Can You Fix Rusted Gutters?

All types of gutters can rust, although different gutter materials have varying levels of corrosion resistance. Regardless of what kind of gutters you have, rust can affect their durability and performance. 

In this post, Advantage Seamless Gutters provides information to help you better understand how rust happens and what you can do to address rusted gutters.

How Does Rust Form?

Rust is the result when metals interact with oxygen and water. Certain types of metals are susceptible to rusting, but others — such as alloys — are more durable and resistant. Aluminum and stainless steel are some of the most commonly used rust-resistant metals.

Can You Remove Rust?

It depends on how much corrosion has developed on the gutters. Minor rusting can easily be removed by washing it with detergent and then drying it completely before scrubbing the rust off using a wire brush or scrunched-up aluminum foil. Afterward, apply a metal primer on the affected area to stop or delay further rusting.

In other cases, however, cleaning the rust off is no longer possible, especially when the rust has already corroded most of the gutter and eaten away some of the sections. This usually causes jagged and uneven rusted edges. And in areas where water often pools, a rusted hole could form. Cleaning these sections can have mixed results, and most of the time, applying force to the heavily rusted areas can cause the material to collapse.

Call a Gutter Professional

Getting rid of rust can be time-consuming and laborious. So if you’re dealing with severe rusting, it’s best to have the whole system replaced. This is a more cost-effective solution as you’ll be getting new gutters that will look and function better. It also allows you to avoid the risks involved with manual cleaning. For your new gutter system, make sure to choose a rust-resistant material.

Replace your rusted gutters and protect your home from moisture damage. Advantage Seamless Gutters offers professional gutter services that guarantee excellent protection for your property. To request a quote, fill out our contact form or call us at (218) 270-2663.