Rubber seal: The answer to your leaky roof and gutters

Want to save your house from a wet surprise? Use a rubber seal to keep the elements out and repair any leaky gutters and roofs inexpensively. Get our guide and learn the secrets to creating a permanent seal wherever water is getting in.

It’s not just the elements that cause roof damage. Squirrels and raccoons get in on the action too. No matter what the cause, if your roof is showing signs of age or abuse, it’s time to seal up those gutters and shingles with the right rubber sealant for the job. 

Leaky gutter joints not only damage your home, they take away from its actual value and curb appeal. Who needs that? Prepare your home for extreme weather with watertight seals all the way around. 

Rubber sealants fill in gaps where leaky downspouts and gutters cause roof or foundation damage. Then things can get really expensive. But repairs may be easier than you think, all you’ll likely need are gloves, a ladder and rubber gutter sealant.

Follow these steps 

1. Figure out exactly where the repair needs to be made. Leaking water leaves lots of clues, so look for discolouration of paint or rotted, wet wood.
2. Remove all debris in the area before working with any rubber sealant.
   
3. Pay special attention to any areas to be bonded. The repair site must be clean for the new materials to adhere.
   
4. Cut the nozzle to size on the sealant tube after loading it into the caulking gun.
   
5. Look for holes or seams that need fixing and apply the rubber sealant.
   
6. If you need to place a piece of gutter on top of another piece to make a better seal, be sure to apply rubber sealant to both sides (top of one, bottom of the other) and press together. Then, continue to apply sealant along all seams of the two joined pieces.
   
7. You can use a caulking tool if you like to smooth out the rubber sealant.
   
8. The rubber sealant needs 24 hours to dry, so check the weather first!

There is no end to the possibilities when using rubber sealant on leaky gutters, downspouts, and even roof shingles! Follow these steps for a safe professional job. 

1. Follow all safety precautions by the manufacturer for any ladders, scaffolding, or tools you may be using. Also, if you are going on top of your roof, be mindful of height regulations in your area. If in doubt, consider bringing in a professional. Safety first.
   
2. Clean any damaged areas and remove debris that may prevent proper adhesion. Always be sure to wear safety glasses and work gloves.
   
3. Have your caulking gun loaded and tube nozzle cut to size.
   
4. Using the caulking gun, apply the sealant directly under any loose, cracked, or raised shingles.

The best rubber window sealant for the job is LePage QUAD VOC, a low-VOC sealant for window, door, and siding installation, as well as roof and gutter repairs. It leaves a tough, rubbery seal which resists outdoor weather-related elements like water, oxygen, ozone, heat, and UV light, and it works for all jobs involving the sealing of leaky joints. It’s a specially formulated butyl-rubber sealant for filling gutters, downspouts, and repairing leaky roofs. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colours to match most window, door, and siding colours.

Have a metal roof? Try LePage PL Premium. It’s a one component, polyurethane-based, moisture-curing adhesive that provides superior adhesion to most common construction materials. It is so strong it will last as long as the surfaces it joins together. It bonds to metal, stainless steel, galvanized metal, as well as many other materials.