What is the Best Gutter Sealant?
When the rain comes thundering down, any homeowner might find their mind wandering to how safe their home is from water damage. You may think that your gutters will do the trick, but they need care and attention just like any other system designed to keep your home safe. Even the best gutters have seams and gaps that need sealing, but you may be at a loss as to what your options are. Read on to fill in any gaps in your knowledge of sealant products and gutter health.
In this article:
- Types of Gutter Sealant
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gutter Sealant
- Top Gutter Sealants on the Market
- How to Apply Gutter Sealant
Types of Gutter Sealant
Gutter sealant, in short, is a liquid or gel used to close up any seams in gaps between parts of a gutter system. Even the most sophisticated gutters need multiple parts to accommodate different roof types, so seams are inevitable. While these gaps are typically treated during installation, the sealants wear away over time, and it is left to you to prevent any leaks. Fortunately, you have plenty of great options to choose from.
Silicone-Based Sealants
With their durability and versatility, there’s little wonder why silicone-based sealants are the most popular choice in the business. Silicone is temperature- and water-resistant on top of cost-effective. They also stickwell to metal gutters well, as long as you’re working with a dry surface. There are few downsides to using silicone sealants with gutters, but they can take a little finesse to apply neatly. Also, silicone does not hold paint well, so if you are ever looking to paint your gutters, the silicone around the seams could present a problem.
Liquid Rubber Sealants
Another great option for waterproofing your gutters is painting on some affordable liquid rubber sealant. This option is also highly versatile, weather-resistant, and simple to apply. While silicone-based sealants are often applied with a caulk gun, liquid rubber is brushed on, which can make the application even simpler. You can find tube-based containers for a caulk gun if that is your preference, though. Liquid rubber cures quickly, too, so you are able to apply additional coats within just a few hours.
Liquid rubber is also known for its incredible flexibility. As your gutters shrink and expand in the cold and heat, this sealant evolves with them, ensuring a solid seal year-round and for many years to come.
Polyurethane Sealants
A highly durable and adhesive option is polyurethane sealants that use specially-formulated polymers to promote the best seals possible. Like with liquid rubber, this variety is often brushed on, but it can also be applied through a spray and caulk gun. Because of its highly adhesive nature, it can be applied in a wider range of temperatures and moisture levels. Polyurethane also offers excellent protection from the elements and is more resistant to physical damage than silicone or rubber-based sealants. However, polyurethane sealants can be a little tricky to apply since the mixture needs to be done just right to ensure the longest lasting seal.
Acrylic Sealants
While acrylic sealants are an option for gutters, the drawbacks outnumber those of its competition. Acrylic sealant is applied as a caulk, which does make installation simple, but the sealant itself doesn’t hold up to high temperatures well. Those hot summer months and direct sunlight will likely degrade acrylic sealant more quickly than its peers. Additionally, acrylic is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so gutters and the sheet quantity of water they handle are not the best match.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gutter Sealant
With so many options, contractors and DIYers have to make some tough choices. Fortunately, if you look at a few variables, you should be able to decide what the best choice is for your leaky gutter needs.
Durability
Gutters take a beating. Wind, rain, sunlight, debris — you name it, gutters deal with it. That means you need the sealant to be as tough as your gutters are. The most common sealant, silicone, handles water and temperature well, but it can tear and peel more easily than rubber or polyurethane sealants, for example. However, if you don’t experience frequent storms or heavy winds, you may not need the most durable option.
Ease of Application
Silicone and acrylic sealants typically require a caulk gun and a little dexterity to apply neatly, but the process is quick and simple. Rubber-based sealants are usually brushed on and require multiple coats to ensure the perfect seal, which can be time-consuming. And polyurethane can be applied via a caulk gun, brushing, or even a spray. Think about your personal skills, available equipment, and time available for the job when deciding which sealant is best.
Cost-Effectiveness
Silicone reigns supreme in the affordability game at usually just a few bucks a tube. Liquid rubber costs a good deal more, especially when you consider that you’ll likely need more material to get the job done. You’ll get a more durable and consistent seal, but that extra quality comes at a price. Polyurethane is available in tubes similar to silicone-based sealants, but they run a few dollars more than the silicone-based options.
Versatility
Gutters aren’t the only thing around the house that could use some water-proofing. When you go to buy these materials, you’ll likely be left with some in reserve, so you should think about what else the sealant can be used for around your home. Silicone is great, but it doesn’t adhere to all surfaces nor does it take well to being painted. Polyurethane might have more possible applications, but it is less shelf stable than silicone. Both options will last years sitting in your garage if they are unopened, though.
Top Gutter Sealants on the Market
Now that you know about the broader categories of sealants, let’s get more specific. Below you’ll find some of the best gutter sealants you can buy right now.
Geocel 2320
Load up a tube of this affordable and durable tripolymer sealant and get to closing up those seams and gaps up to a quarter inch thick. Geocel adheres well to all surfaces and is highly resistant to weather and punishing sunlight.
Liquid Rubber Sealant & Adhesive Caulk
Take all the advantages of liquid rubber and pop them into a caulk gun with this versatile and easily-applied option. This caulk applies consistently without any running or sagging, so you can apply at all angles, even overhead!
Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal
People know and respect the Gorilla brand, and that reputation for durability extends to their silicone caulk and seal. This silicone-based sealant comes in different sizes and colors to fit all your needs at an affordable price. This is a good choice for sealant needs throughout the home.
How to Apply Gutter Sealant
You’ve got your sealant all ready, so now it is time to get to business. Follow these simple steps to ensure the best seal possible with your sealant of choice.
Preparation Steps
The most important part of applying sealant comes before you even open the tube. Identify the area where you will apply the sealant and ensure that it is as clean and dry as possible. Any dirt or debris will interfere with the formation of a tight seal, and moisture can impact the curing process. You also need to sand and buff away any existing caulking or other sealing if you are looking to redo or replace earlier waterproofing.
While you are cleaning, take this chance to empty the gutters entirely and check for any damage or needed repairs. If your gutters are sagging, you’ll need to fix them up to minimize the size of gaps and seams in the gutter system.
This first step may be tedious and time-consuming, but ensuring the ideal work surface will create the best and longest-lasting seal, which will save you time and money in the long run.
Application Procedure
Now it is time for the fun part. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. In the case of caulk-gun sealants, you will cut off the tip of the nozzle at a 45 degree angle to ensure the best flow. Slowly and steadily apply a thick line of sealant along gaps and seams between gutter joints, paying attention to gaps created by bolts as well.
For brush or spray applications, coat the surface with a steady hand, creating one uniform coat. Wait for the first layer to dry before applying additional coats. Refer to the instructions for exact times.
Post-Application Tips
Once everything is dry and set, you are good to go. Now you just need to remember to inspect your gutters on a regular basis to make sure the sealant is holding. These sealants last for a long time, but you should still watch for cracks and tears in the seam, especially after periods of intense weather or dramatic temperature fluctuations. Consider scheduling inspections ahead of time on a calendar so you remember to check your gutters regularly.
Keep your gutters healthy with LeafHome
Homecare is a labor of love, and it can be imposing. You are not in this alone, though. At LeafHome, we’re here to help with all your gutter needs. Whether you need some tips on deciding on gutter guards, picking the right sealant, or learning how to clean out your gutters, we’ve got you covered at our website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to use to seal gutters?
The best sealant depends on your home’s unique needs. Silicone-based sealant is the most common and will suit most needs, but you may want something a little more durable or adhesive depending on your gutters and local weather conditions.
What is the best sealant for a leaking gutter?
The best sealant will need to be waterproof, durable, and adhere easily to your gutters. Silicone-based sealants tend to be the best compromise of cost and effectiveness for most gutter situations.
Is gutter sealant better than silicone?
Certain types of sealants like polyurethane can be more durable and resistant than silicone, but you may not need this extra protection based on your local climate.
How do I apply gutter sealant effectively?
Start by preparing the surface as carefully as you can, making it clean, dry, and smooth. Then read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, making sure to read all directions first before you start. Allow proper time to dry in ideal conditions, avoiding inclimate weather during the entire process.
How long does gutter sealant typically last?
Depending on the material used and climate conditions, sealant can last from 10 to 20 years. Make sure to check gutters regularly for damage to these seals and the gutters themselves, especially after harsh weather.
Can I use gutter sealant on different types of gutters?
Pay attention to the material the gutters are made of. Different sealants adhere to different types of surfaces, so make sure to read the label on the sealant to see what surface it is intended for. For typical aluminum gutters, most sealants will work well.