How To Fix Sagging Gutters (DIY Guide)

Gutters sag primarily because of debris build up, poor attachment to the house, misaligned slope, ice dams and age. Each issue has its own fix, but routine maintenance can identify issues before they become a problem.

Debris

Gutters accumulate debris like dirt, twigs and tree branches throughout the year, which can make them sag or bulge because of the weight. So it’s important to inspect your gutters at least twice a year. Knowing how to clean gutters properly can keep them clear from debris and flowing properly. Installing gutter guards can keep your gutters clear and save you a trip up a ladder to clean.

Poor Attachment

Gutters get secured with gutter spikes, screws, brackets and hangers. Over time, though, any of those things can get loose and need reattaching. Some fasteners will need replacing if they’ve become stripped out. In that case, you’ll need to drill new holes to secure the fasteners.

Bad Slope

Gutters should drop a quarter inch per every 10 feet of gutters to ensure proper flow. However, gutters can get misaligned or slip joints can fall out of alignment, leading to improper slope. Poor gutter slope can cause debris to accumulate in one spot and increase sagging or bulging.

Ice Dams

Ice dams occur in colder climates when melting water refreezes at the edge of your roof. The weight of the ice will cause gutters to sag and prevent water from draining properly. It’s important to get rid of ice dams before they cause bigger problems.

Age

Different types of gutters have varying lifespans. Those with shorter lifespans can show their age and become less functional over time. Some metal gutters can start rusting out and vinyl gutters can become warped. Old, sagging gutters might need replacing instead of repair.

Regularly inspecting your gutter system is always recommended to protect your home from water damage. However, to ensure you can address the problems before they escalate, you must be able to recognize the signs of sagging gutters. From visible drooping to overflowing water, here are some signs that your gutters may be sagging.

• Visible drooping: If your gutters are sagging or drooping in some sections, it is safe to assume that they are not properly supported in certain areas.
• Pooled or overflowing water: If you see signs of water pooling near the foundation or overflowing from your gutter system, this could indicate sagging in your gutter system.
• Gutters pulling away from the roof: If you see signs that your gutters are no longer attached to the fascia board and pulling away from the support, inspecting them for sagging is best.
• Misaligned downspouts: If you see signs that the downspouts of your gutter systems are not properly aligned, it can indicate that your gutters are sagging.
• Nails or screws protruding: If you see signs that nails or screws are sticking out or are visible along the gutter line, it could be a sign that the gutters are sagging and the fasteners are no longer holding them in place securely.

It’s important to practice good ladder safety if you need to use one to reach your gutters. The ladder should rest on a flat surface and you should have someone holding the ladder while you’re on it. It’s a good idea to wear a toolbelt to keep your hands free while climbing and working on a ladder. Wearing safety glasses can keep debris from getting in your eyes, too. Also, it’s important to stay away from any overhead power lines while working on gutters.

Before you begin to fix sagging gutters, you’ll want to find possible causes. When you climb up a ladder to look at your gutters, check for clogs, see if fasteners remain secure and check your soffits, fascia board and shingles for any damage. Your sagging gutters might not be the only issue your roof faces.

1. Find the Cause of Sagging Gutters

Gutters often sag because of debris or loose fasteners. Cleaning your gutters can get them flowing properly again while fixing loose fasteners can take a little more work. Check all the brackets, hangers, nails and screws on your gutters to see which ones are loose. Measure the distance between fasteners and hangers to ensure they’re properly spaced. Hangers should not be farther than three feet from each other.

2. Check Fascia Board

The fascia board runs the length of your house under the roof and serves as support when the board fasteners get driven to secure gutters. If you’ve had water overflowing or pooling in spots, you’ll want to check the fascia board to make sure it isn’t rotten. If it is past its prime, you’ll need to replace the board before you can fix the sagging gutters.

3. Clean Gutters

A build up of debris may lead to sagging or bulging gutters. Cleaning your gutters can solve the problem. You can remove debris from your gutters with a pair of work gloves and a putty knife. Place the debris in a bucket for disposal so you don’t litter your lawn with gutter gunk. You can use a garden hose to rinse the gutters once you’ve cleaned them.

4. Fix Gutter Spikes or Screws

Older gutters will have gutter spikes, while new ones typically have stainless steel screws to secure them. Spikes and screws can get loose or have stripped holes. Some spikes can get rusty, too. Remove any problem spikes and drive new ones into the existing holes. Repeat the process with screws. If you need to drill new holes, it’s best to do so above the existing ones, if possible, to maintain the proper slope.

5. Fix or Replace Gutter Brackets

Like gutter spikes and screws, gutter brackets can become loose. Gutter brackets are U-shaped and attach behind the gutter to the fascia board for security. Gutter brackets cost between $5 and $10 each. Remove any broken brackets and replace them with new ones. Brackets usually have two screws or nails for fastening A pry bar can help with any difficult nails, but a hammer usually can remove them.

6. Repair Gutter Hangers

Most gutters use gutter hangers to keep everything in place. These devices hook under the front edge of a gutter and behind the back. Hex head screws attach the bracket and gutter to the fascia board. You can use a cordless drill to remove old hangers and install new ones. Finally, a 50-pack of gutter hangers typically costs around $50. And they need to be spaced no more than 3 feet apart. In colder climates, hangers should be spaced apart by 2 feet.

7. Seal Leaking End Caps

Gutter end caps can sprout leaks over time and can need resealing to stop sagging. Begin by cleaning the end cap area and removing any debris. Use a wire scrub brush to remove any rust spots and let dry. Once dry, apply a bead of sealant. When the sealant dries, you can apply a rubberized coating to prevent rust. A spray can of flexible rubber coating costs between $10 and $15.

8. Replace Gutters

If your gutters are 20 years or older, have significant sagging issues, or you need to replace your fascia board, you might need to replace everything completely. Gutter installation costs around $3,000 on average or $20 per linear foot. New gutters should include guards to prevent future issues caused by debris accumulation.

Sagging gutters can cause many issues, from flooding to structural and roof damage. When gutters begin to sag, they lose their ability to efficiently direct rainwater away from the home, increasing the likelihood of water accumulation, foundation issues and roof damage.

• Flooding issues: Sagging gutters cannot direct water away from the home’s foundation, increasing the risk of water pooling and seeping into the basement or crawl space.
• Foundation issues: When water continuously pools by your foundation due to sagging gutters, the water can cause the soil to shift or settle, resulting in foundation cracks and uneven floors.
• Roof damage: Sagging gutters prevent water from effectively draining off your roof, which could negatively affect its structure and potentially damage the shingles, roof decking and even the underlying structure.

Sagging gutters can cause many issues in your home, which you will undoubtedly want to avoid. By implementing a regular gutter maintenance routine, you can help prevent water accumulation, foundation damage and roof deterioration that often result from sagging gutters.

• Regular cleaning: Not only is it essential to keep your gutters clean for proper drainage, but clogged gutters are a common cause of sagging. It is recommended that you clean them about twice a year.
• Professional inspection: Since gutters can be difficult to thoroughly inspect yourself, hire a professional to perform a full inspection to check for signs of rust or wear and tear that could cause sagging.
• Gutter guards: Gutter guards can be a great solution for preventing leaves, sticks and debris from entering your gutters. They also help reduce the need for frequent cleaning and ultimately protect against sagging.

You might need to find a local gutter repair pro if the sagging span a large portion of your home, is high up or is damaged beyond repair. A professional can replace gutters or suggest a local gutter installation company to mount new ones. They can also help you decide if you should install gutter guards, too.