How to Reduce a Gutter Downspout
A gutter downspout is a hollow object that collects water from a gutter and drains it to somewhere else, usually into a downspout extension or onto a splash block. Many times gutter downspouts are also used to drain water from one level of a building to a gutter at a lower level. The best way to reduce the water flow from a gutter downspout is to add an additional downspout. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Drill
- Sheet metal screws
- Aluminum sealant
- Hacksaw
- New lengths of downspouts
- Elbow joints
- Connector
- Aluminum straps
Instructions
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Procedures
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1
Determine where you want to place an additional downspout. The downspout should be placed in the area you want the excess water to flow.
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2
Place the piece that will connect the gutter to the downspout on the underneath side of the gutter. Trace around the piece where you will create a hole in the gutter.
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3
Drill four holes into the corners of the tracing.
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4
Use sheet metal shears to cut a rectangle in the gutter.
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5
Slide the connecting piece into the hole from the top of the gutter. Secure the piece from the bottom with four sheet metal screws.
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6
Apply an aluminum sealant around the connector.
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7
Use a sheet metal screw to secure the connector.
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8
Measure a length of downspout to reach from the newly-installed elbow to the house. Cut the needed length of downspout with a hacksaw, and slide it into the elbow.
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9
Add another elbow at the bottom of the downspout. The bottom of this elbow should point straight down the house.
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10
Cut the main portion of a downspout to go down the entire side of the house (or wall in above level) . Slide the downspout into the above elbow.
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11
Attach aluminum straps around the downspout and against the side of the house every 10 feet. Secure the straps with the appropriate type of screw for the type of siding on the house.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure the gutter and connector are dry before you apply sealant. Always make sure the elbows are pointing downward to help the water flow.
