How to Replace a Gutter Downpipe
Guttering is a vital component of your home's drainage system. It diverts rainwater away from your foundations, thereby preventing water damage to your home.
Maintaining and cleaning your gutters can help stop leaks and blockages. This means applying sealant on a regular basis and considering options such as waterbutt connections and drainage in the underground.
Clean the Gutters
Downpipes, also referred to as gutter pipes are an essential component of any drainage system. They are designed to efficiently transfer rainwater from the roof to the ground. This will prevent water damage to the building's foundation or surrounding landscaping. Choosing the right downpipe is essential for optimum performance and regular maintenance will help ensure that they are functioning properly.
Clogged gutters are a major issue that can cause flooding, rotted wooden, basement leaks and more. If you notice stains on the sides of your home or notice water flowing down your walkways, it is likely that your gutters are clogged. Regular maintenance and cleaning prevents this from happening, so it's worth the effort to clean it regularly.
It is crucial to paint the exterior of a metal downpipe with a water-proof paint. This will protect the surface against corrosion and will also look good. You should also inspect the gutters' brackets and realign any that have moved over time. Metals such as galvanised steel or aluminium are the most suitable materials to use for a downpipe. They provide strength and durability, based on the local climate. Plastic downpipes are another alternative, however they can become brittle over time.
The most common reason for leaks from downpipes is damage to the joint area in which a section of gutter joins with another. This could be due to corrosion, or it could be caused by an unsound joint. If the joint has been corrosion-prone, it's going to need to be cleaned and sealed with a top-quality sealant, such as LePage QUAD Max Window Door, Siding and Door Sealant.
If the joint is loose, it can be fixed with silicone caulk. In more serious cases it could be necessary to replace the joint altogether. Another common spot for leaks from a downpipe is the cap at the end that should be sealed to prevent water from escape. These are readily available at many home improvement stores and can be installed by simply crimping them down. It is recommended to get some for all of your gutters in order to ensure that the joints are waterproof and sealed to prevent leaks.
Repair the Leak
Downpipes (also called gutter drain pipes) are a crucial part of the drainage system, transporting rainwater from a building's roof to the ground. Downpipe Specialists are constructed of durable materials that can endure the elements and come in various sizes to match any construction.
If you notice that your downpipes leaky, it's time to do some maintenance tasks to ensure that they're functioning correctly. This could include checking the brackets to see whether they've moved, and looking for any cracks or holes. It's also worth considering replacing the downpipe when it's corroded or damaged.
The debris that is accumulated in guttering downpipes could cause water to overflow. This can lead to erosion of the landscaping around your property, and also damage to doors and windows. A blocked drain will add pressure to your gutters, which could cause them to sag. Try to eliminate any obstruction by running water from a hose through the downpipe. If this fails, you may need to dismantle the downpipe and clear the blockage manually.
In time, downpipes could be loosened or even separated from the gutters. This is often caused by extreme temperatures that cause them to expand and contract. This can damage the seals, and eventually cause a leak. Cracks can be repaired by using caulk in certain situations. In the case of severe damage it might be necessary to replace the entire downpipe.
You can purchase guttering pipes on the internet, but it's worth taking your measurements to a good DIY store before you purchase. This will ensure you get the correct size downpipe, and avoid any unnecessary expenses. It is a good idea to use caulk in conjunction with waterproof tape if you're making repairs yourself. This will give you a better hold and stop the issue from reappearing in the future.
Replace the damaged section
A thorough cleaning of your gutters is the best solution for small cracks or leaks. However, in some cases, sections might be damaged beyond repair. In this case, the damaged section must be replaced. This can be done by removing the old guttering from the fascia boards and installing a new length of gutter. This is easier if can work from the ground instead of the ladder. You can patch up a hole or crack in guttering made of metal using roof and gutter sealant. Remove any loose paint and rust from the surface. Clean the area surrounding the damaged area. Cut off a length of repair tape that is a few centimetres more than the length of the guttering. Then remove the paper backing. Wrap the repair tape around the joint and press firmly. It's a good idea to cover all seams when repairing a leaking downpipe. This will stop water from leaking into the back of the guttering and eventually into the home.
Before installing the new section of guttering, ensure you have the appropriate tools and are able to work from the ladder. Take two ladders and ask for the assistance of a neighbor if you can. You will have to reach the downspout. Remove any gutter hangers that are in use and scrape away any rust or old sealant. If you're using gutter slips (connectors that join sections of guttering together) Pre-drill and drive gutter screws or rivets into them to secure them.
Mark the area where the downspout will be installed using a marker if you are using an outlet that is drop-style. Then, using a multi-tool or hammer and chipper, drill into the area you've marked. The downspout connector is then inserted into the hole and hammer or screw it in the right position. Make sure that the guttering slopes 1/8 inch per foot to the downspout.
If your gutters are made from aluminum, use a sheet-metal crimper and "crimp" the ends of each downspout's shorter end to fit inside the elbows that you have already put in. This will keep the gutters from getting blocked by leaves and also increase their corrosion resistance.
Install the New Gutters
A blocked gutter can be a major problem for your home, therefore it's important to clear any obstructions as soon as you notice them. To avoid accidents it is recommended to use extreme caution while working at heights. Also, have someone hold your ladder firmly. If you are unable to reach the bottom of the drain and you're not sure, you might need to hire a flexible drain clearing rod.
After clearing any obstructions, the next step is to fix any cracks or leaks in the gutter. Fill the holes with gutter sealant. This will stop water from entering and damaging the gutters or your home's foundation.
When installing new gutters you must plan your project carefully and take measurements of the roofline. You should then choose the proper size, material, and design for your roof and the rainfall intensity. Remove any branches that hang overhanging and can prevent gutters from working correctly.
The installation of gutters can be a challenging job, so it's recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you're following the correct procedure. It's also an excellent idea to have an assistant to install your gutters.
When you're ready for installing your gutters, start by putting them up next to the ladder in the order you'll be installing them so that you can hand them over to your assistant. Then, fit the gutters to the fascia brackets and secure them to the wall using the screws provided.
Using aluminium downpipes is the most secure way to replace your gutters because they don't face the same issues as plastic alternatives such as fading and leaking. If you're looking for an option that is easy to install and will last for a long time take a look at our range of aluminum downpipes. They're available in a range of sizes and colors 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 glad to answer them. We're also here to help you with any repairs or maintenance that you might need for your gutters.