Heavy rainfall can seriously damage your home. The damage can be relevant to foundations and exterior surfaces in general, and the simplest way to avoid rain damage is by properly installing gutters that drain water away from the building. Gutters can be made of different materials, including wood, steel, aluminum and copper. PVC is a material that is gaining momentum as it is inexpensive, simple to install and weatherproof. Read on to learn how to install PVC gutters.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare for Installation
Step 1. First of all decide where you intend to direct the water
Choose whether to collect rainwater in a bucket or barrel, or choose to dispose of it at an adequate distance from the building, provided it cannot be discharged into the sewer, which is always preferable. In the event of a drain into the ground, consider that there are no unfavorable inclinations that would carry the water back towards the building, damaging the foundations in the long term. Before installing the gutters, you must have decided where the water they convey will drain.
The aim is to drain the water at least two meters away from the foundation, while making sure there is no slope in the ground that would bring the water back to the building itself
Step 2. Measure the eaves line
To understand how many elements and accessories you will need to purchase, you need to measure the entire perimeter of the roof where you intend to install or replace the gutters.
- While it is easier to measure from the ground, the more accurate method requires you to climb a ladder, and with the help of a friend take the correct measurements so as to eliminate the possibility of error.
- Make a sketch of the roof, to take to the dealer. Describe the shape and enter the correct measurements.
Step 3. Choose whether to opt for a complete kit of all elements, or to purchase the various parts separately
In many cases, the dealer offers you mounting kits that include elements and accessories to complete a certain length. While you don't have to worry about forgetting items in this case, ready-made kits tend to be more expensive than the corresponding single items, and potentially cause more waste or risk of missing some components needed to complete the work.
- If you decide to purchase the separate components, opt for 3 meter long PVC gutter sections, which can be easily cut to size. It is always better to get a few more meters than to go back to the store a second time.
- You also need joints, angles, closing elements for the ends, and supports to be mounted every 50 cm approximately.
- You also need drain pipes, corner joints and support brackets for the drains. the drains must be provided for every maximum 9 or 10 linear meters of gutter. If you need advice, contact specialist retailers or read the instructions on the assembly kits.
Step 4. Mark the slope on the edge of the roof with a pinstripe wire
When you proceed with the installation, you will not have to mark or measure each element, so it is useful to take measurements and mark the slopes before starting work. Provide a slope of half to one centimeter every 3 linear meters for gutters with a total length of less than 10 meters per section.
- Gutters require a slight slope to allow water to flow smoothly and not stagnate. For sections longer than 10 meters, mark the highest point in the middle of the section, and allow for a slope to both sides and towards the drains.
- For sections longer than 12 meters, you can alternatively provide a single central drain and keep a reverse slope, i.e. from the outside towards the single drain point. Evaluate the best solution before proceeding with the purchase of components.
Method 2 of 3: Installing the Gutters
Step 1. Install the drains at the corners of the building
Use a drill or electric screwdriver to install the drains by fixing them with screws and anchors at least 3 cm long. The gutters will be hooked to the drains, which is why it is important that these are installed first in order to provide guidance for the next job.
Step 2. Secure the gutter supports by following the sloped line you marked earlier with the pinstripe wire
Install supports every 50cm or so, and at least 2 to 3cm below the edge of the roof.
Step 3. Attach corner pieces to join the gutters where there is no drain
The water must flow freely in the gutters, descending towards the drains, which may not be installed in some corners, where instead corner elements must be applied to seal the gutter.
Step 4. Secure the gutter sections
First of all, insert each section into the joint of the drain, and then proceed by attaching it to the supports and joining the various sections with the appropriate joints. Add end pieces for sections that do not join each other.
- If you need to cut some gutter elements to size, use sturdy shears or a hacksaw.
- To make the job easier, have someone help you, so that you hold the end of the gutter while the other fixes the element to the various supports starting from the outside.
Step 5. Then attach the drain pipes to the exterior walls
First of all, attach the drain pipes to the drain fittings on the gutter. At this point, use the corner fittings to join the gutter drains with the wall-mounted pipes.
Secure the drain pipes to the walls with the special brackets
Step 6. Install gutter guards
Often the shrouds are made of lightweight wire mesh, and fasten to the open side of the gutter to prevent debris and foliage from accumulating, so that water flows freely to the drains.
Method 3 of 3: Gutter Maintenance
Step 1. Clean the gutters once in the spring and once in the fall, or even once a year if you are sure they are not filling with debris more quickly
Regular cleaning ensures that the gutters do not clog and that there are no problems in the event of heavy rainfall, which currently can happen in any season. If done regularly, cleaning does not require more than a few hours of work. If the roof is safe, easy to access and not too sloping, it is preferable to clean the gutter from above in order to avoid continuous movement of the ladder.
Step 2. Remove leaves and other possible obstructions such as bird nests or dead animals
The biggest problem is usually the leaves that settle in the fall. Proceed systematically, equipped with a dustpan and a small broom for best results. The aim is to remove any debris and in particular the deposits that prevent the free flow of water.
- Some suggest always working from a ladder, to avoid the risk of falling off the roof. On the other hand, if the roof is solid and you don't suffer from vertigo, it is best to work from the roof so that the removed debris is dropped to the ground.
- Don't forget to clean the drains. When cleaning gutters, be sure to remove debris from drains as well, where they often settle the most.
Step 3. Rinse the gutters
Use a garden hose, and run some water to further rinse any residual debris.
