You may think installing gutters by yourself is a massive undertaking, but don't worry, it's not. While you could hire a professional, you can do it yourself in a day or two with the right tools. The process of installing gutter guards is not incredibly strenuous, and most of the tools and supplies are readily available. Here you will find why you need gutters, what you will need, and step-by-step instructions on how to install them.
Without a rain gutter, rainwater will damage the siding and trim of your home. The water could also leak into your basement. Over time, water runoff will cause mold, structural damage, and erosion. Gutters will divert the water away from your home's foundation.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for installation.
1. Measure Your Roofline and Mark the Slope
Using your tape measure, record the length of your roofline. You need a downspouts every 30 to 40 feet. On the fascia, mark the highest point of the gutter run 1 1/4 inches below the drip-edge flashing. At the end of the fascia, mark the low edge of the gutter run. The slope should be approximately 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of run. Snap a chalk line between the two points.
2. Mount Gutter Brackets or Hangers
The gutter brackets or hangers should be mounted every 24 to 30 inches. Start at the high point and work toward the downspout.
3. Cut and Connect Gutter Sections
Use a hacksaw and avation snips, to cut the gutter sections to length. You can also use a 12-inch power saw fitted with a carbide-tipped finish blade. If the gutter continues around a corner, cut at the appropriate angle (usually 45 degrees). Use 3/8-inch-long, self-tapping, stainless steel screws. or pop rivets in two rows of four each to connect two sections of gutter if the run requires them. Locate screws or rivets on the sides of the gutter, not the bottom.
4. Seal and Install Gutter End Caps
Attach the gutter end caps, at the square-cut end of the gutter with aluminum pop rivets. To attach, temporarily hold the end cap in place with a sheet metal screw, drill a 1/8-inch hole, and install one pop rivet. Replace the temporary screw with a rivet. Use gutter caulk to seal the rivets and the end cap on the inside of the gutter to ensure a watertight joint.
5. Cut and Install Downspout Openings
To mark the location of the downspout on the low end of the gutter, use a downspout outlet. Turn the gutter upside down and place the outlet on top. Mark the downspout hole by tracing around the inside of the outlet. Turn the gutter over and cut the downspout hole with a 4-inch-diameter hole saw chucked into the drill.
6. Secure Gutters to the Brackets
Snap or screw the gutters into place with the hangers or brackets. Rotate the gutter upward until its back edge slides into the hooks at the top of the bracket. Drill a 3/16-inch diameter hole in the front edge of the gutter through the screw-mounting hole in each bracket. Use a 1-inch-long #8-32 stainless steel machine screw and flanged nut to secure the gutter to the bracket.
7. Attach Corner Joints with Strip Miters
Use a strip miter to cover the joint between two lengths of gutter at each corner. Tightly wrap the aluminum strip 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 the two flaps down around the top edge of the gutter. For a more waterproof joint, add silicone caulk.
8. Connect and Install Downspouts Properly
To attach the downspouts or conductor pipe, screw it into the gutter with four pop rivets or screws. Attach an elbow to the outlet tube projecting down from the gutter with screws. Holding a second elbows against the house, cut a downspout between the two elbows. Use needle-nose pliers to crimp the elbow to fit into the downspout. Finish the installation by fastening the parts together with pop rivets or screws.
Installing gutters around the house yourself is doable if you have the tools, materials, and patience. Doing the labor on your own will save you money. If you’re unable to install gutters without risking harm to yourself or your property, please hire a professional.