How to Improve Your Roof's Longevity by Installing Gutters
Rain gutters do more than just protect your siding and foundation from damage, they help to improve the longevity of your roof. The easiest gutters to install yourself are sectional gutters, usually made of either aluminum or vinyl. Decorative gutters and seamless gutters should be left up to professionals, as the task can be challenging. Make sure that you have all the tools and supplies you need before you begin.
You will need:
- Tape measure
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Chalk line
- String level
- Carpenter's level
- Hack saw
- Power drill with screwdriver bits
- Rust-resistant screws
- Caulking gun with silicon caulk
- Gutter sections and components
- Look around the outside of your home to decide on the layout of your gutter system. You need to decide where you want the water to go also. Concrete areas and places that slope away from your home are the best locations for gutter downspouts.
- Measure along the edge of the roof to figure out how many sections of gutter you need. They usually come in 10-foot sections. Remember to add about 10 percent to the measurements because there are sections that will need to be cut.
- Use your roof measurements and gutter layout to figure out how many components, such as corners, elbows and drop outlets, you will need. You will need enough mounting brackets to be able to place one every 2 feet.
- Start on the end of your roof that is opposite of where you want to place your downspout. Make a mark about half-inch down from the edge of the roof. Move to the end where you will be placing the downspout, measure down a half-inch and make another mark. To make sure the line between the marks are level, use a string level.
- For proper drainage, your gutters need to slope 5/8" for every 10-foot section. Figure out the distance between the two marks you made to see how much of a slope you need.
- Measure the distance down from the first mark you made on the downspout end. Snap a chalk line from the mark you just made to the single mark at the far end of your gutters.
- Install all the components of your gutter system. This includes drop outlets, corners and mounting brackets. The easiest way to do this is using a power drill with screwdriver bits.
- Work from a ladder or scaffolding and install the sections of gutter. Place them into the mounting brackets and connect sections with gutter connectors.
- Cut sections to fit using a hacksaw.
- Prevent water from leaking through the seams of the gutters by running a bead of silicon caulk between the sections.
- Place an elbow on the bottom of the drop outlet. Measure, cut and then install the downspout. Attach it to the base of the drop outlet.
- Use mounting brackets to attach the downspout to the side of your home. Make sure it is attached firmly.