How To Repair Gutters | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner solve a problem with leaky gutters over their patio.
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General contractor Tom Silva heads out on another house call. A homeowner’s gutters have been leaking on their patio, and Tom immediately sees the issues: poor sealing, the wrong installation height, and an improper pitch. With help from the homeowner, Tom removes the existing gutters and gets to work.
Difficulty: 2/5
Time: 2 hours
Cost: Under $50
Where to find it?
Tom repairs a homeowner's seamless gutters that are pitched over their backyard deck.
Tom uses a straight edge [amzn.to/3F7wT9n] to determine if the gutters are hung too high. To remove the gutters, Tom uses a Dewalt compact drill [amzn.to/3eNoddx] to unscrew the gutter brackets. To rehang the gutter, Tom marks the gutter with a chalk line [amzn.to/3CWeiKs], then drives one 1-¼" pan-head aluminum screw [thd.co/3VH5xg5] to hold the gutter in position. To reinstall the gutters, Tom installs 5" gutter brackets [thd.co/3gsVKtU] inside the gutters through the fascia board and into a rafter tail. To fasten the 2x3 downspout B-elbows [thd.co/3VKJ6Xg] to the downspout, Tom uses 1-¼" aluminum pan-head screws. Then he screws an aluminum strap near the upper and lower ends of the downspout. To seal the corner joint, Tom uses 85148 Seamer Mate gutter sealant [amzn.to/3Sh7o8t]. To install the drip edge, Tom uses 1-½" galvanized roofing nails [thd.co/3EZzr9p] and nails them in every 16".
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Materials:
Gutter brackets [thd.co/3gsVKtU]
Silicone caulk gutter sealant [amzn.to/3Sh7o8t]
Downspout elbow (optional) [thd.co/3VKJ6Xg]
Pan-head aluminum screws [thd.co/3VH5xg5]
Galvanized roofing nails [thd.co/3EZzr9p]
Tools:
Straight edge [amzn.to/3F7wT9n]
Ladders [amzn.to/3N3jcda]
Drill driver and ¼ or 5/16-inch hex head driver bits [amzn.to/3eNoddx]
Sawhorses [amzn.to/3gGMkew]
Drill bits [amzn.to/3D2CElY]
Hose [amzn.to/3DBmHot]
Scraper [amzn.to/3TRi7Yh]
Level [amzn.to/3THbyrg]
Chalk line [amzn.to/3CWeiKs]
Caulking gun [amzn.to/3sIAp2B]
Rivet gun and rivets [amzn.to/3f1zk2y]
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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How To Repair Gutters | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@leemp337]

I'm glad he mentioned to fill holes and paint at the end. If it was a diy, it should have been done before putting gutters back on but i understand this wa for a video.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Yeah I was gonna say I'd rather paint first then install the gutter. I probably would've used gutter wedges as well. That will add more stability and less likely for the gutter to sag.

[@SolidSnake-bt8eq]

This was my question too , what do you fill the wholes with ?

[@pprb123]

@@SolidSnake-bt8eq wood putty or ramen noodles

[@kevinhamblin951]

Tommy is the best … I hope he never retires.

[@martinp.9853]

I've watched Tom and the original crew for 30 years. He's a Legend and a dying breed.

[@Kathleen253]

Remember Norm and Tommy working together. What a pair!

[@thomasconnors7511]

It would be awesome if Tommy's knowledge could be downloaded..

[@Ms_AP_]

I've been watching your show since I was a child. I've grown up to do alot of home repairs even major ones. I learned so much from watching over the years. What I've learned has saved me thousands.

[@poeticthoughts06]

What an honor to have worked on a project with Tommy.

[@saljablo2767]

I’d be freaking out the entire time

[@abc123xyz-q2p]

This Old House is very much loved and appreciated.

[@jacklynwood2008]

Every time I watch these videos, I realize just how many more projects I have to do to my old house! Now I have to fix my gutters lol thank you for helping me

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Amazing how much one can learn from Mr. Silva. In other video, I learned that the drip edges on my Dad's old 1948 house were installed wrong, leading to wood rot . 👍

[@sugrbaby66]

Your nice to watch! I feel like everyone would love a grandpa like you, your videos are awesome! I'm usually pretty impatient with how to videos, but I happily watch yours! Thankyou so much!

[@MisterBigDave]

Fantastic video! Such a great pace and Master Tom at his very best on a simple job. Thanks !

[@Kathleen253]

Wow wish I had Tom to help with my projects. Thanks for the tips on gutters now I know what is wrong with mine

[@icemanjs1213]

This video is awesome. I'm about to repitch my gutters as water just stays in them. Thank you so much!

[@MrFzzt]

That's whats wrong with my gutters! Never knew about the height. Thanks

[@Kathleen253]

I thought the same thing

[@billsherman6129]

Having it high makes it act like a big scoop. All snow, leaves, and small branches will get caught and trapped in it.

[@jenkinsljenkinssquire9137]

I need Tommy to come out to my house. The guy does everything the right way.

[@Loveduhmusic]

I've been watching This Old Home ever since I was around 9, and I am sad to see Tommy getting old.

[@flat-earther]

Spartan I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@ProfessorOfLogic81]

@@flat-earther 😂 must be nice to be that dumb 😂

[@flat-earther]

@@ProfessorOfLogic81 Are ad hominem attacks your best globe proof? BTW your comment in shadow banned.,

[@ProfessorOfLogic81]

@@flat-earther perfect example of why lead paint was banned 🤣

[@flat-earther]

@@ProfessorOfLogic81 WHat shape is the earth

[@chillout6979]

Great video! I need to take my gutters down to fix something on the backside. This was perfect for showing me how to take it all down and even repair If needed!

[@teeing9355]

Tommy is the man. Need to reset my gutters, this is great info.

[@heroknaderi]

I love how Tom shows how to get it done right 😊

[@jonpodosek6942]

Does the drip edge not need to be over hanging into the gutter? Isn’t that going to result in a lot of water on the fascia board?

[@melinageofashion]

Tom is amazing education teacher guy I like him. I wish we had him in Canada as well

[@davidstys9734]

Man! Thank you for showing how to reuse good material. I thought the idea was just to throw out and replace new on these shows.

[@HawksDiesel]

Love the channel/show!! I have always learned something from your videos/show the past 25 years. Thank you for all you guys do at This Old House!!

[@nadinejohnson2189]

🕊️ Nothing like owning your beautiful home 🏡 with nice safe gutters, way to go Master Builder Tom This Old House 🏗️

[@phyllisjones4527]

My mom use to watch this old house now I watch for useful tips.

[@chickenfriedchickenn]

I appreciated how curious Bob was!

[@GLHerzberg]

For completeness, it would have been good to cover the importance of both existing and/or missing flashing(s) related to the gutter installation.

[@dgsantafedave1]

I love this show! Used to watch it with my Dad!

[@komaboi19]

It's nice to see trips to middle class homes once in a while like this. It gets old watching houses that are over a half million dollars get visits by TOH.

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

Tommy's the man ! 🙏

[@benjamintherogue2421]

I was definitely expecting him to say "Oh, just one last thing" a la Colombo this entire time.

[@knightdetroja]

Incredibly helfpul. Appreciate knowledge and presentation of the gentleman.

[@rk5941]

Should the gutter be under the drip edge

[@JimLangley1]

Great video, thank you. My aluminum gutters are a different shape. Mine have about a 2" flat piece as part of the top inside edge of the gutter (so it's L-shaped at that edge) and that flat section all along the length of the gutter slides beneath the roof shingles. So I can't figure out how you would slope the gutter since it's aligned with the shingles, actually all the shingles are pushed up a little by the gutter. Thanks for any help.

[@eptwothousand]

My gutters are the same and I had to remove them and pound flat the angled part so that I could rehang them lower on the fascia board and at angle for drainage like Tommy did. I flattened it a small section at a time by sandwiching the top edge of the gutter between a scrap piece of 2x6 and a 4x4 and pounded the crap out of it with a rubber mallet. It was pretty easy to do with aluminum gutters and got the edge flat enough to rehang at a lower height with the proper angle.

[@edmontonlivermoore4935]

Wow what a great teacher!

[@richardprado6345]

Guys I really appreciate watching your shows and I would like to thank you for this episode also I have a repair job on a bathroom window that I need done I was wondering is there any good videos that you have that I can watch I would also appreciate any tips you have for making this job easier

[@TheJrherrera]

Love the hat. Offerman woodshop rocks

[@1252PFC]

Tommy, how to make long gutters by joint? Especially the enclosed ones?

[@Kathleen253]

Very good question I have a long gutter on back of my house

[@matt497]

Just bought a house and dealing with this exact issue.

[@flat-earther]

Matt I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@little8940]

I would fill old holes and paint before rehanging the gutter.

[@BurtBowers]

Problem is if gutters sit at a lower setting when rain comes pouring down heavy & fast the water will surf over the gutters, there is nothing wrong with having gutters high to do what they are suppose to do to catch the run off water from the roof.

[@fredrickvoncold]

that guy is a building genius.

[@JoseHernandez-wj2ud]

What is the easiest way to take the leads out of your gutters I seen videos people doing there own gutters tools with pvc pipe and a shop vac.

[@matt497]

Also I don't see any drip edge here. Was the drip edge in good shape?

[@immaculatemisconception1725]

I'm totally new to this but I was just thinking wouldn't you need a stud finder for the rafters to see where every screw needs to be placed

[@eptwothousand]

You could locate the rafters by measuring every 16 inches on center starting from the outside edge of the roof, or you could peek under the facia board and just see them with your eye.

[@andrewpackard7]

A tree limb fell on my gutter and bent it, is there an easy way to bend the gutter back or do I have to do all this that the video shows?

[@anthonysmith9410]

Hi Tom…..NO ONE…… I mean no one is better than Tom!…. No one!

[@fadetounforgiven]

Well, though relatively unrelated, this brought some memories, from when I was not even 10 and "helped" my father and uncle making gates. I would sit on top of the gate (as it was horizontally placed on the workbench) with some rivets in my hand. My father or my uncle would drill a hole, I would put a rivet in, they would set it in place and repeat. I know it was nothing, but those were the times.

[@flat-earther]

fade I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@billsherman6129]

Not nothing. Those times are the best.

[@fadetounforgiven]

@@billsherman6129 indeed. I meant it was nothing compared to the work required to make a full gate, but I enjoyed those moments and I quite miss them. Thank you!

[@HWCism]

Nice job, I am impressed. Thanks

[@Pb123456100]

Big fan of Tom. Always does things the right way and has a great way with explaining things. However, this time I’m wondering why he re-hung the gutter so low? I’d think you would start from near the bottom of the shingle and slope down from there. Won’t water running off the roof just shoot over the gutter? Maybe to allow snow and ice to run off in winter?

[@anonymously241]

Very nice job Tony 👍👏👍

[@SolidSnake-bt8eq]

What do you filled the wholes with ?

[@BruceAUlrich]

Fascinating, as always.

[@elizabethsenderewich8024]

Thanks for a great video. Please wear eye protection when drilling.

[@jasonly7008]

Nice video. Could you video changing a downspout so the h20 goes above the surface and away from the house? Some downspouts go into the ground and into the underground sewage system.

[@yaosio]

They have a video for that, but not into a sewer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYK7pGekaqqIqKc They also have videos on dry wells, french drains, and other stuff to handle water.

[@flat-earther]

Jason I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@Kathleen253]

@@yaosio great I will check that out

[@simd510]

Anyone know what is used to refill the holes in the fascia board

[@davidharris2178]

I’d repaint before reinstalling repaired/new gutter.

[@troybermudez9269]

Always learning from you Tommy))) Jesus is King!!!

[@supremewhip]

What type of adhesive did he use to caulk the joints?

[@BrennonKitten]

Some of that real sticky icky, ooooo weee

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

Tommy rocks

[@brandenbenevides304]

The next issue he will have is that the water will be running down the facia board behind the gutter. Not supposed to be that low.

[@jimxwill]

I like the drip edge lapping into the gutter

[@justanotherguy8791]

Great job. 100% a home owner weekend project.

[@derricdueker64]

Tommy is as cool as the other side of the pillow!✌️🤙✌️🙂

[@flat-earther]

Derric I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@cussininthekitchen8224]

Y’all what is that tool he was using to pinch the gutters together??

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

Pop rivet gun

[@JeffreyDorfman-w1p]

Great video 😊

[@paulsmith9574]

I wouldn't use rivets. How you gonna take it apart to fix a clog, or replace a bent/damaged section? Just don't use long screws. 1/4 inch more than enough.

[@eptwothousand]

How would rivets interfere with fixing a clog? Also, if rivets ever needed to be removed, they could simply be drilled out like Tommy did in the video.

[@realname6586]

Good video, safety glasses.

[@Kathleen253]

Lol. Ok guess OSHA wasn't onboard for this video

[@tonyjohnson2256]

Tommy. I have a question on the coener that you resealed (I have never worked on rain gutters so this might be a silly question). Why not miter the corners and eliminate the corner piece of the rain gutter and then only have one joint to seal up?

[@TheAgentAssassin]

I would've painted first and also add gutter wedges.

[@Allen-by6ci]

You da man Tom

[@sansar44]

watching tommy silva is like watching michelangelo at work

[@WoodysSteakHouse]

Freaking Love T.O.H

[@alexanderjamieson7971]

Perfect

[@flat-earther]

Alexander I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@rickjohnson1632]

Your the man Tommy👍👌

[@todd2456]

* You're - "you are"

[@rickjohnson1632]

@@todd2456 on a job site nobody would care about proper pronunciation. I think Tommy gets it. He’s been around the block a few times

[@flat-earther]

@@rickjohnson1632 It's about spelling not pronunciation, here we can't hear you but only read what you type.

[@flat-earther]

Rick I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@rickjohnson1632]

I watched Toms video on my phone. I was have awake and didn’t have my glasses on. Okay, I made a grammar error. Blame me, blame my phone , give me a “ F” 😂🤣😂 ( btw 🖕)

[@b_uppy]

Drop down says this is about brick chimney issues

[@flat-earther]

B uppy I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@b_uppy]

@@flat-earther Lol.

[@flat-earther]

@@b_uppy Do you like it

[@richardgarrow9260]

I have a question regarding Gutter guards, I just installed the ones from Costco, they slipped up under my roof shingles with out an issue. There is a downward slope to the gutter so everything looks correct. My question is as an added prevention of water blowing back against the roof from the wind and that is might slide up under the shingles, would it be a good idea to run a bead of cocking along the guard and the shingle? I hope I explained this clearly enough.. Thanks..

[@hammerdick82]

I would definitely use a high grade caulking. Always in my mind necessary when anything breaks the seal that a shingle makes to the one below,even to the starter course

[@richardgarrow9260]

@@hammerdick82 Thank you Chris. Luckily the house is only 4 years old. But I thought the idea was a good one so I will follow through with your suggestion. Thanks again.

[@gussygoro2469]

That’s really super

[@crowtservo]

Can Tom come to my house in Iowa and help repair my gutters and down spouts?

[@Trygun717]

that water gonna fly passed that gutter on a heavy rain🤣

[@davidtrang6655]

I HAVE PROBLEM WITH GUTTER WATER OVER BLOW GO BACK INSIDE THE SIDING AND WATER GO THROUGH THE INSDE FLAT ROOF MAKE FLAT ROOF LEAKING I CALL ROOFING COMPANY CHECK THEY STILL DONT UNDERTAND HOW POSSIBLE THEY CAN LEAKING IF SOME BODY KNOW HOW TO FIXED THAT PROBLEM PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANK YOU

[@zacharywolcott7624]

What do you fill the old holes with?

[@coachesmagic2886]

Paintable outdoor Caulking

[@realname6586]

@@coachesmagic2886 And clean the holes first. Either drill out the decayed wood or carve out with a knife.

[@coachesmagic2886]

Yes clean/prepare the hole if needed, squeeze the caulking into the hole and smooth with a putty knife. Let dry and cure before painting

[@jpe1]

You can safely ignore the (extremely tedious, boring, and easily debunked) 13 part series on flat Earth. Perinne has been spamming all over YT, ignore her and she will go away.

[@flat-earther]

@@jpe1 Is that your best globe proof?

[@StuffTested]

My parents house also has a leaky gutter because it wasn’t a seamless gutter and is attached to a screen down in south Florida.

[@flat-earther]

boldr I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@flat-earther]

Why in description the following _In this video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor some common issues with brick chimneys and how to repair them._

[@Kathleen253]

Lol well looks like Tom needs to talk to the TOH editing staff

[@kizunamatcha5138]

Can you list every tool and product used in this job?

[@zachreese6540]

No

[@benborsa8266]

Do it like my grandpa did. Drink a beer, cut the can into a patch, chalk it in place, then lick of paint, and another beer for a job well done. hahaha

[@realname6586]

Yes, we have a major alcohol addiction in the country.

[@flat-earther]

Ben, Real I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@Bremend]

I'm disappointed Moa did not get her own introduction card

[@mortensonaaron]

It’s because the dog ignored Tommy

[@elmergrizwald184]

All these gutter videos are done on a low hanging roof. I'd like to see them do one 3 stories up.

[@vandammefan34]

Wouldn't gutter screws be easier than rivets? Also, wish Tom could come and work on my gutters :)

[@Greg-gp6cp]

Safety glasses,guys!!!!

[@Journeyman.Jordan]

Drip edge? Gutters look a little too low as well lol

[@phyllisjones4527]

Wish you could come to my house.

[@derekstadler9037]

Who hung those?? Just stick a bracket anywhere

[@vernacular1483]

Tommy’s showing his age, makes me wistful

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Why didn’t they repair and paint the area where the gutter used to be?????

[@justanotherguy8791]

Yes thats for the homeowner to do after the show.

[@tanktexas]

I was laughing when the dogs hair got pulled at the beginning lol

[@radiofreevillage]

Dude, you forgot to rehang another similar gutter on the other side from the porch.

[@JBoogie1977]

That deck railing looks sketchy AF.

[@flat-earther]

JBoogie I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@Kathleen253]

That's for another video 😂

[@luisbernal5510]

As a gutter guy who does this professionally, all I gotta say is that this is all wrong. So many things that made me cringe but hey everyone els has their way of install or repair. Way too low water is either gonna shoot over the gutter because of the slope of the roof, or just go behind the fascia and rot out the roof. Second she should have sealed the center of that corner because he sealed where the gutter seam is but not the actual inside corner in the box miter. Third he should have relocated that downspout because the way i saw it just shoot out it’s going to make a mess on the ground as time passes.

[@stephenbeier4364]

I'm also a gutter guy. And I completely agree with you, silva may know some things but he is clueless when it comes to gutters

[@mortensonaaron]

Get the homeowner some sunglasses

[@scottcurrence6526]

I'm afraid I would have had to say my name after Tommy signed off at the end. Poor guy kinda looked disappointed.

[@flat-earther]

Scott I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Mine has huge spikes, lol