Roof leak? We respond the same day. Call 06 84 76 29 46
Roof leak? We respond the same day. Call 06 84 76 29 46
Coating a gutter is a way of making an existing gutter watertight again. A liquid layer is applied to the cleaned gutter and cures into a closed, flexible skin. Homeowners find that attractive, because the gutter stays in place and very little has to be removed.
Whether it is also sensible depends entirely on the condition of the gutter underneath.
The surface. A coating only bonds to a clean, dry and sound surface. Rust, grease and loose paint have to be removed first.
The condition of the material. If the gutter is still sound and there are only small leaks at the seams, coating can work. If there is already a hole, the coating won't keep the water out for good.
The fall. A gutter where water stands will still be a problem after coating. Repair first, then coat.
The type of gutter. Coating is used more often on zinc, steel or concrete. With a plastic gutter it depends on the type, so have it assessed.
“A coating is a repair, not a new gutter. So always ask what is underneath first.”
Coating pays off if the gutter is still solid along its full length, the fall is right and the leak is limited to seams, corners or small spots. Then you extend its lifespan without replacing the whole gutter.
If the fascia board or the roof base has also been damp, I look at that first. A coating doesn't solve the cause in the timber. Read also about fascia boards and roof edge trim.
I look at what is under the layer and tell you honestly whether coating makes sense or whether you would be better off replacing. I'll also tell you if it can still wait.
A coating on a wet or dirty surface. The layer comes loose and the leak comes back.
Coating over a rusted-through spot. The layer won't bridge a hole permanently.
A wrong fall that stays. The water keeps standing and attacks the coating.
Paying for a solution that doesn't last. You coat now and replace later anyway, so you pay twice.
Have the condition of the gutter assessed first. A good roofer cleans the gutter, checks the material and the fall, and then tells you whether coating still makes sense.
If the gutter has rusted through or leaks in several places, replacement is usually the better choice. See replacing a gutter. If it is just small leaks, also read leaking gutter.
Keep the gutter clean, because dirt holds moisture and speeds up rust. You can read how to go about it under cleaning gutters and leaf guard or gutter grille.
Preferably have a coating applied by a professional. The preparation decides whether the layer stays on.
Making a gutter watertight again with a liquid layer that cures into a closed skin. It is a repair for a gutter that is still sound.
When the gutter is still solid, the fall is right and the leak is limited to seams or small spots.
When the gutter has rusted through, leaks in several places or no longer drains properly. A coating won't hold for good then.
You can, but the preparation decides the result. A gutter that is high up is better left to a professional.
