When it comes to repairing sections of plastic gutters that have been damaged, homeowners have two main options: screws or rivets. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the type of gutter and the extent of the damage. Gutters are usually made of aluminum or vinyl, and their damage can cause sharp edges, especially if they are made of aluminum. To repair them, you'll need to use a drop of gutter sealer on the end cover and then push it against the gutter.
Finish by riveting the parts together or using screws at the ends of the gutter. Each end of the gutter sections will have an end cover fixed with rivets or self-tapping screws. You'll need four of the ones you've chosen to use. Using silicone glue to seal the edges and around the rivet or screw holes is also recommended. If the damaged gutter cover is still in place, carefully remove it.
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the end cap if necessary. Now that the holes in the downspouts are cut out and the sections of the gutter are solidly together, you can start hanging them from the supports. Pre-drill and then insert screws or rivets through the connector and gutter to secure them. This will help channel rainwater away from your home, preventing erosion of existing landscapes, reducing chances of foundations rotting and flooding basements, and protecting eaves and roofs from water damage. If you choose to use rivets, make sure you have a rivet tool with the correct nozzle installed. If not, use a supplied wrench to remove the current tip and install the correct one.
After fixing all of the rivets, place a drop of silicone sealant along the inside of the gutter, where the end cap meets the edge of the gutter. When a house has no gutters or if they need to be changed, many key elements of the house, such as siding, moldings and foundations, can be severely damaged. Therefore, it is important to check municipal state and local codes before continuing with home repair. Your choice of tools will vary depending on whether gutters are bolted, nailed or riveted in place. Additionally, if you have to install a 20-foot gutter section on a certain side of your house, two ten-foot stretches of material won't be enough. You'll need to know how to remove gutters correctly every time you need to replace a section, redo an entire system or work on fascia. When it comes down to it, deciding between screws or rivets for repairing damaged plastic gutters is largely dependent on your specific situation.
If you're dealing with a large area that needs repair, rivets may be more suitable as they provide more stability than screws. However, if you're dealing with smaller areas that need repair, screws may be more suitable as they are easier to install than rivets. No matter which option you choose for repairing your plastic gutters, it's important to make sure that all connections are secure and that all holes are properly sealed with silicone sealant. This will help ensure that your gutters remain in good condition for years to come.
