How to Seal Gutters

Gutters are a fundamental part of keeping the structure of your home safe. Noticing holes or other damage to your gutters? Small problems can be fixed with a gutter sealant if the issue is caught in time. Sealing gutters will help make sure the damage doesn’t get worse and will keep water where it belongs: away from your home’s foundation. In this article, we’ll walk you through sealing your gutters plus point out which problems mean it’s time to call in the pros.

When Should I Use Gutter Sealant?

Your gutters are exposed to the elements, so it’s no surprise that from time to time they may need some maintenance. Sealing gutters can repair the following problems:

• Small holes
• Broken seams
• A visible space in the corner joints 

The big key here is to find and fix these problems before they become so serious that the gutters need to be replaced. If you do need a replacement, you can use our Gutter Replacement Cost Calculator to help you budget for it.

Gutter Replacement Cost Calculator

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Can Sealing Gutters Be a DIY Job?

Yes! If you want to handle sealing gutters yourself, here’s how:

Step One: Prepare the Gutters

You can’t seal gutters properly if there is debris in them, so you want to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris before you get started. 

Step Two: Remove Rust

If there is any rust on the gutters, that needs to be removed as well, which can be done with a wire brush. 

Step Three: Wash and Dry

When you’re finished, flush out the gutters with a garden hose and allow them to dry.

Step Four: Apply Gutter Sealant

Once the gutters are dry, prepare the sealant based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the sealant to holes and cracks in the gutters with steady pressure until it fills the area. If you’re applying sealant to the seams of the gutters, press it into the joints and then clamp them together for 24 hours to hold them in place.

Best Types and Brands of Gutter Sealant

The gutter sealant you choose is important. The following are some types of gutter sealers you can choose from, as well as common brands to look for.

Liquid Rubber Sealants

This type of sealant is water-based and can be applied on multiple surfaces easily with a roller or brush. This is one of the most versatile types of sealants you can use for gutters. 

One popular brand to look into is LR Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant, which is odorless, durable, and flexible. However, it can take longer to dry than other brands.

Paste Sealants

Paste sealants are generally made from silicone. They are suitable for metal gutters, such as aluminum. If you’re used to working with caulk, this type of gutter sealant is a good choice because it resembles that material. 

DAP Crystal Clear Gutter Sealant is a paste sealant that is weatherproof and dries in 30 minutes.

Spray-on Sealants

These sealants are best to use on small areas of your gutters and can make the repair quick and easy. They are comparable to liquid rubber sealants but pricier. Rust-Oleum is a spray-on sealant that provides high adhesion and dries in about 30 minutes.

You can also explore using sealant tape. However, it’s important to keep in mind that although tapes are versatile, they’re also less durable than other options.

When Should I Call a Contractor for Gutter Repair?

Although a skilled DIYer can do the job of repairing gutters on their own, it’s still a good idea to consider hiring a skilled professional who specializes in gutters if your gutters:

• Have numerous holes
• Are broken and bent
• The holes are larger than what a sealant can adequately repair

A professional will know how to fix them and avoid further damage. 

Find local gutter pros