Leaking seams, sagging sections and loose downspouts are common gutter problems, and most can be fixed without replacing the whole system. A quick repair keeps water off your walls and away from your foundation.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent gutter provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs your gutters need repair
Watch the gutters in the rain, or look for these signs afterwards.
- Drips or leaks at seams and corners
- Sections that sag or pull away from the roof
- Downspouts that are loose or disconnected
- Water pouring over the edge even when gutters are clean
- Rust holes or cracks
- Stains or peeling paint on the walls below
What to do right now
Do not use a ladder in wind, rain or ice, and keep ladders away from power lines.
- Note where water leaks or overflows during rain
- Clear debris from ground floor gutters if safe
- Reattach a loose downspout at ground level
- Move valuables away from where water spills
- Photograph the problem areas
- Call a gutter provider
Common gutter repairs
Resealing seams
Leaking joints and end caps are cleaned and resealed.
Rehanging
Sagging gutters are rehung with new, stronger hangers at closer spacing.
Downspout repair
Loose or crushed downspouts are refastened or replaced, and extensions added.
Fascia repair
Rotted fascia boards behind the gutter are replaced so the gutter can hold.
How gutters are repaired
- The provider cleans the gutters and finds the cause of the problem.
- Seams and end caps are resealed.
- Loose sections are rehung and the slope is corrected.
- Rotted fascia is replaced where needed.
- The system is water tested.
Keeping gutters in good shape
- Clean gutters at least twice a year
- Check hangers after storms and heavy snow
- Keep downspouts discharging well away from the house
- Trim branches over the roof
- Consider gutter guards if trees drop a lot of leaves
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you insured? Ask for proof.
- Will you check the fascia behind the gutters?
- Can the gutter be repaired, or should it be replaced?
- Will you correct the slope?
- What warranty do you give on the repair?
Frequently asked questions
Can a leaking gutter seam be fixed?
Yes. Seams are cleaned and resealed, which often stops the leak.
Why do my gutters sag?
Usually because hangers have loosened, spacing is too wide or the fascia behind has rotted.
Should I repair or replace gutters?
Repair makes sense for a few problems. Widespread rust, leaks or sagging often make replacement better.
Do seamless gutters leak less?
They have fewer joints, so there are fewer places to leak, though corners and downspout connections can still need care.
Learn more
Our main gutter guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.