Overflowing Gutter

[AJ Asalees]

I have a problem with water overflowing from my gutter in one spot. It is causing problems with water around my foundation (and in my basement) during heavy rains, so I need to repair the problem.

Here is what is happening:

- The gutter is bent in one spot. That spot is lower than the rest of the gutter.

- During heavy rains, water overflows from the gutter at that lower spot. (There are no clogged leaves or debris or anything like that.)

Here are my questions:

- Is it better to try to bend the gutter back into shape? Is there a special tool that I can use for that? Could I bang on it with a mallet or a hammer?

- Is there a quick way that I can bolster the gutter with aluminum foil or something like that? Is there a product made for this purpose?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Tom]

AJ wrote:>I have a problem with water overflowing from my gutter in one spot.

You might try straightening, and a new gutter spike and ferrule (or whetever is holding it up) in the offending area. Tom Work at your leisure!

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Careful banging. Gutters are thin material and could easily be bent. You may be able to just lift it back, but I can't see it so I can't say for sure. Or gently pry it back using a rung of the ladder for a pivot point.

Why did it sag? If it is held up by nails and the nails are puling out, replace them with some very long screw made for just that purpose. A good hardware store will have them. the ones I used came four to a pack. You probably want to add some support. Use the same system that is holding it now, but just add more of them.

If there is a leak from a break in the material, thin aluminum held in place with epoxy or silicone seal will usually fix the problem.

[Roger]

First look hard at the fascia the gutter is attached to. It could be that the eaves have sagged due to rot or other reasons, and the gutter is just tracing the sag. If it is only the gutter that sags, then the solution suggested by others would work. If that isn't sufficient to correct the sag, you might have to replace that full run of gutter, making sure you have an even slope towards the downpipe.

[JerryMouse]

If the gutter overflows it has to be, what, a 3-4" sag?

In addition to the other suggestions, consider a downspout at the point of the sag.