Things Needed to Install Rain Gutters
Rain gutters are an important part of the structure of the house and maintaining the integrity of such. Leaky and broken rain gutters potentially allow moisture inside the house and basement, causing damage structurally and materially. Consequently, it is important to install rain gutters properly and maintain them accordingly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Recommended Tools
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A variety of tools are needed for the proper installation of rain gutters. For measuring and sizing gutters and downspouts to accommodate your home's dimensions, you will need a tape measure. A hacksaw is also needed to cut gutters and downspouts to the adequate size. Other tools include an extension ladder, needle-nose pliers, an electric drill with assorted drill bits, a ratchet wrench and aviation or tin snips. Some useful tools that are not necessarily required are a pop-rivet gun and a chalk line.
Additional Tools
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To prevent rain gutters from leaking at the seams, caulking is a viable option. Therefore, the appropriate type of caulking and a caulking gun are needed. Generally a type of outdoor silicon sealing compound is recommended to seal rivet joints and seams on the gutters and downspouts. Also, an electric miter saw is an alternative to the hacksaw, and an edging tool may come in handy for detail work.
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Materials
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Obviously, you will need the gutters, downspouts and downspout elbows, brackets and outlets. In addition to these, you will need fascia gutter brackets, spherical end caps and 3-inch-wide aluminum strips. Fasteners needed include 3/8-inch self-tapping hex-head stainless steel screws and 1/8-inch-diameter by 1/4-inch-long aluminum rivets. These are standard measurements that may require some tweaking depending on the design of your home and the type of gutters you select.
Precautions
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If you are replacing old and damaged rain gutters and downspouts, remove all pieces prior to installing the new parts. Disconnect the downspouts first and make any repairs to the fascia board prior to mounting the rain gutters. Respect your ladder and, never over-reach or step above the safety rung, which is generally the second step from the top and predominately marked. Always wear nonslip shoes, and place the ladder on solid, level ground.
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