How to Fix Holes in Galvanized Gutters

Gutters play an important role in keeping your home's foundation free from water by collecting the rainwater and guiding it away. Any holes or leaks in the gutter breaches this protection and leaves your home more susceptible to water damage. When you do notice a hole in your galvanized gutter, you do not need to replace the entire gutter run right away. Patching the hole will buy you time until you have the time and money to replace your gutter system.

Steel brush
Rust-inhibiting paint
Paintbrush
Rubber gutter cement
Heavy aluminum foil, sheet metal or plastic
Scissors
Work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Rub a steel brush over and around the hole to remove any loose rusty gutter pieces. Paint the area with a rust-inhibiting paint that matches the color of your gutter. Wait three to four hours for the paint to fully dry.
- 2
  Apply a 1/8-inch thick layer of rubber gutter cement over the hole. If the hole is less than 1 inch in diameter, this is all that is needed. If the hole is larger, it will need additional coverage.
- 3
  Cut a piece of heavy aluminum foil, plastic or sheet metal so that it fits the area being patched. Put on a pair of work gloves and press the aluminum foil into the rubber gutter cement. Smooth it out to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.

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