How to Replace a Gutter Downpipe
The guttering system is an important part of your home drainage system. It helps divert rainwater away from the foundations of your home to avoid water damage.
Maintaining and cleaning your gutters will stop leaks and blockages. This means applying sealant on a regular basis and considering options such as waterbutt connections or drainage pipes that are underground.
Clean the Gutters
They are also known as gutters, and are an essential element of any drainage system. They are designed to carry rainwater efficiently from the roof to the ground, preventing water damage to a foundation of a building and the surrounding landscaping. Selecting the correct downpipe is crucial for optimal function and regular maintenance is essential to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Clogged gutters can be a major issue that can lead to flooding basement leaks, and more. If you notice water flowing through your walkways, or notice stains on your house the gutters could be clogged. Regular cleaning and maintenance prevents this from happening, so it is worth the effort to clean it often.
If you own a metal downpipe, it is vital to ensure that the surface is coated in a waterproof paint. This will guard the surface from corrosion and will also appear nice. Check the brackets on your gutters and align them that have moved over time. Metals such as galvanised steel or aluminium are the ideal material to use for downpipes. They provide strength and durability, depending on your local climate. Plastic downpipes are also a possibility, but they tend to become brittle over time.
The most common reason for leaks from the downpipe is damage to the joint area in which a section of gutter joins another. This can happen due to corrosion, or could be caused by a loose joint. If the joint is corroded it will need cleaning and sealing with an excellent sealant such as LePage QuAD MAX Window Door, Siding Sealant.
If the joint is loose it can be fixed using silicone caulk. In more severe instances, it could be necessary for the joint to be replaced. Another common source of leakage from a downpipe is the cap at the end, which should be sealed to stop water getting out. They are readily available at most home improvement stores and can be fitted by simply crimping them in place. You should get some for your gutters so that they are all waterproof and sealed.
Repair the Leak
Downpipes (also called gutter drain pipes) are an important component of the drainage system, transporting rainwater from the roof down to the ground. They are made of sturdy materials that can be withstand the elements and are available in different sizes to suit any building.
If you notice that your downpipes are leaky, it's time to perform some maintenance tasks to ensure that they're functioning properly. This could include checking the brackets to see whether they've moved, and checking for cracks or holes. It is also recommended to replace the downpipe if it's corroded or damaged.
The debris in the guttering downpipes can cause water overflow. This can lead to erosion of the landscaping around your property, and also damage to doors and windows. A clogged drain will also add pressure to your gutters, which can cause them sag. Try to eliminate a blockage by running water from a hose down the downpipe. If this fails, you may have to take down your downpipe and manually clear the blockage.
In time, downpipes and gutters could become sloppy or even separate. Extreme temperatures can cause them to expand or contract. This can cause damage to the seals and eventually cause a leak. Cracks can be repaired by using caulk in certain situations. In severe cases it might be required to replace the entire downpipe.
You can purchase guttering pipes on the internet, however you should make your measurements at a trusted DIY store prior to. This will ensure you get the right size of downpipe and will avoid any unnecessary costs. If you decide to fix it yourself, it's a good idea to make use of a mixture of caulk and waterproof tape to make your repairs extra robust. This will give you a more secure hold and will prevent the issue from recurring.
Replace the damaged section
A thorough cleaning of your guttering is the best way to fix small leaks or cracks. However, occasionally a section could be damaged beyond repair. In this instance the damaged section will need to be replaced. You can do this by removing the old guttering from the fascia boards, and then installing an entirely new length of gutter. This is easier if can work from the ground instead of a ladder. If the guttering is metal, you can use gutter sealant and roof to fill in the hole or crack. Clean the area around the damaged section and clean any loose paint or rust from the surface of the guttering. Remove the paper backing from the length of repair tape that is a few cm larger than the width of the guttering. Wrap the repair tape around the joint and press firmly to mould it into place. When you're repairing an unsound downpipe, it's a good idea to cover all seams for between two and four inches. This will stop water from leaking into the home through the guttering.
Before installing a new section of guttering, make sure you have the appropriate tools and are safe to work on a ladder. Take two ladders and get assistance if you can because you'll need to be capable of reaching the downspout. Remove any existing gutter hangers and scrape away any old sealant or rust. If you are using gutter slips to join sections of guttering, pre-drill them before driving gutter screws or nails into them.
Mark the area where the downspout will be installed using a marker if you are using one with a drop-outlet. Then, using a multi-tool, or hammer and chipper make into the marked area. Slide the downspout connector into the hole and then hammer or screw it into the right position. Make sure the guttering slopes of 1/8 inch per foot toward the downspout.
If your gutters are made from aluminum or steel, you can use a sheet metal crimper squeeze or "crimp" the end of each downspout's short length so that it fits into the elbows you've already installed. This will prevent the downspouts and gutters from becoming blocked by leaves, and it will also make them more resistant to corrosion.
Install the New Gutters
It's important to remove any obstructions in your gutters as soon as you can. Make sure you take extreme caution when working at heights and have someone hold the ladder firmly to prevent accidents. If you are unable to reach the bottom of the drain, you may need to hire a drain clearing rod.
Once you have cleared any clogs, the next step is to repair any leaks or cracks in the gutter. Use RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to plug the gaps and stop water from leaking through and causing further damage your gutters or home's foundations.
If you're installing new gutters, make sure to determine the roofline's length and plan your layout carefully. Also, ensure that you select the correct size and material for your roof and the rainfall intensity. Cut any branches that are hanging overhanging, which could block gutters from functioning properly.
Installation of gutters can be a challenging task, so it's always recommended to read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're following the correct steps. You should also seek assistance when installing gutters.
When you're ready for installing your gutters, start by putting them on the ladder in the order that you'll be installing them, so you can pass them to your helper. Then, you can attach the gutters to the fascia brackets and fasten them to the wall using the screws supplied.
Aluminium downpipes are a great option to replace your gutters as they do not have the same problems as plastic alternatives like the possibility of leaking or fading. If you're seeking an efficient gutter system that's easy to install and will last for years take a look at our range of aluminum downpipes. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours and styles, so you'll be able to find the perfect match for your home. If you have any questions, please contact us and we'll be more than happy to help you. We can also help with any gutter repairs or maintenance.