How to Waterproof Leaky A Box GutterUpdated 9 months ago

Box Gutter Waterproofing Guide

Protect your box gutters from leaks and damage with Liquid Rubber DIY products. This guide provides a simple step-by-step process for waterproofing and enhancing the durability of your box gutter system, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Why Waterproof Your Box Gutter?

• Prevent Leaks: Seals seams, joins, and rust holes to stop water ingress.
• Extend Lifespan: Protects against rust and corrosion, enhancing durability.
• Improve Safety: Adds texture to reduce the risk of slipping during maintenance.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following materials and tools:

• Liquid Rubber DIY Waterproof Sealant
• Geo-Textile: For reinforcing seams, joins, and rust holes.
• Rapid Cure Spray: Speeds up curing time.
• Tough Coat + Tough Coat Hardener
• Grit: For added surface texture.
• Cleaning Tools: High-pressure water blaster and leaf blower.
• Application Tools: Brush, roller, or LRDIY spray machine.
• Safety Gear: Gloves and safety goggles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Surface

   • Wash or water-blast the entire gutter surface to remove dirt, debris, and rust.
   • Use a leaf blower to remove excess water and ensure the surface is completely dry.
     
     

2. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas

   • Pre-cut Geo-Textile to fit over seams, joins, around downpipes, and rust holes.
   • Apply Waterproof Sealant to these areas using a brush, embedding the Geo-Textile into the wet sealant. Ensure there are no wrinkles or air bubbles.
   • Once the Geo-Textile is properly positioned, spray Rapid Cure Spray to instantly set the product.
     
     

3. Treat Rust and Critical Areas

   • Apply Waterproof Sealant to surface rust, rain heads, and into downpipes for extra protection. Allow it to cure fully.
     
     

4. Apply Waterproof Sealant to Entire Surface

   • Apply the first coat of Waterproof Sealant to the entire gutter surface or the reinforced areas using a brush, roller, or spray machine.
   • Allow the coat to dry and spray Rapid Cure Spray if needed to speed up curing, especially if rain is approaching.
     
     

5. Apply the Final Coat with Grit

   • Apply a second coat of Waterproof Sealant evenly across the surface, ensuring a dry-film thickness of approximately 1.5mm (1 litre per linear meter).
   • Before the final layer of Waterproof Sealant dries, evenly broadcast grit across the wet surface. This adds texture and ensures optimal adhesion between the Tough Coat and the Waterproof Sealant and ads slip resistance.
   • Spray Rapid Cure Spray to set the product and allow it to dry fully.
     
     

6. Optional: Finish with Tough Coat

   • After the Waterproof Sealant has fully cured (24 hours per mm of thickness, longer in cold weather), apply 2-3 coats of Tough Coat mixed with Tough Coat Hardener for a durable, colored finish. Use a brush or roller for application, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before the next.

Additional Tips

• Use our Box Gutter Project Calculator to determine exactly how much product you’ll need. 
• Apply products early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid intense sunlight.
• Ensure the surface is completely dry before application to prevent adhesion issues.
• For Drinking Water Collection: If you’re collecting rainwater for drinking purposes, disconnect the downpipes for the first downpour to allow the system to wash thoroughly before reconnecting. Alternatively, once the Tough Coat has fully cured, you can power wash the surface and then reconnect the downpipes.