How to Install Copper Gutters

Copper gutters make a charming addition to the outside of almost any home. They are shaped like half circles. These types of gutters are installed with fascia brackets that are screwed to the fascia board, which is located under the line of the roof. Installing copper gutters requires expertise as well as skill.

1. Place a carpenter's square against the fascia board on one end of the roof. One edge should be against the fascia board. The other end of the carpenter's square should be against the roof overhang. Find the area where the roof meets the fascia board. Use a tape measure to measure 1 1/2 inch down from that point. Mark the point with a pencil.


2. Measure the length of the entire roofline with a tape measure. Allow a 1/2-inch slope for every 10 feet on the roofline.


3. Move the ladder to the other end of the roof. Place a carpenter's square against the fascia board. Take the same measurements and mark the area with a pencil. If the line of the roof is 30 feet or more, the gutter will need to be 1 1/2 lower at this end of the roof. Find the area where the fascia board meets the overhand and make a pencil mark there. Measure another 1 1/2 inches below the point you marked. Snap a chalk like between the two marks. Use the chalk line as a guide when installing the gutters.


4. Install the fascia brackets. They will be secured into the rafter tails on the roof. Locate the nail heads in the fascia board. The nail heads are the points where the fascia brackets will be nailed into the rafter tails. Drill pilot holes in the rafter tails. Install the fascia brackets to the holes with screws.


5. Solder an end cap to the part of the gutter that will be at the highest point of the chalk line.


6. Position a downspout outlet at the opposite end of the gutter. It will be installed on the end opposite of where the first end cap was soldered. Install the downspout outlet by turning over the gutter so the curved side faces upward. Place the downspout outlet against the gutter. Use a pencil to mark the center of the hole on the downspout. The marking should be on the gutter. Hammer a slight dent on the gutter. Turn the gutter over and hammer a hole through the dent. Cut a hole that is 1/2 inch in diameter, which should be smaller than the hole on the downspout outlet.


7. Place the outlet into the hole from the inner part of the gutter. Solder the outlet to the gutter. Solder the second end cap on the end of the gutter.


8. Place the gutter on the fascia brackets. Rotate the gutters until it locks into place. Locate the crimped end of the downspout drainpipe. Push this end into the end of the downspout outlet. Use screws and nails to secure the downspout drainpipe to the house.