This is referred to as rust corrosion and is obviously a more serious problem.
Rusted gutters repair.
Most gutters are held in place with large spikes that pass through tubular sleeves called ferrules.
I have tried to patch them but nothing seems to stop these small holes from re occurring.
In either case rub the rust back until you see only clean bare.
When treating rusted gutters small patches of rust can be rubbed down with an emery cloth or some fine sandpaper whilst larger patches should be cleaned up with a stiff wire brush or a wire brush wheel fitted in a drill.
How to repair rusted gutters if the damage is more serious.
Learning how to fix leaky gutters is an easy inexpensive project you can do yourself.
If the hole is small you can use plastic roofing cement.
When a spike pulls free a gutter can sag and in some cases come crashing down.
If the metal gutter parts have rusted through you can quickly and easily patch it.
The national association of home builders states that aluminum and steel rain gutters have a lifetime of up to 20 years.
If it is large use a piece of galvanized metal flashing.
However these estimates come with the condition that homeowners tend to their gutters with periodic maintenance.
If the rust has gone unchecked for an amount of time you may find that a hole has eaten right through the steel.
Jim from london ontario writes.
Downspouts which usually suffer less abuse than the gutter troughs can last even longer up to 30 years.
Do you have any suggestions short of replacing the gutter just patching small holes often still.
Certain sections seem to have rusted through and have developed pin to dime size holes that leak.