How To Install Rain Gutters

Easy

Introduction

So you have decided to install rain gutters? Rain gutters are one of the many things that will improve value and functionality of your home, they will also improve the experience of entering and exiting the home on rainy days! Rain gutters come in many shapes and colors, they can be purchased by the piece and installed yourself, or you can have them made and installed without any seams whatsoever! In all cases they produce the same results; stopping the rain from falling on your head when you enter or exit the house! We have provided some information that will take you through the entire process from start to finish. Whether you are looking for vinyl or aluminum gutters, we will show you the "How-to" information! We have rounded a few resources that will send you on your way to completing your new project. Please look over the information below carefully, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: we have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

The Tools You'll Need

Ladder

A ladder will be utilized for the entire process of installing your gutter system. We suggest you purchase a good sturdy model such as the one presented here!

Tape Measure

A tape measure will be necessary to get the correct lengths of the materials needed to make and install your new gutters. A good easy to read tape measure will save time and guess work when you are in the construction process! Great Deal on a Tape Measure at Amazon

Chalk Line

A chalk line will be used to mark the "drop" over the distance of the gutter run. It is suggested approximately 1/4" drop every 10' lineal feet. The chalk line will make a mark for you to follow when installing the gutters. Great Deal on Chalk Line at Amazon

Level (String and Carpenter's)

A level will be used to mark a line at down the soffit or eve, once you have a level line you can measure the correct "drop" for proper drainage. Great Deal on a Level at Amazon

Power Drill and Screwdriver Bits

A power drill with drill bits and screw driver bits will help you install the gutter system. Being able to drill and drive the screws without having to manually use a screwdriver will save time and muscle!

Fine Tooth Hacksaw

A fine tooth hacksaw will be used to cut the gutter material to size. You will also use this to cut the down spouts! Have one on hand when you start the job! Great Deal on a Hacksaw at Amazon

The Materials You'll Need

Rust Resistant (Galvanized) Screws

Rust resistant galvanized screws will insure that your gutters stay put for a long time. These screws are manufactured for out door use and will last a long time in that nasty weather. Great Deal on Galvanized Screws at Amazon

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are the most inexpensive and easiest to install. They do not loose their color from exposure to weather conditions and they are easy to clean!

Hangers

Hangers will be used to hold the gutters in place. You also use hangers to mount the down spouts that carry the water to the ground. Great Deal on Hangers at Amazon

Connectors

Connectors will join the gutter lengths together and hold them firmly in place while producing a water tight seal. Connectors are needed for most types of gutter systems. Great Deal on Connectors at Amazon

Elbows

Elbows will allow the down spout to angle away from the gutter and bring them close to the house. This way you do not have these down spouts hanging straight down with no way to support them. Great Deal on Elbowsl at Amazon

Downspouts

Down spouts are simply the pipe that carry's the water from the gutter to the ground. Most down spouts are made from the same material as the gutter so they match and make it look like a complete system!

Drop Outlets

Drop outlets are simply what the name says, they act as a splash shield or directional flow component to make sure the waste water goes in the direction you want! Great Deal on Drop Outlets at Amazon

Caps

Caps close the end of the gutter so the water is forced to drain in the direction toward the down spout. This way the water doesn't just run out the end of the gutter! Great Deal on Caps at Amazon

The Technique

We have provided an excellent selection of articles and books to guide you through the installation of your new gutters. Remember in most cases the size (width) and type of gutter for your application will be determined by the pitch of the roof. Some roof designs entail a pitch of 6/12 or greater and they may require a wider and deeper gutter because the water will be moving to the gutter much faster. Measuring your roof's pitch isn't as complex as you might think. The pitch, or slope, of a roof is expressed as the distance a roof rises vertically over a 12-inch horizontal distance. So a roof that rises 6 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally has a 6/12 pitch. This will be good to know when determining your gutter type!

Gutter Installation

Here is an excellent set of instructions guiding you through several aspects of the decision making and installation process. You will learn to determine the pitch of the roof (to tell the type of gutter needed), you will also learn measuring the length of the eves, and to calculating the slope of the pitch (for draining). Once you have determined this you will have to decide on which materials you want to use. You are then ready for the installation process. Here we go >>>

Step By Step

Here is another excellent set of instructions guiding you through the entire process. Installing the gutters is a simple process, there is only one correct way to install rain gutters and we have brought it directly to you. The basics are very simple and they produce excellent results, you measure and calculate the materials, you set the slope for the drainage and you install the gutters. You can test your gutters by spraying the roof with a garden hose to check for leaks and adjustments that need to be made while you are installing them. Good Luck! View The Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Guide to Roof and Gutter Installation and Repair

This book will guide you through deciding the different types of gutter systems available for your application. You will then learn how to layout your materials list and finally how to install the system itself! Gutter systems have only one function, to direst the run-off in the direction you want it to go, this book will help you to accomplish that task!

The Home Pro Guide to Roof and Gutter Installation and Repair

Here is another book that is designed to walk you through the entire process of creating and installing a gutter system for your home. You will also learn several points for repairing that old system that is not functioning right. Better get this book and keep it on hand.

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.