When gutters start to rust, it’s a ticking time bomb for costly repairs. In this project, I return to Vanstyle UK in my home village of Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshie, just three weeks after clearing their gutters, to tackle a bigger issue, stopping rust dead in its tracks. Using Acrypol+, a flexible, waterproof sealant designed for metal, I’ll show you exactly how I clean, prepare, and protect gutters to extend their life and prevent expensive replacements.
The Problem: Rusty Joints & Leaks
Despite regular maintenance, the gutters here fill quickly due to surrounding trees. This leads to standing water, especially around the joints, and that’s where rust has taken hold. Left untreated, this rust will spread, creating holes and major leaks.
My mission: thoroughly clean and dry the gutters, then apply Acrypol+ to create a tough, waterproof barrier that seals the metal from moisture and oxygen.
Tools & Materials
For this job, I used:
- Various sponges and brushes
- Large water container for cleaning in the cherry picker basket
- Towels (borrowed from home!) for drying
- A blower to remove water and grit
- Paddle mixer attachment for my battery drill to stir the Acrypol+
- Acrypol+ sealant itself – thick, sticky, and flexible, perfect for metal gutters
Benefits of Using Acrypol+ for Gutter Repairs
When it comes to repairing and protecting gutters, Acrypol+ is one of the best products on the market and for good reason. In this job, it was the perfect choice for tackling rust and preventing future leaks. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Exceptional Waterproofing
Acrypol+ creates a strong, seamless, and highly waterproof membrane that locks out moisture. Once applied, it forms a barrier that stops water from penetrating the surface, protecting your gutters from leaks and water damage for years.
2. Adheres to Metal and Other Surfaces
Unlike some sealants that struggle to stick to metal, Acrypol+ bonds extremely well to steel, aluminium, and galvanised surfaces. This makes it ideal for repairing rust-prone metal gutters.
3. Rust Prevention
By sealing the surface completely, Acrypol+ starves existing rust of oxygen and moisture, halting the oxidation process. This not only prevents further deterioration but also helps extend the lifespan of the gutters.
4. Flexible and Weather-Resistant
Gutters expand and contract throughout the year due to temperature changes. Acrypol+ is flexible enough to move with the metal without cracking or peeling, making it perfect for outdoor applications in the UK’s unpredictable weather.
5. Cost-Effective Repair
Replacing commercial gutters can be expensive. Using Acrypol+ to seal and protect them is a much more budget-friendly alternative, often adding many years of life to existing guttering.
6. Quick Application and Long-Lasting Results
Once the surface is properly cleaned and dried, Acrypol+ can be applied quickly and provides a long-lasting solution. Its fibre-reinforced formula also means you can achieve a thick, durable layer in a single application.
Step 1 – Cleaning the Gutters
Acrypol+ won’t stick to dirty or greasy surfaces, so preparation is everything. I:
- Rinsed the gutters with plenty of water.
- Scrubbed with sponges and brushes to lift slime and grime.
- Flushed debris to the downpipes.
- Blew away excess water to speed drying.
With the sun shining, my aim was that by the time I finished cleaning one side, the starting point would already be dry and ready for coating.
Step 2 – Applying Acrypol+
Before application, I gave the sealant a thorough stir to mix the fibres evenly. This ensures consistent waterproofing strength.
- I slapped it on thick, paying extra attention to joints.
- Towards the end of Day 1, I found a quicker method: pour Acrypol+ directly into the gutter and use the brush like a squeegee. This gave me a heavier, faster coat and saved time.
Day 2 – The Rear Gutters
The back of the building had more leaves but less slime due to standing water. After clearing, drying, and taking a quick shop run for more Acrypol+, I applied the sealant using my improved pouring technique. This allowed me to finish the job in good time.
The Results
By coating these gutters with Acrypol+:
- Rust is sealed away from air and moisture, stopping further oxidation.
- Joints are watertight, preventing leaks.
- The gutters now have a flexible, weather-resistant coating that will move with temperature changes.
This proactive repair will save Vanstyle UK from costly replacements, keeping their guttering system in top condition for years to come.
Watch the Full Process
If you’d like to see exactly how I cleaned, prepared, and sealed these gutters — including my time-saving trick for applying Acrypol+ — you can watch the full video here: 📺 Saving Rusty Gutters with Acrypol+ | Full Cleaning & Sealing Process
Get your hands on some Acrypol
If you would like to purchase some Acrypol for yourself you can find it at our Amazon affiliates shopping page in our Roofers’ Emergency Leak Kit list
About DJI High Access Services Ltd
At DJI High Access Services Ltd, we specialise in high-access maintenance, from roofing and chimney work to specialist gutter repairs like this. Using our own tracked spider cherry picker, we can work safely and efficiently at height while minimising disruption.
If you need expert gutter cleaning, sealing, or repairs, get in touch today: 🌐 www.dji-uk.co.uk
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