At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we specialize in providing quality products and expert services to meet the unique needs of our customers. We offer many products to serve homeowners and builders. Located in Burlington, North Carolina, Alamance Insulation has been proudly serving the Triad area for over 20 years. We provide quality gutters and insulation for our clients across central North Carolina, including Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, and High Point, NC. Whether you need installation or repairs done, we offer a variety of gutter, insulation, and moisture barrier services that will ensure the safety of your home and the comfort of your loved ones.
If you notice that your gutters are leaking, don’t panic! There’s a fairly easy fix. And, as always, we recommend calling a professional to fix your gutter issues every time so you don’t have to worry about whether you do the job right.
Here is how you fix gutter leaks:
1. Choose Your Material
In order to seal vinyl, aluminum or steel gutters you will need caulking, ideally a type that is explicitly designed for gutters, so that you can paint over the caulking to match the gutters afterwards. Avoid silicone caulking, which cannot be painted or reapplied. Instead, consider butyl rubber, urethane or polymer-based caulking.
If you have copper gutters, it is wiser to have a professional repair them. Copper gutters are a long-term investment, and putting caulking in them is only a short-term solution. A professional can solder copper gutters to seal joints and fix holes.
2. Clean Gutters and Allow to Dry
Clean your gutters to remove any debris near the leaks. Then, you’ll need to wait for the gutters to dry before you attempt to seal the leaks, or the caulking may not apply well or dry correctly. For the same reason, wait for sunny weather.
3. Clean Old Sealant
You’ll need to clean off the old caulking near the leak, especially if the leak is at a seam. Spray a caulk remover on the old caulk and wait for it to soften. Then, scrape it off with a utility knife or other sharp tool. You may also need to use a bleach solution to remove nearby mold or debris.
4. Apply Caulking
Trim the tip of the caulking tube. Place the tube in a caulking gun and apply it to the hole. If working at a seam, apply the caulking in the seam first, then around it. Attempt to cover the seam or hole in one, straight sweep. Try to apply only as much as is necessary to cover the leaky area. However, be sure to read and abide by the instructions from your caulk manufacturer about the minimum diameter of caulking you need to apply.
At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we are here to help you with all your insulation and gutter needs. Give us a call for a free consultation!