Is it possible to fix sagging guttering without a full replacement?

Why do gutters sag?

Gutters sag when the brackets holding them can no longer support the weight. Common reasons are brackets snapping or working loose, brackets spaced too far apart, screws pulling out of a soft or rotten fascia, and gutters overloaded with debris and standing water. For more on causes, see why gutters become loose, sag or detach from the fascia boards.

How is sagging guttering fixed?

Sagging guttering is fixed in a few steps:

1. Clear the gutter, so its weight and fall can be judged properly.
2. Replace broken brackets and add extra brackets where the spacing is too wide. Manufacturers of uPVC gutters typically recommend brackets about every metre.
3. Reset the fall, so the gutter slopes gently towards the outlet and water doesn't pool.
4. Check the joints on the reset section, and replace any that leak.
5. Test with water to make sure it drains properly.

What if the fascia board is rotten?

If the fascia board is rotten, it has to be repaired before the gutter can be refixed, because new screws won't hold in soft timber. A contractor may replace the rotten length of fascia or cap it with uPVC. On older houses with timber fascias, this is a common cause of sagging.

When is a full replacement needed instead?

A full replacement is needed when the gutter itself has failed: plastic that's brittle and cracking along its length, cast iron that's rusted through, or gutters that are too small for the roof. Replacement may also make sense if several sections are sagging and the joints are leaking all along the run. See gutter replacement for more.

Can you fix a sagging gutter yourself?

You can fix a sagging gutter yourself on a single-storey building if you're confident on a ladder, but getting the fall right is harder than it looks. On two-storey houses, it's safer to use a contractor. Read whether homeowners can carry out basic gutter repairs themselves.

What should you tell contractors?

Tell contractors how long the sagging section is, how high it is and whether water spills over the low point. A photo of the sag and the fascia behind helps them judge the likely fix.