- Rain gutters are long, hollow structures mounted along the edges of the roof.
- Steps to install gutters yourself include cutting gutters to length, attaching end caps, and cutting downspout holes.
- Choose Rain Guard Inc for safe gutter installation service.
For almost all buildings, rain gutters and downspouts are essential for collecting and directing rainwater away from the structure. Without these systems, water could erode the soil around the foundation, splash dirt onto the siding, and potentially leak into the basement or crawl space. If you’re looking to install gutters yourself, it’s important to know what materials you need along with the step-by-step process of how to install a gutter.
Parts Of A Gutter
Before you start your DIY gutter installation, you need to understand all the parts of a gutter system. While gutters are the most recognizable part of the gutter system, there are several other essential components, including downspouts, end caps, and brackets. Some of these parts might be just a few inches long, but each one plays a crucial role when you go to install gutters. Without any of these components, the entire gutter system would be compromised.
Gutter
The gutters are the key component of the gutter system. They are designed as a trough to collect water and redirect it down a pipeline. If you’re looking to install gutters yourself, there are many different types of gutters available to suit specific needs. Some are designed to reduce debris accumulation, others to handle heavier rainfall, and some can be customized to match the aesthetics of your home.
Downspout
Another essential component when you install gutters is the downspout. The downspout is a vertical tube that runs perpendicular to the gutter, directing water away from it. It connects to the gutters at the roof edges via a section called a drop outlet, which features a drain-like hole that leads into the downspout.
End Caps
Because gutters have a trough shape, they need end caps to prevent water from spilling out on either side. These end caps are attached to the ends of the gutters with rivets, effectively sealing them and directing the water flow as intended.
Brackets
Brackets are crucial for securely and permanently attaching the gutter system to the structure when you install gutters yourself. This gutter hanger system features a half-round design that wraps around the gutters and connects to the fascia board. Brackets and straps are recognized for enhancing the system’s strength and durability, allowing it to withstand severe weather changes.
DIY Gutter Installation Steps
When you install gutters yourself, it’s important to carefully follow the step-by-step process to ensure your gutters are hung correctly so that the home’s foundation will be protected from future damage. The DIY gutter installation step-by-step process includes checking for wood rot and creating a strip miter joint.
1. Remove Old Gutters
The first step for DIY gutter installation is to remove the old gutters. Start by removing any screws, nails, or rivets from the old gutter. Next, disconnect the downspout and pull it away from the home. Once that’s complete, fill in any holes and paint over any patched area.
2. Check The Fascia For Wood Rot
Before you install gutters, it’s vital to check the fascia for wood rot. Gutter systems are designed to direct water into the gutters rather than behind them. When water gets behind your gutters, it can damage your fascia board and seep into your walls. Signs of rotting wood include gutters that are leaning or coming loose from the house, as well as visible deterioration. Wood rot must be repaired first before installing new gutters or your new gutters run a high chance of falling down.
3. Create Layout Lines
- Mark the highest point of the gutter run on the fascia, 1 ¼ inches below the metal drip-edge flashing.
- At the opposite end of the fascia (or at the downspout location if it’s in the middle of the run), mark the low end of the gutter run, ensuring the slope is about ½ inch for every 10 feet of run.
- Then, snap a chalk line between the two points.
4. Attach Fascia Brackets
- Find the rafter tails behind the fascia; they are usually spaced 16 inches apart (look for recognizable nail heads).
- Mark the chalk line on every other rafter tail. Drill an ⅛ inch-diameter pilot hole through the fascia and into each rafter tail at the marked points.
- Secure the fascia brackets using ¼ inch stainless steel lag screws that are long enough to penetrate the rafters by 2 inches.
5. Cut Gutter To Length
- Cut the gutter section to length using a hacksaw, aviation snips, or a 12-inch power miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade.
- If the gutter needs to turn a corner, cut the appropriate angle (usually 45 degrees) at that end.
- For runs that require two sections of gutter, overlap them by 8 inches and secure them with self-tapping stainless steel screws or pop rivets, using two rows of four screws each.
6. Attach End Caps
- At the square-cut end of the gutter, attach a round end cap using aluminum pop rivets. If the gutter doesn’t turn a corner, secure an end cap on each end.
- To begin, hold the end cap in place with a single sheet-metal screw, then drill a ⅛ inch-diameter hole and install one pop rivet.
- Remove the temporary screw and replace it with a rivet.
- To create a watertight seal, apply high-quality siliconized caulk to the rivets and the seam of the end cap on the inside of the gutter.
7. Cut Downspout Holes
- Use a downspout outlet to indicate where the downspout will go on the low end of the gutter.
- To do this, flip the gutter upside down and position the outlet on top.
- Trace around the inside of the outlet to outline the downspout hole on the gutter.
- Drill a ¼ inch-diameter hole in the center of the circular outline.
- Then, turn the gutter over and cut the downspout hole using a 4-inch-diameter hole saw attached to a drill. Alternatively, you can use a hammer and cold chisel to create the hole.
8. Screw In Gutters
- Place the gutter into the brackets you’ve secured to the fascia with lag screws.
- Lift the gutter until the back edge fits into the hooks at the top of the brackets.
- Using the screw-mounting hole in each bracket, drill a 3/16-inch diameter hole in the front edge of the gutter.
- Fasten the gutter to the bracket with a 1-inch-long #8-32 stainless steel machine screw and flanged nut.
9. Create A Strip Miter Joint
- Cover the joint between two lengths of gutter at each corner with a strip miter, which is a 3-inch-wide aluminum strip.
- Wrap the strip tightly around the underside of the gutter and secure it with eight pop rivets or sheet-metal screws.
- Use snips to cut a triangular section from the top of the strip miter, then fold down the two flaps over the top edge of the gutter.
- For added waterproofing, apply a high-quality siliconized caulk to the joint.
10. Connect Downspout
- Attach the downspout outlet to the gutter using four pop rivets or screws.
- Connect a downspout elbow to the outlet tube extending down from the gutter.
- Position another elbow against the house and cut a piece of downspout to fit between the two elbows.
- Use needle nose pliers to gently crimp the elbow to ensure it fits into the downspout.
- Secure the components together with pop rivets or screws.
11. Test
Once all the steps to install gutters yourself are carefully and precisely completed, it’s time to test the gutter system. Place the hose inside the gutter by tossing it up from the ground, then turn on the tap. The water should flow toward the downspouts. Watch from below for any dripping water. You might need a helper to help you check the entire perimeter of the house when you install gutters.
Is DIY Gutter Installation Dangerous?
Although you can install gutters yourself, using the steps outlined above, there are significant risks associated with a DIY gutter installation. Safety precautions need to be used while using power tools and ladders. It is never advisable to do any sawing of the gutters on a ladder. Since there is a lot of danger in using both power tools and ladders, it is advisable to hire professionals. By using a professional gutter company, you can avoid injuries, improper installation, and inaccurate measurements.
Is DIY Gutter Installation Cost Effective?
Yes, choosing to install gutters yourself can be more affordable. Budget-friendly options like vinyl or aluminum sectional gutters are generally easier to install, making it cost-effective to take on the project yourself. The biggest cost will be your time and expertise in hanging gutters. Making sure that you have all the correct materials & tools is crucial to prevent multiple trips to your local hardware store. Making all the correct cuts to the gutters will save you from having to purchase multiple gutters. Although cost wise it may be cheaper to do this yourself, the cost on your time and sanity may add up. Depending on the price of your time, you may consider a professional guttering company.
Choose Rain Guard Inc To Install Your Gutters
Does DIY gutter installation sound too time consuming, difficult, and dangerous? If you are ready to safely install gutters, start your journey at Rain Guard Inc. In addition to providing durable and seamless gutter systems, we collaborate with you on installation options, and all our projects undergo inspection and review by a quality control manager upon completion. Once we replace your irreparable gutter with a custom-made, durable, and stylish new system, we guarantee your complete satisfaction by offering a no-obligation maintenance program to ensure your new gutters continue to function effectively.
Rain Guard Inc is your one-stop shop for all things gutters! Whether you need gutter installation, repair, gutter guards, or downspouts, our team is well-trained, reliable, and equipped to handle any gutter-related task you require. Get started today by scheduling a free estimate. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at one of our three offices in Oklahoma City, Edmond, or Norman. We guarantee we will answer any questions regarding gutters!
Contact Rain Guard Inc
Contact Rain Guard Inc today to learn more about gutter services or how to install gutters yourself.
Phone
rainguardinc@rainguardok.com
Return to blog