Fixing a Rusty, Leaky Gutter

Q: How do I fix a hole in a rusty, leaky gutter?

A: First, scrub off the rust around the hole with a wire brush. Wash it off with water and an abrasive pad. After the gutter dries, use a putty knife to apply plastic roofing cement to the hole, feathering it out flat to allow water to flow easily inside the gutter. For damage larger than a nail hole, use metal snips to cut a patch of roof flashing. (The metal patch should match the gutter metal to avoid corrosion; i.e., a galvanized gutter needs a galvanized patch.) Use the roofing cement to adhere the patch over the hole, pressing it flat so it conforms to the shape of the gutter and allow water to flow.