Gutter Replacement: How to Install Gutters

Planning the Rain Gutter Replacement Project

Almost all home centers and full-service hardware stores sell guttering that is designed primarily for easy installation. But with just a little bit more work, you can use these same parts to put together rain gutters and downspouts that are stronger and better looking too.

Evaluate and Plan the Gutter Replacement Project

Gutter replacement, which involves installing your own rain gutters can save you substantially over professionally installed gutters, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Inspect the fascia and soffit (Fig. B, below) for signs of rotted wood, which will need to be replaced before you put up the rain gutters. Many houses have a trim board or crown molding nailed to the fascia just under the shingles. You’ll have to either remove this as we did or add a continuous strip of wood under it to create a flat plane for the gutters. In either case, prime and paint bare wood before you hang the gutters.

Draw a Sketch and Measure Your House Before Installing House Gutters

Fig. A (below) shows an example of a rain gutter system for a typical house. Record the length of the rain gutter runs and mark the downspout locations. Then count up the inside and outside corners and end caps (note whether they are right or left ends). Measure the height of downspouts and add 4 ft. to each for the extension away from the house at the bottom. Each downspout requires three elbows. There are two types of elbows that turn either to the front or side of the downspout. Most installations require only front elbows, but occasionally you may need a side elbow, usually to turn the downspout extension sideways. Here are a few planning tips:

• Locate downspouts in unobstructed areas where water can be directed away from the house. Avoid locations with obstacles like electric meters, hose bibs or sidewalks.
• Place downspouts in inconspicuous locations if possible.
• Install oversized 3 x 4-in. downspouts on gutters that drain large roof areas or if you live in an area with torrential rains.
• Slope long gutter runs (40 ft. or more) down both directions from the middle and put a downspout on each end.
• Buy special roof hanger mounting straps for houses without fascia boards or for fascias that aren’t vertical.

Gutter Parts and Mounting Details

Measure the horizontal rain gutter runs and downspouts and identify the parts you’ll need.

Cutting the Gutter

• It’s much easier to join sections on the ground than to work from the top of a ladder.
• Instead of butting parts together and covering the joints with a seam cover as recommended by the manufacturer, lap all seams from two to four in.
• Cut the front and back sides with tin snips.
• Bend the gutter and cut the bottom.

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