Caulking For Copper Gutters

Copper gutters develop a rich patina as it weathers and it s the patina coating that protects the copper from corroding and why copper often can last over 100 years.

Caulking for copper gutters.

Caulk is a necessary part of gutter maintenance. In the category of professional caulking compounds the polymer and tri polymer caulks are excellent choices for repairing leaky gutters and sealing new gutter installations. Silicone is the type of caulking that seals metal surfaces such as copper. Here s how to caulk gutters and repair gutter cracks using glues and sealants designed for durable bonding in outdoor conditions.

The seams of your rain gutters can rust if left unprotected and fungi can begin to grow in the seams if rotted leaves or other organic matter gets caught in the cracks. Henkel consumer adhesives 1943973 osi gutter sealant 10 oz cartridge lump free paste solvent 0 927 specific gravity 80 deg f 337 g l voc 3 9 out of 5 stars 3 14 70 14. Again it s essential that the area to be fixed be clean of leaves and other debris. There are three main steps to repairing copper gutters that have been caulked.

Use protective gloves and exercise safety when using ladders or climbing roofs. If some of it sticks don t worry. Silicone caulking comes in a variety of strengths. Remove the caulk at the end caps outlets and miters.

One brand of tri polymer caulks the ct1 sealant is a hybrid polymer formulation that contains no solvents. A waterproof sealing product such as ge clear gutter caulk available on amazon is easy to use. Copper is a also a natural fungicide and algaecide which will helps keep moss from growing around the roof. Chances are the sealant will pull out easily.

One hundred percent silicone caulking works well for most applications involving copper including those that sustain high heat such as flashing around chimney outlets. This means the caulk will not shrink as it cures. Professionally installed gutters should have been caulked already but caulk will need to be replaced every decade or so. Copper is a commodity and the prices fluctuates day to day and material prices at the supply house go up and down monthly.