When you decide on installing a new roof or even replacing the roofing system, there are many things that take the forefront. They may include selecting the roofing material, the color of the roof, having the proper structure, etc. During all this, it might not strike you that you need to install gutters as well.
Gutter systems play an essential role in your roof and home. They are a must-have to ensure that the water does not seep through and damage your home.
In the following blog, we will be going to describe more about these gutter systems and how you can install them.
What Are Gutters?
Also called rain gutters, these are a type of roof component that surrounds the edges of your home’s roof and are responsible for directing water away from your roofing system. Thus the gutter systems help to maintain the durability of your roof. They help prevent flooding and erosion by preventing water from entering the house.
Gutters are usually made of metal and can be seamless or traditional sectional types, and they come in many different styles. They can be found on both residential and commercial properties.
How To Install Gutters
Now that you know what gutters are and what their purpose is, now let’s move on to how you can install gutters. Here we share some tips that you need to consider while you.
Get Proper Equipment
Before moving ahead to install gutters, you need to make sure that you are well equipped to do the job. Take the necessary precautions and keep the tools that are required for the job handy.
Some of the tools you will need include:
- Ladders
- Drill Machine
- Chalk Line
- Drill Bits
- Hacksaw
Measure The Roof
Before you even consider buying a gutter system for your home, you’re going to need to know how big your roof is. This will determine what size of gutter system you should get.
Take a tape measure and go up on your roof. If you don’t have anything to stand on that will keep you from slipping, bring a chair or a step ladder with you. Measure from the edge of the roof along the side of the house to the point where you’d like your gutters to start.
Image source: thisoldhouse.com
Mark The Slope Of The Gutters
Gutters are created to do one thing: channel water from your roof downward, away from your foundation. For this, they need to be installed in such a way that they transfer the water effectively into the downspouts. If you don’t set them properly, water will pool at the downspout, run over the sidewalks, and cause problems.
This is why the gutters should have a slight slope.
According to many experts, there should be a slope of ¼ or ½ inch slope for every 10 feet of gutters.
Mark the slope points on the fascia boards with the help of a chalk line. This will come in handy when you attach the gutters.
Downspout Installation
Downspouts compliment the gutters. They are responsible for passing the rainwater down. Make use of the downspout outlet to mark the position of these components.
Next, you’ll need to cut holes in the gutters where your downspouts will sit. Use a driller on the gutter to cut a hole.
Your downspout holes should be large enough for your downspouts to fit snugly without any extra space around them, or they could fall out during installation and cause leaks! You can provide additional security with the help of a gutter sealant.
Cut The Gutter Material
Gutters come in a variety of materials. Whichever material you choose to install gutters needs to be cut in order to fit your fascia board. Use a hacksaw to cut the gutter according to your roof’s size.
Next, it is time to start attaching the gutters.
Attach The Support Systems
Before finally attaching your gutters, it is important to ensure that they are supported well. For a clean installation, you’ll want to drill pilot holes into the gutter’s fascia board. Drill holes where you earlier marked the slope with a chalk line. These holes should be at least ⅛ inch in size. After this is done, insert ¼-inch stainless steel lag screws that are as long or longer than 2 inches into these pilot holes. These ensure effective support of gutters.
Attach The Gutters
Now it is time for the crucial step, i.e., install the gutter system itself. Once the support is set in the form of a fascia board, you just need to place the gutters carefully. Attach the gutter system to fascia brackets using screws.
Finish The Job By Installing Downspouts
The last step but certainly not the least, is to install the downspouts. Attaching the downspout after gutters is one of the most important steps in installing your new gutter system. Fit them in the holes you have already drilled on your gutter systems.
Make sure the end of the downspout is in proximity to the drainage.
Use a hose to run water through the system and make sure there are no leaks or problems with the placement of the downspouts.
Conclusion
With such an important purpose in your exteriors, gutters are a must-have. If you are an expert, you can try to install gutters yourself. However, if not, then installing the gutter system yourself is a bad idea. The process is not so straightforward, but it does require careful measuring and good organization. Improper setting of the gutters could lead to injuries and more damage in the future.
This is why it is always advisable to call for a professional gutter installer for the same. If you also think that doing this project yourself is not your cup of tea and are looking for contractors, then be sure to contact Clear Cut Xteriors LLC. We are a team of highly skilled professionals ready to install the best gutter systems.
Contact us now at (651) 340-3410 and get a free inspection from us.
