How To Fix Sagging Rain Gutters & What It Will Cost

Sagging rain gutters are not only an eyesore, but if left unchecked, they can cause real damage to your home. Water can overflow, eroding the foundation of a building, and its siding. That’s why we’re going to cover everything you need to know about fixing sagging gutters, from what causes this to happen, to estimated costs and step-by-step instructions on how to get them fixed. Read this detailed guide to repair sagging gutters on your home or commercial property. 

Why Do Gutters Sag?

When it comes to sagging gutters, there are a few main culprits, including improper installation, lack of maintenance, and age-related wear and tear that tend to cause gutters to start sagging, bending, and pulling away from their intended positions over time. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, especially if the sagging is minimal, letting sagging gutters go unchecked can pave the way for potential water damage, erosion, and deterioration issues that homeowners want to avoid. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the primary reasons why gutters develop those unsightly sagging issues.

1. Age and Natural Wear & Tear

Over time, gutters tend to sag due to a number of factors, with age and material deterioration being the most significant ones. Even the strongest gutter materials like aluminum and copper start to weaken and lose their strength when constantly exposed to elements such as UV rays, temperature changes, moisture, and general wear and tear. This gradual breakdown causes the gutters to crack, bend, and move away from their intended position on the roofline, which in turn affects proper water flow and drainage.

2. Too Much Weight/Debris

One of the most common reasons for sagging gutters is the accumulation of debris inside them over time. You’d be surprised how heavy all those wet leaves, sticks, pine needles, and other organic matter can get when they start piling up in your gutters. This excess weight can put a lot of strain on the gutter hangers that hold them in place, causing them to bend and pull away from the roof. When gutters are clogged and overloaded with debris, it can lead to water not draining properly, which can cause significant damage to the interior of your home.

3. Improper Installation

In some cases, sagging gutters can be traced back to improper installation techniques if the gutters weren’t mounted correctly from the start. This could involve using too few hangers or supports to adequately brace the gutters, incorrect gutter sloping or pitches that prevent proper water flow towards downspouts, poor sealing/caulking methods that eventually give way, and more. If your gutters weren’t installed right the first time around, they’ll likely start exhibiting premature sagging and drainage problems well before reaching their expected lifespan.

Also read: 7 Common Gutter Problems That Require Repairs

The Cost of Fixing Sagging Gutters

With all the potential causes for sagging in mind, the next question is what can you expect to pay to solve the situation and get your gutters repaired or replaced properly? The cost to repair or replace your sagging gutters can vary widely depending on several factors. These may include the extent of the damage, whether you choose to do the repair work yourself or hire professional help, regional pricing differences, and whether you’re choosing to repair existing gutters or replace the entire system. 

1. Repair vs. Replacement

If it’s just a minor issue affecting a small section of your gutters, a repair is usually the most cost-effective option. You can hire someone to re-attach any loose gutter sections, reinforce them with new hangers, and adjust the slope for around $4 to $10 per linear foot. 

On the other hand, if your gutters are in really bad shape and need to be replaced entirely, be prepared to pay a bit more. Basic materials for a new gutter system start around $10 per linear foot, while more premium materials like copper can cost $30 or more per foot when installed by professionals.

2. Material Costs

The price of basic vinyl gutters starts at around $3 to $5 per linear foot, while aluminum ones cost approximately $3 to $8 per foot. However, if you’re looking for higher-end materials, the cost can skyrocket to $15 or more than $30 per foot for copper, galvanized steel, or premium aluminum varieties. This makes it essential to budget accordingly if you need to replace entire sections or runs of your gutter system.

3. Labor Costs

Labor rates vary depending on your location, but typically, you may have to pay around $45 to $90+ per hour for a gutter specialist. The amount of time they’ll spend on your project will depend on the extent of the work required. For instance, if your gutters only need a quick fix for sagging, it might only take them around 1 to 2 hours to complete the job. However, for a full gutter replacement for an average-sized home, expect the work to take more like 6 to 8 hours from start to finish. 

How To Fix Sagging Gutters On Your Property

1. Clear Out Debris

Because clogged gutters cause foundation cracks, it is essential to clean them. Use a gutter trowel, stiff brush, or your hands to manually remove all the leaves, sticks, and other forms of debris that have built up. Once you’ve removed as much as possible by hand, it’s important to flush out the gutters with a garden hose to make sure you’ve cleared it out completely. Doing this will also help you get a clearer picture of what might be contributing to the problem. 

2. Examine Hangers/Supports

Once you’ve cleared your gutters of debris and excess weight, take a closer look at the hangers, brackets, and other supports that are actually holding them in place. Check for any signs of damage, bending, or insufficient spacing between the hangers that could be causing sections to sag over time. These supports are often the primary reason why gutters start to detach and bend unnaturally, as they may not be securely anchored. 

3. Reattach The Gutters 

If you notice any loose or sagging sections of your gutter that are pulling away from your home’s exterior, it’s important to take action and fix them before they cause any further damage. To start, locate all the problem areas and physically reattach and re-secure them tightly into place. This may require using a drill or hammer for certain hanger types, gutter repair brackets, new hinged hangers, or any other necessary mounting hardware. 

When reattaching the gutter sections, it’s crucial to make sure they are aligned correctly and maintain a consistent, sloped pitch. This will ensure proper water flow and drainage towards the downspouts, preventing any water damage or flooding. 

4. Add New Hangers

If you’re looking to improve the durability of your gutter system, it’s highly recommended that you install additional hangers or braces to the gutter runs. By doing so, you can ensure that your gutters remain anchored against harsh weather over time. Aim for no more than 2 to 3 feet between each hanger or support brace to ensure adequate support and stability. This is an inexpensive upgrade that can significantly prolong the lifespan of your gutter system, making it a wise investment in the long run.

Contact B&A Roofing In Hattiesburg To Repair Your Sagging Gutters

The professionals at B&A Roofing in Hattiesburg have years of experience inspecting, replacing, and repairing all types of gutter systems. Their team can quickly identify the root cause of your sagging gutters, whether it’s deteriorated materials, inadequate support, or improper sloping. Contact us today at (601) 520-3183 to learn more about what we can do for you.