RE-LINING A GUTTER – As many homeowners know, gutters do not last forever and need to be repaired every so often. One of the most common issues is gutter re-lining and this can be expensive. There are several options for gutter repair and re-lining. Boxed gutters can be repaired with either sheet metal or a rubber lining that is placed over the existing liner.
When re-lining a gutter with metal, some contractors will do the job with stainless steel or offer other options. The original liners are removed from the wood troughs and the wood should be cleaned thoroughly. After this area has dried, the metal liners can be attached to the wooden frames. When replacing the metal liners, stainless steel is the least expensive. However, most experts recommend replacing with a copper lining. This will be significantly more expensive, but will last almost twice as long.
The other option for gutter re-lining is rubber. This is both an inexpensive and long-lasting solution. These can be easily replaced by homeowners with a few simple steps.
Before replacing the gutter liners, they will need to be free of any debris. Using a paintbrush, clean the gutters by removing any debris. Also, it may be necessary to scrape off any loose coating with a paint scraper. After this has been completed, rinse the gutters using a hose and then allow them to dry completely. If the gutters have mould, they will need to be soaked in a bleach solution to rid the surfaces of any bacteria.
The next step is to patch any damaged areas with butyl tape. This is a type of rubber tape that can be used safely with gutters. Butyl tape can be cut into the correct patching size and should cover any holes completely.
After both of these steps have been completed, the rubber solution can be activated. The rubber can be purchased at most home repair stores and will come with a separate catalyst solution. The catalyst will need to be added to the rubber solution. After mixing, it can be used for 4-6 hours before hardening. Using a paintbrush, brush the gutters with a 1/4″ thick layer. A roller or squeegee can also be used. Brush the rubber slightly past the gutter to cover the area intersecting the roof. One gallon of the rubber sealant will cover approximately 40′ of gutter.
One final piece of advice is to ensure that the weather will be clear for 24 hours after application. If it rains before the rubber liners have had time to dry, they will need to be reapplied. The best time of year to re-line a gutter is in the early fall when the temperatures are moderate and there is not a high chance of rain. However, it is possible to re-line at any time of year with caution.
Most gutters will have to be re-lined and homeowners have several options. While the copper liners are more aesthetically pleasing, they usually need to be installed by a professional, while the rubber liners are less expensive and can be applied by a homeowner easily.
