Home › Learn From The Pros › Rusty Gutters and How to Prevent Them Rusty Gutters and How to Prevent Them September 1, 2020 Rust is a well-known term for a common form of corrosion, but it can easily be prevented if you know what needs to be done. Advantage Seamless Gutters weighs in and shares how you fix and prevent rust from forming in your gutter system. Where Rust Comes From Having rust on your gutter installation is the result of a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen when it meets water or moisture in the air. This forms the reddish-colored compound known as iron oxide. Rust commonly forms in gutters when it’s not drained properly and water pools inside them. This is either due to improper slope over time, improper installation or a clog inside the gutters that allowed the water to stand rather than flow freely. It’s also important to remember that some materials, including steel, will begin to rust over time from prolonged exposure to humidity. Treating Rust Spots on Your Gutter System When you see hints of rust on your gutters, it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent its spread. Rust will spread very quickly once it starts, and it can eat completely through the metal and render your gutter system useless. Even if you only see a small amount, wash the area thoroughly with a common dish detergent then scrub the rust away with a stiff-bristled brush. You can also use a crumpled piece of aluminum foil to remove the remaining traces of rust. If you find that you’re unable to treat the rust alone, consider hiring a gutter cleaning service professional to get the job done. Preventing Rust From Forming Regular cleaning and maintenance on your gutter system is still one of the best ways to ensure that it will be free of contaminants that can lead to rust. Make sure to take out the leaves, twigs, small branches, soil and other small debris that may have accumulated in the metal gutter. All of these accelerate your gutter’s potential for corrosion, so make it a habit to clean your gutters whenever it’s needed. When you need a professional contractor to install seamless gutters, there’s only one company who can get the job done. Call Advantage Seamless Gutters today at 218.558.0575 or fill out our convenient online request form. We serve St. Cloud and nearby MN areas.