Table of Contents

 

• Sketch and Measure Your House
• Choose the Right Gutter Components
• Select the Appropriate Hangers and Fasteners
• Slope the Gutters Correctly
• Prepare the Gutters for Installation
• Attach End Caps and Cut Downspout Holes
• Install Gutters and Downspouts
• Optional: Add a Rain Barrel
• Maintain Your Gutters

 

 

Installing gutters is an essential part of maintaining your home’s exterior and protecting it from water damage. Gutters help collect and divert rainwater away from the foundation, siding, and basement, preventing erosion and leaks. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing gutters, from evaluating and planning your gutter replacement project to step-by-step instructions for installation.

Evaluate and Plan Your Gutter Replacement Project

Before you begin installing your new gutters, you must evaluate the state of your home’s exterior and plan the project accordingly. Inspect the fascia and soffit for signs of rot or decay, which must be repaired or replaced before installing new gutters. 

If your home has a trim board or crown molding beneath the shingles, you may need to remove it or add a continuous strip of wood beneath it to create a flat plane for the gutters. Always prime and paint any bare wood before installing gutters.

 

Sketch and Measure Your House

To plan your gutter installation, draw a sketch of your home’s exterior and record the length of the gutter runs and downspout locations. Count the inside and outside corners, end caps, and note whether they are right or left ends. 

Measure the height of downspouts and add four feet to each for the extension away from the house at the bottom.

 

Choose the Right Gutter Components

Gutter components are available in various sizes and styles. The most popular gutter style is the 5-inch Type K, which is a universal size and shape that allows you to mix brands. Gutters come in 10-, 20-, and 33-foot lengths, while downspouts are available in 3- and 4-inch widths and 10-foot lengths. 

If you have trees nearby, opt for 4-inch downspouts and outlet fittings, and install gutter screens to prevent clogs.

 

Select the Appropriate Hangers and Fasteners

The choice of hangers and fasteners is crucial for a sturdy gutter installation. Hidden hangers are the preferred option, as they span the inside of the gutter and are not visible from the ground. 

Two types of hidden hangers are available: a heavier version with a built-in fastening screw and a lighter version that can be nailed or screwed. The lighter hangers cost less and work well, so use them every 2 feet, and opt for the heavier design at stress points like corners and near downspouts.

Slope the Gutters Correctly

Proper gutter slope is essential for effective water drainage. Gutters should slope downward towards the downspout at a rate of ½ inch for every 10 feet of run. 

For gutter runs longer than 40 feet, it’s best to slope the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end or slope the gutters down from each end toward a single downspout placed in the middle of the run.

 

Prepare the Gutters for Installation

Before you install the gutters, you’ll need to size and cut them according to your measurements. Use a hacksaw or a power miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade to cut gutter sections to length. If the gutter runs around a corner, cut the appropriate angle, typically 45 degrees, on that end. 

For runs that require two gutter sections, overlap them by 8 inches and join them with 3/8-inch-long, self-tapping stainless steel screws or pop rivets in two rows of four each.

Attach End Caps and Cut Downspout Holes

At the square-cut end of the gutter, attach a spherical end cap with aluminum pop rivets or sheet metal screws. Seal the rivets and end-cap seam on the inside of the gutter with high-quality siliconized caulk to ensure a watertight joint. 

Use a downspout outlet to mark the location of the downspout on the low end of the gutter, and cut the downspout hole using a 4-inch-diameter hole saw or a hammer and cold chisel.

Install Gutters and Downspouts

Begin your gutter installation by attaching fascia brackets to the rafter tails behind the fascia, spaced 16 inches on center. Lay the gutter into the brackets and secure it with stainless steel machine screws and flanged nuts. 

To form a strip-miter joint at the corners, use a 3-inch-wide strip of aluminum, wrapping it tightly around the underside of the gutter and securing it with pop rivets or sheet-metal screws.

Connect the downspout to the gutter by securing the downspout outlet with pop rivets or screws, attaching a downspout elbow to the outlet tube, and cutting a piece of downspout to fit between two elbows. 

Fasten all parts together with pop rivets or screws and use downspout brackets to secure the downspout to the house.

Optional: Add a Rain Barrel

If you’re interested in adding a rain barrel to your gutter system, place two 2-inch-thick concrete pavers on the ground directly below the downspout outlet, and set the rain barrel on top. 

Install a diverter in the downspout, positioning it level with the top of the rain barrel, and connect the diverter’s flexible hose to the port on the side of the rain barrel.

Maintain Your Gutters

Regular gutter maintenance is crucial to ensure that your gutters continue to function properly and protect your home from water damage. Clean your gutters at least twice a year, removing debris and checking for any damage or loose components. If necessary, make repairs or replace damaged parts to keep your gutter system in optimal working condition.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully install gutters on your home, protecting it from water damage and enhancing its curb appeal. 

Proper installation and regular maintenance will ensure that your gutter system remains effective and durable for years to come.