3 Cost-Effective Ways to Repair Your Old Eavestroughs

If you have an old, historic home with built-in,metal-lined gutters, you probably already know how expensive and difficult it is to restore them. Not only is it difficult to find a metalworker with enough skill to reline the troughs with metal, the materials needed to complete the job, such as copper and terne, are quite expensive. For this reason, many people choose to roof over their existing gutters and put brand new gutters on. However, doing so can alter the look of your home and may even cover over decorative details, such as cornices. 

Fortunately, there are a few cost-effective ways to repair and restore built-in gutters. And the best part is that they don't require expensive materials and a skilled metalworker.  

Soldering Patches

The metal that lines the inside of hidden eavestroughs is soldered together in order to create a watertight seal. Over time, expansion and contraction of the sheet metal can create weak points along the soldered seams. If your metal gutters do not have a great deal of corrosion, you may be able to save the existing metal and simply have someone solder the seams so that they will be watertight once more. 

Electrostatic Coating System

If your gutters have just a bit of corrosion and damage, you can restore them with an electrostatic coating system. Made specifically for historic metal roof preservation, electrostatic coating is simply brushed on the inside of the gutters to restore and preserve them. In some cases, reinforced patches of fabric are applied along with the coating in order to repair particularly bad spots. 

Waterproof Roofing Membrane

For gutters with moderate damage, you can re-purpose a waterproof roofing membrane and use it to line the inside of your gutters. These membranes, used on flat roofs, are usually made from rubber and are very durable. In order to work properly, the rubber membrane must be adhered to the gutter lining.

If your gutters have been leaking for a while, the structure that accommodates your metal-lined gutters might have sustained some water damage. Rotten or damaged wood must be replaced by a carpenter before you can begin restoring your gutters with one of the above options.

When faced with the decision to restore your old gutters or cover over your home's details with modern gutters, you should always try to stay true to the character of your home and honor its history by choosing restoration over a simple fix that may detract from the look of your home. For assistance, talk to a professional like Kelowna Eavestroughers.

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