How to Caulk a Metal Gutter

The gutters running around the edge of a roof provide an escape route for rain water to travel through, avoiding the exterior walls and foundation of a house or building. Cracks and leaks might develop from rust, or in the joints between sections of metal gutters, working against the basic function of the gutter system. The caulking provides a flexible seal to prevent the water from leaking out before it reaches the downspout.

Rubber gloves
Ladder
Bucket
Wire brush
Rag
Gutter caulk
Caulking gun

Instructions

- 1
  Lean a ladder against the exterior wall. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands, and climb the ladder, so that you are high enough to comfortably reach into the gutter without leaning.
- 2
  Clean out the inside of the gutter, removing all the gunk, leaves and debris from the spot that needs caulking. Dump it into a bucket.
- 3
  Scrub the rust from the damaged spot inside the gutter, using a wire brush. Wipe the spot dry and clean, using a rag.
- 4
  Install a tube of gutter caulk into a caulking gun. Gutter caulk is also called gutter seal. Aim the caulking tube tip at the damaged spot, squeeze the caulking gun trigger and apply a bead of caulk along the inside of the metal gutter, over the rusted-out hole or open joint.
- 5
  Remove a glove from one hand, moisten a finger and smooth the bead of caulk with your finger.

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