Steel gutters – joint failure

Cause

Sealant failure 

Repair

  • if the guttering was installed in recent years and the sealant failure may be the result of poor installation, call the original installer back to make repairs
  • for sealant failure in older gutters, remove sealant, clean joint and apply new sealant as recommended by the gutter manufacturer/supplier. Suppliers typically recommend neutral cure silicone rubber or MS polymer sealants
  • always tell someone when you plan to work at height. Follow this guidance around using ladders and scaffolding safely

Cause

Soldered joint failure 

Repair

  • if the guttering was installed in recent years and the soldered joint failure may be the result of poor installation, call the original installer back to make repairs
  • if you have the skills, experience and tools for the job, re-solder the joint. Note that only unpainted galvanised steel is able to be soldered – do not try to solder factory-coated steel gutters (coated with a protective metal alloy or a paint system)
  • always tell someone when you plan to work at height. Follow this guidance around using ladders and scaffolding safely
  • most homeowners should call in an experienced installer to carry out the repairs

Cause

Initial installation made no allowance for thermal expansion and contraction 

Repair

  • if the guttering was installed in recent years, call the original installer back to make repairs
  • only consider making a repair yourself if you have the skills, experience and tools for the job. Follow the recommendations of the gutter manufacturer
  • manufacturers require steel gutters to have an allowance for expansion. One large manufacturer says that “An expansion joint can be either a sump, rainwater head or a saddle flashing. Gutters that are directly through-fastened to the fascia or eaves purlin will not be free to move and should be restricted to a maximum of 12 m”
  • always tell someone when you plan to work at height. Follow this guidance around using ladders and scaffolding safely
  • most homeowners should call in an experienced roofer or builder to carry out the repairs