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How to Install Gutters

Introduction

Gutters are important in helping keep water out of your basement. Properly installed gutters catch water coming off your roof and channel it away from your foundations to prevent water pooling and damage at the lower building levels.

Planning

Choose your preferred gutter type and find out the dimensions. Look at the outside of your home and determine how you would like the gutters to channel the water. Your gutter needs to catch the water as it comes off the roof and channel it away from your home.

Measure along the edges of your roof. Calculate how many gutter sections you need. Add 10 percent to your measurements for wastage and fitting. Combine the roof measurement with your gutter layout plan to calculate the number of other gutter components you will need.

Installation

Begin at the end of your roof away from the downspout location and measure down 1.27 centimetres (1/2) inch from the edge of your roof and mark it. Move to the downspout end and again measure and mark down 1.27 centimetres (1/2 inch) from the roof edge. Use a string level to be sure these marks are level with each other.
Calculate the slope you need so the water in your gutters flows towards the downspout. Measure down this distance from the first mark at the downspout end. Snap a chalk line from the lower mark at the downspout end to the single mark at the far end. This chalk line will be your reference line for installing your gutters.

Install the components of your gutter system - drop outlets, corners and mounting brackets. Fit individual sections of gutter into the mounting brackets and join the sections with gutter connectors. Use a hacksaw to cut gutter sections to fit when necessary.

Run clear silicon between the gutter sections to prevent water leaking through the seams. Install an elbow at the bottom of the drop outlet, then measure, cut and install the downspout to the base of the drop outlet. Attach the downspout to the side of your house using mounting brackets.

Overall Tips
  • Use rust resistant screws when installing your gutter components
  • Do not mix different metals together without checking the corrosion impact
  • Installing gutters requires you to work on ladders or scaffolding at the height of your roof
  • Since gutter sections are long and cumbersome, the job is easier and safer working with at least one helper

Tools You May Need

  • Chalk line
  • String level
  • Carpenters level
  • Hacksaw
  • Silicon cartridges and guns
  • Rust resistant screws
  • Ladder or scaffolding
  • Gutter sections and components
  • Power drill and screwdriver bits
  • Tape measure

 
   
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