Without gutters or a sloping yard, rainwater will collect around the foundation of your house. The puddles can damage the structure of your home, causing leaks, water stains, mold, mildew, and more. Gutters can also stabilize the soil around your home, prevent erosion, and lessen settling and cracks of sidewalks and driveways. If your home doesn’t currently have gutters or you need to replace gutters in a state of disrepair, scroll down to learn how to install guttering.
How to Install Guttering
Create a plan. First, measure the lengths of the fascia along the roofline to determine the length the gutters will need to be. Draw an outline, and mark the downspout locations with an X (they should be about 20 feet apart). Then, measure the heights from the roofline to the ground and add them to your outline.
Mark the gutter’s location. Drive a nail into the fascia at one end, about 1/2-inch below the top of the fascia. Stretch a mason’s line from the nail, and have it drop about 1/2-inch for every 10 feet to create an efficient slope. Mark the end point and snap a chalk line to mark where the top of the gutter will be attached.
Prepare the gutters. Lay the gutters on the ground below the fascia, mimicking how they will be attached. While wearing gloves, cut the gutters to the correct length using a hacksaw and tin snips, and smooth any sharp edges with a file. Apply seam sealant to the section that will have an end cap.
Attach the end caps. Beginning at the end of the fascia, use hidden fasteners to attach the end caps. Slip the fasteners into the gutter run and then screw the gutter into the fascia with screws.
Attach the gutters. Using the chalk line as a guide, attach the downspout outlets to the fascia using a power drill. Continue this process to attach the gutter sections, using hidden fasteners about every 24 inches. When connecting two separate pieces of gutter, use a gutter connector on the exterior seam and apply gutter sealant on the interior seam to prevent leaks.
Attach the downspouts. Finally, attach the downspouts. Begin with an elbow and a short length of downspout, and then add to the length. Anchor the downspouts with brackets: one at the top of the wall and one just above the foundation. At the bottom, attach another elbow to move the water away from the foundation and place a splash guard underneath.
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Learning how to install guttering can be tough, so don’t be afraid to call in the pros to be sure the job is done right. If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing. We can install durable and seamless 5″ and 6″ gutters as well as commercial box-style gutters. In addition, we can tear off old gutters and replace them with a reliable, safe, and strong new product. To learn more about our guttering services and request a free estimate, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 (toll-free number) or 417-326-8778 (local number).