The Homeowner's Guide to Basic Gutter and Fence Repair

Your home's exterior features work hard year-round to protect your property. Gutters are your first line of defense against severe water damage, safely channeling rain away from your foundation. Meanwhile, a sturdy fence provides essential privacy, security, and curb appeal.

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Because they are constantly exposed to the elements, minor wear and tear is inevitable. Tackling small exterior repairs yourself can save you a significant amount of money. However, working at heights or dealing with heavy, rotting structural posts can quickly become dangerous. At the United Handyman Network, we want to equip you to handle the basics safely, while knowing exactly when it is time to call in the exterior pros.

Here is your straightforward guide to the gutter and fence repairs you can handle yourself, and the warning signs that indicate you need an expert.

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Part 1: Simple Gutter and Fence Repairs You Can Do Yourself

With a sturdy ladder, a cordless drill, and a free afternoon, you can easily extend the lifespan of your exterior fixtures.

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How to Seal a Leaking Gutter Joint: Dripping water at the seams of your aluminum gutters is a common annoyance that can lead to puddles and ice patches.

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1. Safely set up your ladder on firm, level ground.

2. Scoop out any leaves and debris from the leaking section using a plastic trowel or gloved hands.

3. Scrub the inside of the leaking joint with a wire brush and wipe it down with a rag and rubbing alcohol. The area must be bone-dry for a new seal to stick.

4. Squeeze a generous bead of waterproof silicone gutter sealant directly over the seam inside the gutter.

5. Use a putty knife to spread the sealant flat, pressing it firmly into the joint, and let it cure for 24 hours before the next rain.

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How to Fix a Sagging Wood Fence Gate: Wood gates are heavy and naturally sag over time, making them drag on the ground and fail to latch.

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1. Purchase an "anti-sag gate kit" from the hardware store, which consists of a metal cable, two corner brackets, and a turnbuckle.

2. Attach one bracket to the top corner of the gate on the hinge side.

3. Attach the second bracket to the bottom corner of the gate on the latch side (creating a diagonal line pointing down toward the latch).

4. Hook the cable and the loosened turnbuckle onto the brackets.

5. Manually spin the turnbuckle to tighten the cable. As the tension increases, it will literally pull the sagging bottom corner of the gate back up into a square position.

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How to Replace a Broken Fence Picket:  A single cracked or rotting picket is an easy fix that instantly improves your yard's appearance.

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1. Use a pry bar and a hammer to gently pop the damaged picket off the horizontal backing rails. Remove any old, rusted nails left behind.

2. Measure the old picket and cut your new wooden board to the exact same height.

3. If your fence has a specific decorative top (like a dog-ear cut), use the old picket as a stencil to trace the shape onto the new wood and cut it with a jigsaw.

4. Line up the new picket, using a level to ensure it is perfectly straight.

5. Secure it to the horizontal rails using exterior-grade deck screws (screws hold much better against wind and warping than nails).