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Polycarbonate and Acrylic Sheets

Roofing and Glazing Bars

Repairing a leaking gutter joint is essential to maintain the efficiency and integrity of your gutter system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you address this issue:

Understanding the Problem

Seal Failure: The seal in a PVC guttering joint is made when the gutter is clipped into place. Clips on the fitting and fascia brackets apply downwards force, creating a watertight seal.

Common Causes of Seal Failure:

Expansion and Contraction: PVC gutters expand and contract with temperature changes. If installed incorrectly, extreme thermal movements weaken the seal.
Dirt or Grit in the Seal: Sediment or grit can be drawn into the seal, preventing it from seating correctly.
Damaged Fittings: Damage from slipped tiles, ladders, or snow load can reduce compression on the seal.
Wear and Tear: Older gutter systems may not be as durable, leading to seal breakdowns.

Replacing the Joint

Instead of just replacing the seal, it's advisable to replace the entire fitting for a proper fix.

Remove the Gutter: Pull retaining clips on fittings and fascia brackets upwards while pushing the gutter inward. Release the front clips and roll the gutter away to free the back edge.
Remove the Faulty Fitting: Unscrew the faulty fitting from the fascia board.
Install the New Fitting: Secure the new fitting to the fascia board through the locating holes. Clean the gutter with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grit. Ensure the gutter length matches the insertion marks by laying it loosely in the fittings. Trim if too long with a fine-toothed saw; replace if too short.
Insert the Gutter: Spray seals of the new fitting with silicon lubricant for improved performance. Slide the back edge of the gutter under the retaining clips and fascia brackets, ensuring the felt from the roof is inside the gutter. Align the ends of the gutter with insertion marks, pull the front down until the clips click into place.
Final Checks: Ensure all clips are in place and the felt is safely inside the gutter.

By following these steps, you can effectively repair a leaking gutter joint and ensure your guttering system remains functional and efficient.