to make sure that you are using ladders that are properly rated for the weight on them, always secure your ladders to the roof (you can use bungee cords) to ensure it does not move, and check the footing. You need to make sure the ladder’s feet are on a level and stable surface. Never set your ladder up on wet conditions, and decks are notorious for causing ladder slides. For more ladder safety tips, the OSHA website is a great resource.

3. Measure Once, Cut Twice… Wait, No!

   I know this is advice your grandfather likely gave you, but it’s critical to be precise when it comes to gutters. Once you bend or cut aluminum it cannot be un-done. Since most residential gutter systems are seamless and were fabricated on site, it is important to realize that any bends or cuts could cause the system to no longer fit securely together. Measure Twice, Cut Once is the golden rule here!

4. Use Proper Gutter Hangers.

   Residential gutters are now installed using fasteners called hidden hangers. These replaced the old spike and ferrule systems. It is important to use a high-quality hanger that is rated to hold your gutter up when filled with snow and ice. In Metro Detroit, our gutter systems need to accommodate the annual snow load. Failing to use the proper hangers can cause the gutters to fall and damage the fascia and anything underneath the gutter system. A great example of a hidden hanger that you can locally pick up in Macomb or Oakland County is the Amerimax Gutter Hanger.

A Note from a Happy Customer:“Kanga-Roof came out and fixed the section of gutter that was leaking into my flower bed. They were fast, professional, and the repair looks better than the original installation! Highly recommended for anyone in Sterling Heights!” – Sarah M., Google Review

Now we understand this may seem like a lot to consider, but if you take your time and create a plan, gutter repairs are some of the easiest exterior home repairs you can tackle yourself. If you would rather trust a professional for your Metro Detroit gutter repair needs, then we understand and would love to help!

Our gutter team fabricates all of our own gutter systems, and is happy to offer repairs and maintenance on your gutter system. Plus they all come with our exclusive 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee, and you avoid having to get up on your roof or ladder. Leave that to my team.

To schedule your gutter repair inspection in Metro Detroit you can call us now at 586-566-0308 or go ahead and schedule it yourself online by visiting Kanga-Roof Schedule Inspection.

I hope you found some value and direction from this article, and as always, I hope you have a Kanga-Rific day!

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr.