Given that you have the ability to solder then that is what i would do.
How to solder tin gutters.
Metal gutters for homes are held together by soldering.
3 soldering stained glass and mosaics.
It s similar to the materials that a roofer would use for flashing roofs.
Soldering gutters video playlist.
As a homeowner in a historic home i would like to install roof mounted gutters.
Easy to overheat then you have to start all over.
Soldering creates a permanent bond that makes the gutters leak proof.
I have soldered galv gutter that is 36 years old at my place and still going strong.
Once you get the metal hot and a puddle of molten solder i removed the torch and used the solder stick to flow the puddle into other parts of the joint.
I recommnbed rosin flux because any residue of acid chloride flux will rust em.
Definitely handy for rainy days.
Traditionally copper gutter installers rely on solder to seal joints because it s a permanent solution.
Especially on vertical joints.
If we want the gutters to last long enough to patina solder is the low or no maintenance solution.
For a pyramid tipped acetylene fueled soldering iron make sure that the tip is clean and that the four facets are flat and meet at a fine point.
The joints have been caulked with aluminum metal caulk and the caulk is not holding.
Copper gutters are known to last a long time.
Gutters need regular cleaning mine get an annual clean which is sufficient for my location to prevent rust and corrosion and like you i don t particularly like silicon.
Soldering galvanized requires vigorous abrasive cleaning.
Have done some research and found out that aluminum can be soldered.
I generally join gutters with tapping screws and tar.
I have some experience at metal work and traditional soldering but need to know the steps of soldering end caps and collector tubes.
2 soldering metal gutters.
If you want to rivet tin surfaces first.
I have cleaned the areas and added additional ge silicone ii aluminum metal caulk to no avail.