How to Replace Rain Gutters
A rain gutter can become worn down due to termites, weather, or even tree branches. That’s why it’s very important to replace them. The gutters are built in sections, very easy to switch out. It is essential to keep the gutters clean because debris can build up and actually block water flow.
Things you will need to replace rain gutters:
- Gutter clips
- End caps
- Elbow joints
- Silicone caulk and gun
- Fascia board
- Tape measure
- Gutter spikes
- Ladder
- Trowel
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Electric drill
- Take a small garden trowel to get rid of any leaves or other debris in the gutter. Then put a block of wood into the gutter to prevent it from being bent while taken out. Next take out the spikes by holding the gutter against the house and taking them off with a hammer and pry bar.
- Take off the fascia boards beneath the gutter. Look at them for damage from termites or water. If they are damaged, you will have to cut new boards with a circular saw.
- Take measurements of the old rain gutter sections in order to figure out how long the sections should be cut. Use a hacksaw to cut the new gutter into sections. Take an electric drill and create ¼ inch holes in the inside lip. Make sure they are spaced out every couple of feet. Then put in the spikes to keep the gutter attached.
- Take some gutter clips and attach the end caps onto the downspouts. Then seal the elbow joints with some silicone caulk. Let them dry before you install them to the house.
- Take some fascia boards and attach them with galvanized deck screws. Use some gutter clips and screws to join the gutter sections to the fascia. Put sealant inside the gutter to seal the joints between sections.
- Put the gutter spikes into the holes you drilled in the inside lip.
- Attach the downspout with the sealed elbow joints from step four. Make sure to seal the seam between the downspout and elbow joints with gutter sealant.