how to install gutters

7/29/2019 How to Install Gutters

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How to Install Guttershttp://www.wikihow.com/Install-Gutters

Rain gutters and downspouts are essential tools that are used to divert and carry rain

water away from the foundation of your house. They help to prevent soil erosion, damage

to siding, and basement leaks. It is essential that gutters are measured, pitched, andinstalled correctly in order to function properly. Gutter installation is a job that many

homeowners can tackle on their own with a little effort and the proper tools. Read the

article below for instructions on how to install gutters.

Getting Started1- Calculate and purchase at least the total length of gutters needed, as well as

the necessary downspouts and attachment brackets. Gutters should be attachedto the fascia and run the entire length of the roof, ending with a downspout. If a gutterrun will measure longer than 40 feet (12 m), the gutter should be positioned to pitchdown from the middle, aimed toward a downspout at each end. A fascia bracket will

be attached to every other rafter tail, or approximately every 32 inches (81 cm).

Depending on the type of gutters you want, expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $6per linear foot for aluminum gutters. Copper gutters could run as much as $20 per linearfoot.[1]

Expect to pay approximately $2 per linear foot for downspouts, and $6 to $10 eachfor the brackets that attach the gutters to the fascia. [2]
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2- Inspect the fascia and soffit for any rot or decay before moving on toinstallation. What good will installation be if the fascia holding your gutters up rotsaway? To inspect the fascia, poke at the ends of fascia boards, or where two ends offascia boards meet. If it feels spongy or compromised, you may want to considerreplacing the fascia before moving on.

Think about replacing the fascia with more resistant material, or just sticking with wood.

If you believe the rotting is caused by excessive moisture due to ineffective gutters,

then wood might acceptable. (You are going to install working gutters, after all.) If you believe the rot to be caused by other factors, consider choosing a material like

aluminum or vinyl that withstands the elements a bit better than wood

Planning the Slope of the Gutters1- Measure and snap a layout line using a chalk line. You want your gutters

to work properly, and in order for them to do that, they need to have a slight

downward angle to feed any running water toward the downspout.


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Longer gutters (35 feet and longer) will slope from the center to each end.[3] They will

start at the same height in the middle and tilt downward to the edges, ending at the samepoint.

Shorter gutters should tilt from one end to the other.[4]They should start at a high

point and end at a lower point.

2- Locate the starting point, or highest point, of the gutter run . If yourfascia board is longer than 35 feet (10.6 m), your starting point will be in the center of thefascia board. If its shorter than 35 feet, your gutter will run from one end to the other.
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Mark the hight point on the fascia, 1.25 inches (3.175 cm) below the roof flashing

with a piece of chalk.

3- Then, locate the ending point, or the downspout location, of the gutterrun. This will be at the corner of a fascia board, and may include one downspout being fedby two different gutters.


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4- Find the end point of the gutter run by using a -inch ( .635 cm)downward slope. Starting at your high point, move down -inch for every 10 feet (3 m) ofgutter.


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For example, if you're working on a 25 foot (7.6 m) fascia board, your end point willbe roughly 1-1/4 inch below your high point.

5- Snap a chalk line between the high and low points. Use a level or a measuring stick totry to get an even line. This will be a guidepost for your gutters, so it helps to be precise.


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Sizing, Cutting, and Installing the Gutters

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1- Cut the gutters to size. Use a hacksaw, or heavy duty tin snips to cut the gutter at theappropriate measurement. You may need to cut your gutters at a 45 degree angle if twogutters meet at a corner.


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2- Attach the gutter brackets on every other rafter tail.[5] Locate each rafter tail usuallyspaced every 16 inches (40.6 cm) apart by looking for their signature nail heads. Afteryou've marked the location of each one, drill pilot holes along every other rafter tail to makeinstallation of the brackets easier.
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Brackets will either snap onto the gutters or will be mounted into the face board first,depending on the type of gutters you purchase. Review the manufacturer'srecommendations for your particular type of gutter.

3- Mark the location for the downspout opening on the gutter. Use a jigsaw to cut asquare opening at the appropriate place in the gutter.


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4 - Attach the downspout connector and end cap to the gutter using silicone sealantand short metal screws. An end cap should be used on any open-ended run of gutter.


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5- Mount the gutters. Slip the gutter into place by tilting it upward until its back end fits intoplace at the top of the bracket. The gutter should either snap into place or be reasonablysnug.


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A bracket should be mounted to the face-board every 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).Use a stainless steel lag screw long enough to penetrate the face-board at least 2 inches (5cm).

6- Wrap a thin aluminum strip around the underside of each gutter corner, riveting itinto place. To keep water from leaking through small cracks or openings at conjoinedcorners, insulate the aluminum strip further using waterproof caulk.


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This aluminum strip can be spray-painted ahead of time to blend in seamlessly withthe color of the gutter.

Make the strip long enough to extend an inch or two beyond the top of the gutter. Cut

a triangular shape into the top of the extending strip, and then fold each corner or the stripover onto the top of the gutter, creating a clean look.

7- Attach the downspout to the gutters via the downspout connector. Make sure thatthe tapered end of the downspout is facing down and aimed in the appropriate direction.


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To get the downspout to connect with the outlet tube, crimp the downspout with

some pliers. Fasten the downspout to the gutters and the downspout to the outlet tube either with

pop rivets or the appropriate screws.

8- Seal any gutter connection seams with a heavy bead of sealant and allow to dryovernight.

Test the newly installed gutter for leaks and proper water diversion by running agarden hose at the highest point.

Using a piece of wire screen over the downspout outlet will make cleaning the guttereasier in the fall.

Repair any fascia rot or eave damage prior to installing gutters.

how to install gutters

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