How to install rain gutters tips

Before installing it, take the time to check the condition of the bargeboard, soffits and fascia. If you notice signs of deterioration mold, rot, humidity, etc. Even if gutters all have the same function, the models offered on the market have different features. Choosing the right gutter will depend on the architecture of your building and your budget. Most roofing contractors recommend aluminum gutters because their long life expectancy makes them a good investment.

You should also choose a gutter with the appropriate diameter for your building. For example, you should choose a 5-inch gutter for a residential building, and a 6-inch gutter for a commercial building. You will also need to calculate how many parts you will need for installation.

Depending on the architecture of your roof, you will need different pieces such as:. To install a roof gutter efficiently, you must have the right tools on hand. Before beginning, make sure you have the following tools with you:.

You probably already know that you should choose an appropriate roof slope for water to drain from the roof, so the same goes for gutters. Old, inefficient gutters can lead to your roof leaking , but if they direct water to your foundation, even new gutters can cause water infiltration. You should therefore install a swivel and extendable or flexible extension or drain plate that will prevent water from leaking into your foundation.

When they accumulate in a roof gutter, this debris can prevent it from working properly. If your property is filled with leafy trees and tall conifers, install gutter protection to ensure smooth drainage in the fall. Installing a rain gutter usually involves working from a height. Therefore, be extremely vigilant when undertaking your project.

You are now ready to install your new rain gutter. You should know that if water infiltration damages are caused by poor gutter installation, your insurance company will unlikely compensate you.

Call on professionals to avoid any doubts! At Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit, we specialize in commercial and residential roofing repairs. They prevent soil erosion, damage to siding, and basement leaks. With a bit of effort and the right tools, you can install your gutters without hiring a contractor.

To install rain gutters, first you'll need to measure the length of the roof you're working with and then purchase that many feet of gutter material from a home improvement store.

You'll also need enough fascia brackets, which hold up the gutter, to place one every 32 inches along the roof. Once you have all of your supplies, start by attaching the downspout outlet and caps to the roof. Then, cut the gutters to size and attach the fascia brackets to the rafter tails. Finally, mount the gutters to the brackets and attach them to the downspout.

To learn how to install the brackets, gutters, and downspout, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

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Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Measure the length of the roof that you're working on. Rain gutters should be attached to the fascia and run the entire length of the roof, ending with a downspout. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the gutter. If the gutter run measures longer than 40 feet If the gutter is shorter than this length, it will slope down to the left or right toward a single gutter.

Whether you obtain your measurements from a ladder or the top of the roof, exercise caution: do not lean without support, place a ladder on uneven ground, or wear shoes without adequate traction. Purchase at least the total length of gutter along with additional materials. Head to a home improvement store for gutter material, fascia brackets, and downspout s.

A fascia bracket must be attached to every other rafter tail, which is approximately every 32 inches For example, if the roof length is 35 feet Buy 1 downspout for gutters less than 40 feet Avoid regions with hose bibs, sidewalks, and electric meters. Gutters come anywhere between 4—6 in 10—15 cm wide.

Make sure you use the correct gutter based on your roof size and how often it rains in your area. Mark the starting point of the gutter run 1.

The eaves flashing are the sheet metal pieces at the edge of the roof that protect the exterior of the building. Be sure to mark the starting point 1. Since the gutter extends downward from the center to the left and right, this marks the start. If your roof is shorter than 40 feet Locate the chalk line that marks the highest point of the gutter run.

From here, mark a line in chalk on the fascia every 10 feet 3. This means you will mark 3 chalk lines along the fascia, with the final one marking the end-point of the gutter run. Snap a chalk line between the start and end of the gutter run.

Locate the endpoints and hold a nail over each. Firmly hit the top of the nails with a hammer to drive them into each point.

Hook one side of the chalk line to the nail at the start of the gutter run. Drag the string to the end point and hook it over the nail. Use blue and white chalk lines—red can bleed through the paint onto your fascia. Mark the location of each rafter tail at the chalk line. Rafter tails are usually spaced apart 16 inches 41 cm on center and can be located by their nail heads.

Place a clear chalk mark at each point using a piece of chalk. Part 2. Mark the location of the downspout outlet. Measure from the corner of your home to the center of the downspout location. Now, transfer this measurement to the gutter and mark the center of the outlet on the bottom side of the gutter using a marker.

Use a chisel and hammer to create a V-shaped start hole. Angle the chisel degrees from the gutter and firmly hit the end with a hammer. Use a gutter piece with a pre-installed outlet to skip this step. Remove the outlet hole using offset tin snips.

Choose green snips if you're cutting clockwise and red tin snips if you're cutting counterclockwise. You can cut clockwise or counterclockwise—whichever you are most comfortable with. Attach the outlet into the hole and waterproof it with silicone glue. Place the outlet into the hole. Now, remove the outlet and apply a bead of silicone gutter sealant around the perimeter of the opening. Immediately insert the outlet into the opening and fasten the rivets through the holes.

Connect the end cap s to the gutter using silicone sealant and screws. Hold the cap in place and insert a single sheet-metal screw into its hole. Now, remove the temporary screw and attach a rivet into the same location. Use a putty knife to smooth the silicone and press it into the joint. Part 3.