Note: This DIY article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to take the place of product-specific installation procedures; always follow applicable manufacturers’ instructions. Depending on your home’s age and condition, location within the home, and other potential factors, repairs and/or upgrades or other services may be necessary prior to the beginning and/or completion of your project that may involve the services of a home improvement professional. This article does not include advice pertaining to local building codes and/or any related inspections.

Sealant is arguably the most versatile material in the construction industry. From fixing gaps in your window panes to aiding in skylight repairs, sealant has proven its worth in saving money for DIY fixers and professionals alike. In tandem, when it comes to rain gutter repair, sealant presents a simple solution.

Silicone sealant is preferred over acrylic caulk when sealing gutters due to its tolerance to moisture. Caulk is usually reserved for drier parts of a construction project. Other than caulk and sealant, other materials can be used to fill gaps and leaks, such as foam and SMP (a hybrid material).

Sealant for gutter repair: When repairing is the best option

Applying a bit of sealant can stop the leak, whether you are suffering from the musty indoor smells or are simply worried about the spouts of water leaking from the gutters or end caps. However, it is important to understand when you may repair the gutter with sealant and when you have to replace the full gutter. The distinction is hard to make for both professionals and the untrained eye. Read on to make an informed decision.

Sealant might be a wonder tool, but it is still shy of doing magic. Consequently, it is necessary to gauge the extent of damage incurred on your gutter before fishing out the sealant. Below are a few instances when using sealant is applicable:

Small cracks and leaks

When answering “how to fix leaking gutters,” your first clue should be how you identified the leak. If you noticed the leak from a musty damp smell or a wet patch on your ceiling, the leak is probably caused by a small crack. These can develop from the exposure of the gutter to the elements, causing rust that can tear along the seams.

Sealing seams

Seams are more susceptible to rusting as they have an existing line of weakness. However, on the bright side, sealant works extremely well as a gutter fix when the problem is rooted at the seams.

Preventive maintenance

Different gutters are rated for different longevities. If you believe it is time to carry out routine maintenance on your gutters to prevent future water damage, consider sealing gutters. When sealing gutters, pay attention to the seams and areas that show signs of corrosion by rust.

Gutter fix: When you need to replace the full gutter

It might not sound pocket-friendly, but sometimes, the best option is to overhaul the existing gutters completely. Gutter leak repair in case of extensive damage can only go so far. Below are some of the instances when you may need to replace your gutter:

Extensive damage

Whether a tree has fallen on your rooftop, rust has eaten through the metal, or there are visibly large holes in the gutter, applying caulk may exacerbate the situation. Sealant is useful in preventing leaks from small cracks but does little as a structural component of the gutter. Consequently, gaping holes and large fissures necessitate fully replacing the gutters.

Sagging or pulling away

Sagging or pulling away of the gutter usually denotes irreparable damage to the gutter. Depending on the extent of the sagging, carry out full replacement. If the downspout remains unaffected, you may proceed with fully replacing the gutter paired with gutter downspout repair.

While simply repairing the sagging gutter might seem attractive, the inherent structural damage causing the sagging may only be fixed by replacement to preserve proper function and safety.

Caulk vs. sealant for gutter repair

Choosing whether to use silicone sealant or acrylic caulk for your project might be a subject of debate in other areas, but gutter repair demands the use of sealant. This stems primarily from the chemical composition and applications of both materials.

Sealant is used to provide a barrier. Caulk, on the other hand, is used to fill a void. Because gutter repair involves creating a barrier between the trough side of the gutter and the ridge side that is bound to come into contact with water, it is only practical to use sealant. Sealant excels in gutter leak repair since it is made of silicone, imparting durability and performance.

Caulk is usually made from acrylic, a material that has minimal benefit in areas exposed to moisture. It is, however, cheaper and can be painted over; therefore, it can be used when these properties are of the utmost desire.

Tips on how to fix leaking gutters with sealant

There is no one-glove-fits-all solution for rain gutter repair, but you should remember a few things to ensure the best results. Below are some of the tips and tricks to keep that rainwater on the right side of the gutter:

Use appropriate material

As discussed earlier, choosing between caulking a gutter or sealing a gutter can impact the repair’s efficiency, safety, and functionality. It would be best to use sealant as it is more durable and flexible.

Clean the gutter before gutter downspout repair

Dirt and debris may interfere with the adhesion and curing of the sealant. Cleaning the gutter before applying sealant provides the foundation for a strong bond between the two materials. It saves you the trouble of searching for “how to fix gutters” sooner than necessary.

Dry the area

Moisture and dirt similarly affect the strength of the bond between the sealant and the gutter surface. Both can compromise the strength and, therefore, interfere with the overall effectiveness of the repair.

Applying the sealant

When applying the sealant, force out a steady stream from the caulking gun and clamp the joint together until the sealant dries. To smoothen out the sealant, use a gloved hand as a caulking tool.

Allow proper curing time

Curing time may negatively impact your repair when done ineffectively. As a rule of thumb, following the manufacturer’s specifications for best results is ideal. Generally, the recommended curing time is usually between 24-48 hours. Distinguishing between drying time and curing time is important to avoid premature damage.

The pitter-patter of leaking raindrops from your gutter doesn’t always have to spell doom for your wallet. Sealant can provide a quick and long-lasting solution for gutter repair, allowing you to save on repair costs while ensuring the integrity of your gutters. However, it is important to remember that in some situations, slapping on some sealant might do more harm than good, ultimately putting you in harm’s way. Gauge the damage appropriately to make an informed decision.

To find GE products near you, check out our Where to Buy page.