So, you head outside to check the mail one day and, as you turn around to head back inside, you are confronted with an unpleasant sight. The gutters on your home are sagging downward, allowing water and other debris to spill out onto the siding and landscaping.

It’s not only unsightly, but those sagging gutters can eventually cause water damage to the tune of thousands of dollars if not repaired.

Don’t worry! Fixing sagging gutters isn’t a pricy or challenging project. Most homeowners can manage it with the right tools.

The Cause of Sagging Gutters

Most of the time, gutters will sag when they become clogged up by debris or ice. This extra weight puts pressure on the front of the gutters, eventually causing them to bow. Your gutters may even snap loose from the gutter hangers or pull the gutter spikes out if that's how they're attached.

How Gutters Are Held Upright

Most aluminum or vinyl gutters aren’t strong enough alone to hold back the water and debris that flows through them on a regular basis. The gutter material is held in shape using either:

  • Gutter Hangers: Modern gutters use hangers that fit inside the gutter. Most hangers are metal bars. One side of the bar is screwed into the fascia to secure it and one side is curved into a hook that clips onto the gutter front.
  • Gutter Spikes: Older gutters may still use spikes, which are long nails that are screwed through the gutter fronts, extending across the gutter and through the back into the fascia.

Fixing Your Sagging Gutters

The process for fixing sagging gutters starts with cleaning out any clogs or debris. Once your gutters are clean, you can begin the process of re-securing the loose hangers.

Securing Loose Gutters

Remove the screw holding the hanger in place. Pull the hanger away from the fascia and slide the hook under the lip of the gutter. Then, re-screw the hanger back into the same spot. If the wood is damaged and the screw won’t stay in place, you’ll need to move the hanger a few inches in either direction or drill a new hole to secure it.

You may also want to purchase a few extra hangers to affix to the fascia and give your gutters extra support. Hangers are a very inexpensive purchase at local hardware stores.

Securing Loose Spikes

When your gutters use spikes, it’s usually the screw hole that gives way under increased weight and pressure causing the spike to come loose. You’ll likely need to remove the spike, move it a few inches in another direction and drill new holes through the gutter front and fascia. Make sure to seal the old hole with some roof cement so water doesn’t get into it.

If you don’t have the extra time or patience for this project, reach out to Gutter Up for an estimate on gutter repairs. You can fill out our online form or give us a call to speak with a representative. We’ll be happy to set up a gutter assessment as soon as possible.