How to Replace a Gutter Downpipe
The guttering system is a vital part of your home drainage system. It diverts rainwater away your foundations to avoid water damage to your home.
Maintaining your home's cleaning and maintenance can help to prevent gutter blockages and leaks. This means applying sealant on a regular basis and looking at options such as waterbutt connections and drainage in the underground.
Clean the gutters
Downpipes, also called gutter pipes are a vital component of any drainage system. They are designed to carry rainwater efficiently from the roof to the ground, thereby preventing damage to a foundation of a building and the surrounding landscaping. Choosing the right downpipe is essential for optimum functionality and regular maintenance will help ensure that they are functioning properly.
Clogged gutters can be a major problem that causes flooding and rotted wood, basement leaks, and more. If you notice stains on the side of your home, or observe water dripping down the walkways, it is most likely that your gutters have become blocked. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this from occurring.
If you have a steel downpipe, it's important to ensure the surface is coated in an oil-based paint that is waterproof. This will guard the pipe from corrosion and also make it appear attractive. Check the brackets of your gutters, and re-align them that have moved over time. The most suitable material for the downpipe is a metallic like galvanised or aluminium steel, which is strong and durability in the local climate. Plastic downpipes are another alternative, however they can become brittle over time.
Leaks in downpipes are often caused by damage to the area where one section of gutter joins another. This can happen due to corrosion, or could be caused by loose joints. If the joint has become corroded, it will need cleaning and sealing using a high quality sealant like LePage QuAD MAX Window Door, Siding Sealant.
If the joint is loose, it can be fixed with silicone caulk. In more severe cases it might be necessary to replace the joint completely. Another common source of leakage from a downpipe is the cap at the end, which should be sealed to stop water escape. They are readily available at most home improvement stores and can be fitted by simply crimping them in place. It is recommended to purchase a set for all of your gutters in order to ensure that the joints are fully waterproof and sealed against leaks.
Repair the Leak
Downpipes (also known as gutter drain pipes) are an important component of a drainage system, effectively carrying rainwater from a building's roof to the ground. They are made of sturdy materials that can withstand the elements and come in various sizes to match any construction.
If you find that your downpipes are leaking, it's time to carry out some maintenance to ensure that they're functioning properly. Check the brackets for cracks or holes and see if there are any. It is also recommended to replace the downpipe in case it's corroded or damaged.
Guttering downpipes can become clogged with debris, causing water build up and then overflow. This can cause erosion of the landscaping around your property and cause damage to windows and doors. A clogged drain will also add pressure to your gutters which can cause them to sag. Try to eliminate the obstruction by running water through a hose and down the downpipe. If this fails, you may have to remove your downpipe and manually clear the blockage.
Over time, downpipes can be loosened or even separated from the gutters. This is often caused by extreme temperatures that cause them to expand and contract. This can cause damage to the seals and eventually cause a leak. Repairing cracks can be done by using caulk in certain situations. In severe cases it could be required to replace the entire downpipe.
You can purchase guttering pipes on the internet, but it is recommended to measure your measurements at a reputable DIY store prior to you do so. This will ensure that you get the correct size downpipe, and also avoid unnecessary expenses. It's a great idea to combine caulk with waterproof tape if you're doing the repairs yourself. This will give you a better hold and will prevent the issue from recurring.
Replace the Damaged Section
A thorough cleaning of your gutters is the best option for small cracks or leaks. However, sometimes sections might be damaged beyond repair. In this instance you'll need to replace the affected section. This can be done by removing the old guttering from the fascia boards, and then installing a new length of gutter. It is much easier to do this from the ground, rather than on a ladder. You can patch up cracks or holes in guttering made of metal using gutter sealant for the roof. Clean the area around the damaged area and remove any loose paint or rust from the surface of the guttering. Cut off a length repair tape that is a few centimetres larger than the width of the guttering and take off the backing paper. Wrap the repair tape around the joint, and press it down firmly. It's a great idea to cover all seams when repairing the downpipe that is leaking. This will prevent water from entering the home through the guttering.
Be sure to have the right tools before installing a new section. Take two ladders and enlist the help of a person you know If you are able to. You'll need to reach the downspout. Remove any existing gutter hangers and scrape away any old sealant or rust. If you're using gutter slips (connectors which connect sections of guttering together) Pre-drill and drive gutter screws or rivets into them to fix them.
Mark the area where the downspout is to be installed with a marker if you are using one with drop-outlets. Then using a hammer and an chisel, or multi-tool drill a hole through the mark. The downspout connector is then inserted into the hole and screw or hammer it into place. Make sure that the guttering slopes by 1/8 inch per foot to the downspout.
If your gutters are made of aluminum, you can use a sheet metal crimper squeeze or "crimp" one end of each length of downspout so that it fits into the elbows that you've already installed. This will prevent the gutters and downspouts from getting clogged with leaves, and it also makes them more resistant to corrosion.
Install the new Gutters
It's important to remove any blockages from your gutters as quickly as you can. To avoid injuries be sure to exercise extreme caution while working at high levels. Also, you should have someone hold your ladder firmly. If you're unable to reach the bottom of the drain, you might need to hire a drain cleaning rod that is flexible.
After clearing any obstructions, the next step is to fix any leaks or cracks that may have formed in the gutter. Use gutter sealant to plug the holes and prevent water from leaking through, causing further damage to your home's foundations or gutters.
When installing new gutters you must carefully plan and measure the roofline. Make sure you select the correct size and material for your roof and rainfall intensity. You should also remove any branches that might block your gutters from functioning correctly.
Installation of gutters is a difficult task, so it's always best to consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you're following the correct procedures. It is also recommended to get assistance when installing 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 you can pass them to your helper. Then, attach the gutters onto the fascia brackets and secure them to the wall using the screws supplied.
Aluminium downpipes are the ideal option for replacing your gutters, as they do not have the same problems as plastic alternatives such as the possibility of leaking or fading. Take Downpipe Services lewisham at our aluminum downpipes if you're looking for a gutter system that's easy to install and will last many years. You can pick from a variety of sizes and colors to find the perfect fit for you home. Contact us with any questions and we'll be glad to help. We're also here to help you with any repairs or maintenance that you might require for your gutters.