Small Repairs and Maintenance. Part 1

Small repairs

As we all know, sometimes or I would say most of the times our belongings or goods require a little tuneup or fixing. And it doesn’t matter what it is – our car, TV, furnace or driveway.
If we have a flat tire or leaky radiator in our car do we go and buy a new car right a way?

Of course not! Or at least 98% of the times not. We are trying to fix it!

And our eavestrough systems or gutters, downspouts, soffit and fascia’s, siding – are not an exception.    Most of the times – they repairable, unless they physically damaged. Even if that the case – partial replacement could be done.

There is something else that may make repair pointless, unless you change entire system – its Time. Nothing last forever, and when Time comes we are all changing cars, TV’s, driveways as well as eavestrough systems or gutters, downspouts, soffit and fascia’s, siding.
Main reason – its old and outdated,  it is not efficient anymore and keep fixing it may cost more then a cost of getting it brand new.
But our today’s article is about those things that we can fix or repair, without changing or replacing an entire gutter or eavestrough system or walls of siding.
So lets take a closer look at those repairable items:

1.  Leaking gutter or eavestrough corners or miter joints

Leaking eavestrough corner

Caulking or silicon that used to seal eavestrough corner is old and worn-out or was not properly applied, bad product, to much standing water  – many causes.
– Repairable ? Most of the cases – Yes!

But it is very important to get it done by professional eavestrough and gutter technician, who has all needed tools and experience.

Don’t call “handyman” or DIY for that – ladder and caulking gun is not all the tools you need, and strip of silicon on eavestrough joint outside edge is not going to solve the problem, same if it will be put on top of existing, old caulking, especially applied on dirty, wet surface.

It will make our job more difficult and for this reason cost you more. Old caulking needs to be completely removed before applying a fresh coat. Period. Please call our Pro’s for that or request estimate online!

2.   Downspout fell or hanging loose

Downspout strap broke off

High winds and lack of straps, concrete cracks, ice damming and many other conditions may lead to downspout detachment from the wall and from the eavestrough outlet.  As a result, if it wasn’t repaired immediately – downspout complete detachment and fall, luckily not injuring anyone nor course someone’s property damage.

What to do:
If its not to late try to secure it to the wall at the point it broke off, if the downspout strap is still in the good shape – re-secure it with concrete nails or “Tapcon” screws. Make sure it tied to the wall and not loose, otherwise it will happen again.  If downspout strap is completely broken, try to secure it temporary to something solid (like fence of post or etc) with a wire, scotch tape or rope till it gets permanent repair.
If your downspout fell off and rest on the ground – 90% it is bent or damage and can’t be placed back without affecting esthetic look and working condition.

Damaged downspout

Split downspout seam

Also check old downspout for a split seam at the back. It happens very often.
 If you need any help with your downspouts – don’t hesitate, call
Maxima Aluminum LTD for quality repair.

3. Fascia, soffit or siding, flashing panel –  loose, detached or damaged

Wind-damaged aluminum fascia board

  Same like with downspouts, high winds, animals, poor installation and other circumstances as a cause of damaged, bent and detached flashing, soffit, fascia and siding panels.
If it’s just got loose or detached – most likely its not a big deal and can be fixed by adding some screws or finishing nails.
But when it got damaged – then its more complicated: you need to match color, shape and pattern. Many of capping parts are custom bent. Local hardware stores can offer you a very limited selection of colors, not talking about profiles.
Here, at Maxima Aluminum LTD we can offer you a wide selection of colors and profiles to match your soffit, fascia or siding to satisfy all your needs. Call as today for a free estimate !

To be continued !

all pictures and text in this article is copyrighted property of Maxima Aluminum LTD and can not be published or duplicated without authorization

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