How Do You Seal a Gutter Leak? Serviceteam, London

How Does Guttering Work?

Guttering systems are basically a bunch of channels and pipes that run along the edge of your roof. Their whole job is to catch rainwater as it runs off and then safely guide it away from your house.

The water slides along these slightly sloped horizontal sections (we call that a 'fall') right into a downpipe. That vertical pipe then sends the water into a drain or a soakaway, which stops it from soaking the ground right next to your home's foundation. All the bits and pieces, like gutters, downpipes, brackets, connectors, and stop ends, team up to keep your home protected.

For reliable results, contact expert gutter repair specialists in London.

Are Leaking Gutters Bad?

You might think a small leak is no big deal, but even a little drip can cause a lot of trouble. If you ignore a gutter leakage, you could end up with:

• Structural Damage: All that water soaking into the ground around your home can actually weaken your foundation, leading to cracks in your walls.
• Damp and Mould: When water constantly runs down your outside walls, it can sneak into the bricks, causing nasty damp patches, mould, and even peeling paint inside your house.
• Rotting Fascias and Soffits: Those wooden bits around your roof, like fascias and soffits, that your gutters attach to? They can start to rot if they're always wet, and that can mess with your roofline's strength.
• Basement Flooding: If you have a basement, overflowing gutters are a big problem. All that water can pool up and eventually lead to clogged gutters and basement water.
• Damaged Landscaping: Unchecked water can wash away soil, drown your flowerbeds, and even damage your patio or paths. It's not just your house that's at risk!

Assessing the Gutter Leakage

The best time to check for gutter leaks is during or just after rainfall. Observe where the water is dripping from. Is it a joint between two sections, a corner piece, a stopend, or a crack in the middle of a gutter length? If it’s not raining, you can use a garden hose to run water through the guttering system to replicate the gutter leak. Have someone on the ground watch for drips while you control the water flow.

And if you are inspecting cracked gutters by yourself, put safety first! Use a sturdy ladder on firm, level ground. Avoid resting it on gutters and use a stand-off instead. Never overreach and move the ladder as needed. Work with a partner for stability and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect against sharp debris and splashes.

How To Fix a Gutter Leak?

Best Way to Seal Gutters: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find the Gutter Leak

First things first, you need to play detective. Carefully check your gutter for cracks, holes, or iffy joints so you know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Step 2: Grab Your Gear

Round up your tools like gloves, safety glasses, a trowel, a stiff brush, a cloth, a bucket, gutter sealant, an applicator gun, and a putty knife. If you’re feeling extra prepared, throw in some weather-proof repair tape or new fittings.

Step 3: Clean It Up

Get rid of all the gunk, like leaves and dirt, with your trowel. Then, give the area around the gutter leak a good scrub with your brush and some water. Make sure it's completely dry before you move on.

Step 4: Seal Those Cracks!

Now for the main event! Squeeze that gutter sealant right over any cracks from the inside. Use your putty knife or a gloved finger to smooth it out. Let it dry completely, and then do a water test to make sure you got the best seal for gutters.

Step 5: Quick Fix with Repair Tape

Looking for an emergency gutter leak fix? Weather-proof repair tape is your friend for a temporary patch. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry, stick the tape on firmly, and smooth out any air bubbles.

Step 6: Tackle Leaky Joints

If it’s a joint causing trouble, unclip the gutter. Clean the rubber seals and fittings with some soapy water, then dry them thoroughly. Reapply sealant or swap out any damaged seals, and then put it all back together for a watertight fit.

Step 7: Swap Out Bad Parts

Sometimes, a piece is just beyond repair. If a joint or corner fitting is shot, unclip the gutter, pop out the old part, put in a new one, and reattach the gutter. This will keep things durable for the long haul.

Want to know whether repairing or replacing is best for your gutters? Read our blog ‘Professional Gutter Repair vs Replacement’.

Tools and Materials for the Job

Having the right equipment on hand is the first step in finding the best way to seal gutter corners.

• Ladder with stand-off attachment
• Thick work gloves and safety glasses
• Small trowel or gutter scoop for removing debris
• Bucket for collecting debris
• An emery cloth or a wire brush for cleaning metal gutters
• Stiff brush and cloths for cleaning plastic gutters
• Best sealant for leaking gutters (a butyl rubber-based sealant is often the best sealant for gutter leaks)
• Applicator gun for the sealant
• Weather-proof repair tape (for temporary fixes)
• Replacement seals or gutter fittings (if needed)

Things to Consider When Sealing a Gutter Leak

A lot of gutter leak problems happen because they weren't installed correctly in the first place. Getting them set up correctly from the get-go is honestly the best way to avoid trouble later.

How Far Should a Gutter Be from the Roof?

Make sure your gutter is positioned to catch all the water from your roof tiles, but not so close that it gets in the way. A good rule of thumb is for the edge of your roof tiles to hang over the gutter by about a third of its width. This keeps water from running behind the gutter and leading to clogged gutters and roof leaks.

How Many Gutter Clips Per Meter?

When you're putting up plastic guttering, aim for at least one gutter clip per meter. A good rule of thumb is to space them a bit closer, maybe every 800mm to 900mm.

How Far Apart Should Gutter Brackets Be?

You'll want to space your brackets no more than 1 meter apart. Also, for proper support, make sure to put a bracket within 150mm on both sides of any joint or fitting (like a corner or outlet). If you're working with cast iron gutters, the spacing is usually a bit wider, but always double-check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.

Preventative Maintenance for Your Gutters

Keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to prevent issues like conservatory box gutter leaking down the road.

• Clean Your Gutters: Aim to clean your gutters twice a year. Once in late autumn, after the leaves have fallen, and again in late spring, to get rid of any winter debris.
• Check for Damage: While you're cleaning, take a minute to inspect your gutters. Look for cracks, sagging spots, or loose brackets. Make sure all the joints are tight and secure.
• Call in the Pros: Every few years, it’s worth having a professional, like Serviceteam, check out your whole rainwater system. We can catch any hidden issues and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

How Much to Fix Gutter Leak?

The cost of cracked gutter repairs in London can really vary.

• For something simple, like sealing a single gutter leak, you’re looking at around £100 to £200.
• If a section of cracked gutter or a tricky fitting needs replacing, it might cost between £200 and £400.
• But if there’s serious damage that requires replacing larger sections or fascia boards, it could go over £500.

The price depends on things like the height of your property, how easy it is to access, the type of guttering material, and how bad the damage is.

Protect Your Property with Serviceteam

If you are facing an issue like a box gutter leaking, and you're just too busy for a DIY job, Serviceteam is here for you. Our skilled technicians know the best way to repair a leaking gutter joint, any time, any day. Give us a shout today to book an inspection and keep your home dry and happy.

Discover easy ways to maintain your gutters. Read our blog: Tips on How to Keep Your Gutter in Good Condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to fix a washing machine that will not fill with water?

Check your water supply. Make sure the stopcocks are fully open. If that’s not the issue, the inlet hose filter might be clogged, especially if you’re in one of London’s hard water areas. You can try cleaning it yourself, or call a local engineer if you’re in places like Hackney or Camden.

How do I fix the water not going into my washing machine?

Start by double-checking that both the hot and cold water taps are on. Next, take a look at the inlet hoses for any kinks. This is pretty common if the machine has been moved recently. Still no luck? It could be a faulty water inlet valve, which might need a professional’s touch if you’re in Southwark or Islington.

Why is my washing machine making noise but not filling?

This usually means the water inlet valve is trying to open but can’t. It might also be a blocked filter or even low water pressure in your area. Check other taps in your home to see if they’re affected too. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to call a technician from a local London appliance repair service to take a look.

How to hard reset a washing machine?

Just unplug the machine from the mains for 5-10 minutes. This often clears minor electronic glitches. Plug it back in and try running a cycle. If you’re in Kensington or Chelsea and it’s still acting up, it could be a deeper electrical issue that needs checking out.

What should I do if the hoses are kinked or clogged?

Straighten out any kinks in the hoses and be gentle! If they’re clogged, disconnect them from the machine and the tap, then clean out any debris. For tougher blockages, especially from London’s infamous limescale, you might need to replace the hoses. Local hardware shops in Clapham or Wimbledon can get you sorted.