Tools and Materials
How to Install Rain Gutters
- Start the process by placing the ladder firmly against your house so that you can easily reach the edge of the roof where the gutters will be installed. Climb the ladder carefully.
- Measure your roof using a tape measure to determine the length of your roof edge where you plan to install gutters.
The larger the roof, the more water it collects. Therefore, homes with larger roof areas will require wider gutters to accommodate the increased volume of water.
- Based on the measurements you got of the roof and the roof's slope, decide on the gutter size. Standard residential sizes are 5-inch and 6-inch.
- Select a durable material, keeping in mind cost and aesthetics as well. Some materials that you can consider include aluminum, vinyl, steel and copper.
- Typically, a downspout should be placed at each corner of the house or every 40 feet along the gutter run.
- Use a marker or chalk to note downspout locations.
- Consider the landscape and how you can direct water away from the foundation.
When planning your downspout locations make sure to consider not only function but also the visual aesthetics as downspouts are a visible addition to your home's exterior.
- Gutter hangers are the brackets that hold the gutters in place against the house.
- Every 2 feet along the edge of your roof where you measured, mark spots for the gutter hangers. This distance ensures that the gutters will have enough support to hold the weight of the rainwater they will collect.
- Use a drill to attach the hangers to the fascia board, which is the board right beneath the roof edge. Make sure they are level so that the gutters will also be level.
- After you have installed the gutter hangers properly, it's time to get the gutters ready and put them up in the gutter hangers.
- Carefully using a hacksaw, cut the gutter sections to fit the measurements of each side of your roof.
- Fix the gutters into the hangers. For most gutter systems, you will need to attach gutter sections together. Use gutter sealant and gutter screws to connect them securely and make sure to check that there are no leaks.
- Now, let’s look into where the water will go once it’s stored in the gutters.
- The first step would be to attach a downspout outlet to the gutter right above where you marked your downspouts. You can do this by cutting a hole in the bottom of the gutter and attaching the outlet with screws and sealant.
- Next, put together your downspout sections so they reach from the gutters down to the ground. You will likely need to cut pieces to fit and connect them with screws and sealant to make this happen.
- Attach elbow sections at the top and bottom of your downspout to direct water away from your house and into a drainage area.
Use protective gear and a proper cutting tool to avoid injury when cutting the hole.
- The last step is to make sure the water from your downspouts doesn't cause any problems and is not leaking.
- Use downspout extensions if needed to carry water further away from your home's foundation.
- Consider attaching a splash block at the bottom of the downspout. This helps spread the water out and slow down its flow, preventing it from eroding the soil near the foundation.
Check your gutters and downspouts after rain to make sure everything is working efficiently. Water should flow freely through the gutters, down the downspouts and away from your house without pooling.
By following these steps, you can effectively install rain gutters that will protect your home from rainwater damage.
How to Replace Rain Gutters
- Before beginning, make sure you have a stable ladder and, without forgetting, wear gloves to protect your hands. Climb the ladder and reach the edge of your house's roof where the gutters were installed.
- Use a screwdriver or with the help of a power drill remove screws or use a pry bar for nails to remove the old gutter. Work carefully to avoid damaging the fascia.
- Remove the gutter hangers as well, by unfastening and gently pulling them off.
- Carefully lower each section of the gutter and remove them.
If you are unable to remove a section, check to see what’s keeping it in place. Do not try to pull it harder, as this can damage the house and even cause a fall.
It might be helpful to have an assistant or use a rope to bring the old gutters down gently.
- Look for any signs of rotting, water damage or pest infestation on the roof's fascia.
- In case there are any small damaged areas that need repair, then they can be patched with wood filler, but for larger damage, consider cutting out and replacing sections of the fascia. Use treated lumber for replacements to enhance durability.
- Sand down any rough spots and apply a water-resistant primer to protect the wood.
When sanding and applying primer, wear a mask and protective eyewear to prevent inhalation of dust and fumes.
Be cautious when working near power lines. Maintain a safe distance and use non-conductive ladders.
- Based on the measurement of your new gutter, select sturdy weather-resistant hangers that will fit your gutter type.
- Install the gutter hangers carefully at approximately every 24 to 36 inches along the fascia to provide the needed support. More frequent spacing may be needed in heavy snow areas.
- Use a chalk line to ensure a consistent slope towards the downspouts for proper drainage.
Invest in high-grade materials and tools to ensure your new gutters last a long time and require minimal maintenance in the future.
- Measure and cut the gutter pieces to fit each section of your roof. Remember to leave a little extra length to connect the pieces at the corners.
- Start installing the rain gutters on the roof side that are far from where your downspout is placed.
- Once the new rain gutters are installed, put gutter sealant on any spots where gutter pieces are connected. This helps to avoid water from leaking out. If your gutter pieces snap together or fit tightly without sealant, you might not need to do this step.
Make sure the gutters tilt a bit towards the downspout, about half an inch lower for every 10 feet of gutter. This helps water flow the right way quickly.
- If needed, also attach the new downspouts to your replaced rain gutters to make them more efficient for a longer period.
- Attach the elbow sections to the gutter outlet and then join the vertical downspout sections. Make sure that the water will be directed well away from the house foundation.
- Use straps to firmly attach the downspouts to the side of the house. Ensure there's a direct path for water to flow smoothly.
- For the final inspection, run water through the gutters using a garden hose that mimics the rain to check if there are any leaks. If you find any leaks, seal them immediately with gutter sealant.
- Make sure that the water flows freely towards downspouts without pooling in any sections.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the slope or hanger placements if that improves the flow of the water.
- Your “how to replace gutters on a house” guide ends here.