How to Replace Rain Gutters
Rain gutters can be damaged by weather, termites or falling tree branches. Replacing the rain gutters is important to prevent water from building up and rotting the roof. They are built in sections, which makes it easy to switch out only the portion of the gutter that is broken. Remember to also keep your rain gutters clean to prevent debris from blocking the flow of water. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Trowel
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Electric drill
- Gutter clips
- End caps
- Elbow joints
- Silicone caulk and gun
- Fascia board
- Tape measure
- Gutter spikes
Instructions
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1
Use a small garden trowel to clear out any leaves or other debris in the existing rain gutter. Put a block of wood in the gutter to prevent it from being bent during removal. Remove the spikes holding the gutter onto the home by prying them off with a pry bar and hammer.
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2
Pry off the fascia boards underneath the rain gutter. Inspect them for damage from water or termites. If they are damaged, cut new boards with a circular saw to replace those pieces.
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3
Measure the old rain gutter sections to find out how long you should cut the sections of the new gutter. Cut the new rain gutter into sections with a hacksaw. Use an electric drill to make 1/4 inch holes in the inside lip of the gutter, spaced out every couple of feet. This will be where you insert the spikes to hold the gutter onto the home.
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4
Use gutter clips to attach the end caps to the downspouts. Seal the elbow joints with silicone caulk and allow them to dry completely before installing them on the house.
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5
Attach the fascia boards onto the home with galvanized deck screws. Use gutter clips and screws to attach the gutter sections to the fascia. Be sure there is a bit of a slope leading to the downspout so the water will flow out of the rain gutter system. Seal the joints between each section, applying the sealant inside the gutter.
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6
Insert the gutter spikes through the holes you drilled in the inside lip earlier. Make sure they drive through the gutter and into the fascia board to securely fasten the gutter against the house.
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7
Connect the downspout using the sealed elbow joints from Step 4. Seal the seam between the downspout and elbow joints with gutter sealant.
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