How to repair rusted gutters?

[Steve5]

Hi,

The gutters on my granny flat are rusting thru so I'm looking for a way to repair them.

I've used Icon Plastics 2.4m PVC Cloudburst Gutters on a aviary:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-2-4m-pvc-cloudburst-gutter_p477012

This PVC gutter will fit in the existing metal gutter except for the outside edge, see the marked section on the photo below of an end cap mock up.

Originally, I thought about modifying all of the PVC gutters before inserting, but I might be able to bend them and only modify the end piece & end cap. (As long as they don't get hung up on the exising hangers)

I'm still thinking about how to connect to the downspout. 

One thought it to insert PVC gutters all the way to the downspout and just let them flow into the downspout. 

But, water can flow back under the PVC gutter and out the holes in the metal gutter.

I could seal the PVC gutter to the metal gutter by the downspout but would need to use something like "Selleys All Clear" since the metal gutters are rusty and grimmy.

But, I'd rather not use a strong chemical sealent since the gutters feed a drinking water tank.

All thoughts appreciated, thanks!

Gutter end cap modification

[EricL]

Hello @Steve5 

Putting the PVC gutter inside the metal gutter will trap moisture in between them every time it rains and when condensation forms in the morning. This trapped moisture will accelerate the deterioration of your metal gutter.

Why not just remove the old metal gutter and do a direct replacement of the gutter itself rather than sliding it inside the old one? 

The Icon Plastics 3m PVC Gutter can be installed in the same manner as metal gutters. They have their own set of gutter clips and joiners. 

In regards to the downspout, the PVC gutter can be cut, and you can install a Rain Harvesting 90mm Round Female Gutter Outlet which will fit inside a standard 90mm downpipe. If, however, you have a rectangular downpipe you can install a quare dropper or put in a converter from round to rectangle.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[Steve5]

While looking for end caps, I found there was a gutter with a larger profile which is probably what I installed on my aviary:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-3m-pvc-gutter_p4775009

Using the smaller gutter profile in my first posting will work without modifying it.

Still thinking about how to connect to the downspout.

Nice we're getting some rain now, hope my duct tape gutter repairs hold..

[Steve5]

Hi Eric,

I'd like to replace the gutters but I'd need to remove patio awnings which have flashing attached to the gutters.

Thanks for info on the gutter outlet, what is a good way to cut a round hole in the PVC gutter?

Use outlet for a template, use board in gutter and clamp to work bench then drill hole and use jig saw?

Thanks,

Steve

[Steve5]

Hello again Eric,

Can you help with finding the correct end caps?

Is this the correct right side end cap?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-pvc-gutter-stop-end_p4775067

I can't find the left side end cap with the same dimensions.

Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @Steve5 

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your patio awnings? It will give our members a better idea of how your old gutters are linked to its structure. Perhaps there is a way to remove the old gutters without having to do a major disassembly of the awning set.

In regards to drilling a hole in the PVC gutter, I suggest using a Hole Saw. I recommend double checking the size of your dropper before you drill into the PVC gutter.

The PVC end caps are the Icon PVC Lefthand Gutter Stop End I/N: 4775075 and Icon Plastics PVC Gutter Stop End I/N: 4775067. I suggest looking very carefully inside the stock box at the store as these ends often get mixed into a single box. However, if none are present, I suggest reaching out to a helpful plumbing team member so that they can get one for you.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

@Steve5 

I use to have holy gutters... So Holy you could see the stars through them in places.

I used 

Gutter repair tape 

It kind of worked... Tho my gutters were too far gone in numerous places. I did bite the bullet and had the gutters replaced as I was not confident of doing it myself. Since then tho I have helped a mate out installing them on his garage and it was easy (Kicking myself how easy it was)

Would love to see some photos of that flashing attached to the gutters. The tape worke dfor me and I ended up using 2 lots worth. 

Dave

[Steve5]

Hi Eric,

It looked like the flashing was glued to the gutter, I'll take some photos when the rain stops.  

The dimension for the left end cap looks like its for the larger size PVC gutter:

W         H        I/N             Description

120     85    4775009       Icon Plastics 3m PVC Gutter

120     80    4775075       Icon Plastics PVC Lefthand Gutter Stop End

100     60    4770129       Icon Plastics 2.4m PVC Cloudburst Gutter (need this smaller one to fit inside existing metal gutter)

110     60    4775067       Icon Plastics PVC Gutter Stop End (looks like Righthand, 10mm overlap seems too much..)

The inside of the dropper is about 80mm so I'd go with this one, I'll look for hole size to fit:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rain-harvesting-75mm-round-gutter-outlet_p4761125

I'd like to order online and have delivered along with other project materials.

Steve

[Steve5]

Hey Dave,

Waterproof tape might be an option as only one big hole I've blocked with duct tape.

Yeah, these gutters easy to install.  I installed some on a bird aviary I built. 

I'll post photos when rain stops.

thanks!

[EricL]

Hi @Steve5 

Can you please tell me which store you're planning to order these parts from? I'll have a quick chat with the plumbing specialist concerning the ends for the cloudburst. Once I have more information, I'll let you know.

Eric