How to Fix Bent Gutters
Bent gutters can easily be fixed in less than an hour. Small and large dents, bends, and sagging can be straightened with either a rubber mallet or by drilling a screw into the gutter to reshape it.
Remember, after repairing bent gutters, it’s important to understand what caused the issue to prevent it from occurring again. For example, whether more support should be added to ensure the gutters can withstand the weight and water flow.
In this article, we’ll explain how to fix bent gutters in the following sections:
How Do You Straighten Guttering?
Keep reading to learn how to fix small and large bends in gutters.
How to Fix Minor Gutter Bends
Small dents in gutters can usually be fixed easily in a couple of minutes. Here’s how to fix bent gutters:
Safely position a ladder leading to the gutter
Wear protective gloves
Clean the gutters so they are clear of dirt and debris
Position a wooden block on the outward side of the bend (optional)
Use a rubber mallet and gently hammer the inward side of the bend
Continue tapping the hammer until the dent is removed
This method is the most effective in fixing bent aluminum gutters. It can also be used on plastic guttering, provided the hammering is done very gently.
However, plastic gutters are not as easy to mold after bending as aluminum. Therefore, they may need replacing if this method does not suitably fix the issue.
How to Fix Major Gutter Bends
Larger dents require more equipment to fix but are still very easy to repair in less than an hour. Here’s how to fix large dents in gutters:
Obtain a long screw that is at least half the width of the gutter (the longer the better)
Drill a hole in the gutter that fits the screw
Place a nut and washer on the inward side of the dent before fixing the screw in place
Pull the end of the screw until the dent pops out and the gutter unbends (use a pair of pliers to get a better grip)
Remove the screw, nut, and washer
Cover the hole with a rivet or waterproof aluminum filler
Apply a gutter sealant around the patched area to seal it
Some gutter bends are beyond repair, particularly if the guttering has been flattened or completely deformed. In these cases, it’s best to replace the guttering entirely.
Check if your home warranty covers the costs of repairing and replacing guttering. At American Home Protect, our home warranty coverage gives our customers access to handyman services that can help with small or large gutter issues.
What Causes Gutters to Bend?
Gutters can bend and start to leak for a variety of reasons. Usually, gutters bend because they have not been installed with the right structural support to withstand the weight of the water flow.
However, bent gutters can also be caused by poor maintenance (i.e., not cleaning the gutter regularly enough) or simply being old and reaching the end of its lifespan (requiring replacement).
Here are the three most common causes of bent gutters explained:
1. Poor Installation
The biggest cause of gutters bending is poor installation of the gutter. The right size gutter must be used to support the anticipated water flow. They also must be installed at the right angle to ensure water flows through the pipe effectively.
Installing enough downspouts and elbows, and placing adequate hangers to support the pipes, are key to preventing bending. Using a handyman service (available with a home warranty) to install gutters ensures issues are avoided in the future.
2. Poor or Old Material
As expected, old guttering loses its structural integrity over time and can start to sag. Aluminum is a naturally flexible material, so these types of gutters are particularly prone to bending, warping, and sagging over time.
Gutters are generally made from galvanized steel, aluminum (which is easy to fix if it bends), plastic, or vinyl. Most gutters last between 20 to 40 years, sometimes longer, provide they are routinely cleaned and have adequate structural support.
3. Clogged Gutters
Keeping gutters clean is an essential (but messy) home maintenance task. Dirt and debris from rain, trees, and roofs easily get into gutters and cause blockages. This creates overspills, where water can seep into the exterior walls of a house, causing interior leaks or penetrating damp.
Depending on the season, gutters should be cleaned of debris at least once or twice a year. Otherwise, the clogs can become heavy, especially if it leads to pooled water sitting in the gutter for long periods. This causes gutters to bend over time.
How a Home Warranty Can Help With House Repairs
Gutters, particularly old guttering and those made from less durable materials, require repair and replacement at least once during a homeowner’s lifespan. Keeping up with home repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
A way to make maintaining the home easier is via a home warranty. At American Home Protect, we offer an industry leading home warranty that covers a wide variety of home appliance costs and includes handyman services to help keep your home maintained even when nothing has broken down.
Interested in finding a home warranty to make your life easier?