Everything You Need to Know About Installing Gutters Choose the Right Size Gutter. Don't separate the hangers from the gutters too far. Pay attention to the inclination of the rain gutters. The gutters must be below the roof line.
Replacing gutters on your own can save you a lot of money compared to professionally installed gutters, but there are some pitfalls to pay attention to. Inspect the fascia and ceiling (fig. B, below) looking for signs of rotten wood, which must be replaced before installing rain gutters. Many homes have a roof molding, or molding, nailed to the fascia, just below the shingles.
You'll need to remove it, as we did, or add a continuous strip of wood underneath to create a plane for the gutters. In any case, print and paint the bare wood before hanging the gutters. Plus, learn how to install ice-proof rain gutters. To ensure that the gutters drain properly, make sure they are angled (½ inch per 10 feet) toward a downspout.
If the gutters are longer than 40 feet, it's best to tilt the gutter downward from the center to a downspout at each end. Or you can tilt the channels downward from each end until you reach a single downspout located in the center of the channel. Determine what best suits your home before ordering gutters and accessories. Get the latest This Old House news, reliable tips, tricks and smart projects from our experts straight to your inbox.
The gutters should extend beyond the roof shingles, not align with them. Water naturally runs through the shingles, down the edge of the shingles, and even underneath them. When sections of the gutters are installed directly in line with the roof tiles, the shingles impair the natural flow of water. Rainwater can flow into the end cap and is likely to drip.
Place each section of the gutter next to the ladder in order of installation so that your assistant can deliver it to you when you need it. Without anything obstructing the path, you can apply an even coat and allow it to dry before installing the new system. We know that gutters work best when properly installed, with all the customizations and specifications needed for your home. Get recommendations and multiple quotes from professional gutter installers to help you make an informed decision.
As you may have deduced from that example, there are no national regulations on how to install rain gutters. Nearly every home center and full-service hardware store sells gutters designed for easy installation. Installing gutters isn't rocket science, but it does require some basic engineering. Cleaning the gutter would be a complex and risky process, so I installed gutter protectors only on that side.
That gives gutter installers a lot of wiggle room, and it doesn't always result in the best rain gutter installation in your home.. However, an extreme inclination may seem a bit strange from the street and complicate its installation along the fascia. Well, if you didn't already know, now you have some real examples of problems related to gutters that you should consider when installing new gutters. Our goal is to help homeowners like you find the highest quality gutter resources available, including the information you need to know to make sure your gutters are installed correctly so you can keep your home free from water damage and other problems.
A proper installation makes a difference in the short and long term for you, the homeowner, your home and your land. An unfortunate truth about installing gutters is that you may not be able to meet all of your rainwater management needs with a conventional gutter system. The fascia, or wooden planks that sit under the roof and protect the interior components, is where you'll install your new gutters.
