DIY: Installing Gutters
If your house doesn't have rain gutters, then every time there's a big storm, all of the rain will run down off the roof and collect in channels around the edge of your home. Rain water can potentially seep into the foundation and overwhelm those parts of the landscaping that are under the eaves, leaving the rest of your flowers thirsty. Rain gutters take that rain away from the foundation, preserving your home's structural integrity over time. The costs involved are far less than those of foundation repair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Level
- Rivets
- Hammer
- Cordless screwdriver
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Caulk edger
- Measuring tape
- Nails
- Screws
- Ladder
- Gutter channels
- Gutter end caps
- Gutter clamps
- Downspouts
- Downspout channels
Instructions
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1
Use a level and pencil or chalk to mark a line for your gutter's descent from the high corners to the downspouts. Plan for about 1/4-inch in drop for every 8 to 10 feet of gutter length.
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2
Assemble the gutter lengths and downspouts on the ground. You won't be able to attach the downspouts to the gutters until you've hung the gutters, but the more you can put together on the ground, the less time you'll be on the ladder. You can add any connectors to the outlet sections at this time as well.
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3
Attach the rivets to join the gutter sections together and caulk any seams that show gaps. Once you've applied the caulk, use an edger to remove any excess caulk from the seams.
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4
Hang the gutter clamps on the fascia board with a cordless screwdriver. Space the clamps every 18 to 24 inches apart.
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5
Hang the gutters on the clamps. Be gentle when you slide the channels into place in each clamp -- too much pressure can crack the caulking holding the seams together, leading to possible leaks.
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6
Attach the downspouts to the gutter drain sections. If needed, put curved downspout channels at the bottom of each spout to aim the water flow away from the house. Sometimes, cement channels are helpful -- place one at the bottom of each downspout.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
