The Best Ways To Prevent Rust in Your Gutters

The Best Ways To Prevent Rust in Your Gutters

If you’ve had your current gutters for several years now, you’re probably no stranger to rust or corrosion. Though gutters are durable, they’re susceptible to oxidation. This results in the inevitable formation of rust and the deterioration of gutter performance. Fortunately, you can stave off this occurrence and keep your gutters in good condition for much longer. Here are a few of the best ways to prevent rust in your gutters.

Perform Regular Repairs

First, make sure you keep up with regular gutter repairs and service. When gutters sustain damage, the areas in question become weakened. This exposes the metal to the open air and increases the rate at which oxidation takes place. Inspect your gutters regularly and immediately fix any components that aren’t up to par.

Check Your Gutter Drainage

You can also decrease your risk of corrosion by ensuring that your gutter system drains properly. Sometimes, excess water from storms or grime from past debris can sit in your gutters’ downspouts. These materials slowly wear away at the piping and make them more likely to rust as the parts age. To test your gutters’ slope, simply pour water into them and have someone indicate whether it drains along the ground.

Apply a Sealant Product

Applying a specialized sealant to your gutters can help, too. Quality rubber sealants form a protective barrier between the metal and water. Sealants are very effective at preventing the formation of rust and maintaining the stability of your system’s seams. These formulas can help increase your gutters’ drainage ability and reduce the risk of blockages.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

The most effective way to prevent rust in your gutters is to keep them as clean as possible. The more debris you leave in your gutters, the more damage your gutters will suffer. Regularly clearing them of debris or hiring someone to do it for you is a crucial part of making them last.

By the time your gutter system starts to rust, you’re already well on your way to having to replace them. Contact a gutter contractor to help you stop corrosion in its tracks. At Gutter Maid, we go the extra mile to ensure that every gutter we work on is clean and ready for anything. Our gutter cleaning services in Maryland purge your gutters of anything that can damage them. Contact us today.

Gutter Repair and Bracket Install | Fairfax, Virginia

Gutter brackets installation by GutterMaid before and after pictures
This homeowner’s gutter was damaged by what was most likely heavy snow accumulation. We were able to save our customer the cost of a new gutter by hand bending the gutter into place, and re-securing it with new gutter brackets. Gutter pitch was also checked to ensure that this gutter will function properly during a rain event.
 

Gutters: Should You Repair or Replace Them?

Gutters: Should You Repair or Replace Them?

Many people often overlook gutters in a home which is why they may not realize when it’s time to repair or replace them. Determining which steps to take with your gutters is essential to your home maintenance. Let’s go through this guide to learn about gutters: should you repair or replace them?

Repair If…

Harsh weather, poor installation, and lack of maintenance are all ways that your gutters can get damaged. If your gutters have minor damages, you can save money by simply repairing them. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if you’re able to restore them:

  • Loose hangers
  • Minor leakage
  • Small cracks

There are many routes you can take when it comes to repairing your gutters. If you have loose hangers, all you need to do is determine which hangers are loose, and if they’re not bent or damaged, you can tighten them against the fascia. If the hangers are damaged, you’ll need to visit your local hardware store to find replacements. You don’t want to reuse broken attachments with your gutters; it’ll just cause more damage and cost more money down the road.

Check all areas on your gutter before starting the repair process. That way, you can catch any arising problems and repair them immediately to prevent further damage. To fix minor leaks in your gutters, you’ll need roofing cement, silicone caulk, and tools. Make sure to fill each hole with roofing cement and apply silicone caulk to the connecting joints.

To fix small cracks in your gutters, you’ll need a water-proof and flexible sealant to keep them from forming larger cracks. What’s great about this sealant is you can use it for doors, windows, and other areas in your home that require bonding.

Replace If…

If you need to replace your gutters, keep an eye out for these signs:

  • Larger, irreparable cracks
  • Damaged siding on the home
  • Gutters detaching from the home

If you notice significant damage to the siding of your home, there are plenty of causes, one of which is gutter damage. Replacing your gutter on your own is not recommended. To ensure the project is done safely and efficiently, seek a professional gutter installation contractor who can help you get the job done.

Now that you know if you should repair or replace them, you’ll need to take care of your gutters to keep them up and running! Whether you decide to repair your gutters or replace them, the best way to maintain their use is to assess and clean them regularly.

Gutter Repair and Splash Guard Install | Frederick, Maryland

Gutter repair and splash guard installation by GutterMaid before and after pictures
Splash over can occur in areas where upper level downspouts drain into lower level roofs. This issue can be reduced or eliminated by either extending the upper level downspout directly into the lower gutter, Or by installing a splash guard. Here, our service technician installed a splash guard on the lower level gutter, directly under the upper level downspout. This splash guard will greatly reduce, or even eliminate the splash over that was occurring in this area.
 

The Different Parts of a Gutter System

Rain gutters are not just single pieces of metal half-pipes. They are complex systems comprised of various parts that all work in tandem to keep water away from your roof and foundation. Sometimes, you might need to replace a single part of the gutter system but… what is it called exactly?

Knowing the exact gutter parts name can be a bit tricky if you’re not in the industry. Here are the types of gutters and the different parts of a gutter system you need to know about.

Fixing Loose Gutters with Hidden Hangers

Fixing loose gutters with hidden hangers before and after picture

Older gutters, installed with gutter spikes, are likely to pull loose from the fascia board over time. We were able to re-secure the existing gutter using premium grade hidden hangers, saving this Montgomery County resident the cost of a new gutter. 


Hidden hangers are used in new gutter installations, but can also be used in existing gutters between the existing spikes. Because these hidden hangers are screwed into the fascia boards, they offer much better protection against loose gutters!

The Difference Between Seamless and Regular Gutters

The Difference Between Seamless and Regular Gutters

Gutter professionals don’t craft each gutter the same way. While some pieces may differ in color and appearance, there is an even more fundamental variation in gutter structure. This distinguishing factor is the presence of gutter seams. Seams are the connecting areas between two pieces. For example, your jeans have seams where threads sewn through two parts of a pant leg hold the entire clothing item together. A similar concept exists with some gutters. Here’s the difference between seamless and regular gutters.