The gutters, equipped with downspouts, are drainage systems for rainwater whose purpose is to remove rainwater from the walls and foundations of the house. This helps to keep the building in good condition, helping to prevent erosion problems, damage to external walls and water infiltration to the basement floors. To be truly effective, gutters must be of adequate size, sloped and properly installed. Installing a gutter can be done directly by the owner, with little effort if done using the right tools. Read this article to find out how.
Steps
Step 1. Take the necessary measurements and purchase as a minimum the overall length of the gutters to be installed, as well as the number of downspouts you will need in addition to the supports for fixing to the roof
The gutters must be hooked to the edge of the roof, along its entire length, and must end with a downspout. If the length of a gutter exceeds 12 m, the gutter must be installed in such a way as to form a slight slope starting from the center up to two downspouts each arranged at one end. The gutter must be fixed by means of a special support to one beam every two (approximately every 80 cm), a few centimeters from the edge of the roof.
Step 2. Measure the installation location and draw a line with a mason's striper
- Identify the starting point, which will be the highest point of the slope, of the gutter section.
- Mark this point on the facade, about 3 cm below the roof flashing.
- Locate the end point of the gutter section, which is also where the downspout will be installed.
- Mark the lowest point of the gutter on the facade, calculating that the gutter must have a slope of at least 3 cm over 10 m in length.
- Draw a line between these two points using the striper.
Step 3. Cut the gutter sections to size
Use a hacksaw or a pair of plumbing scissors to cut the gutter to the right length.
Step 4. Attach the fixing brackets
Depending on the type of gutter, you will have to attach the supports first to the gutter and then to the wall or vice versa. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the gutter you purchased.
Step 5. Mark the position on the gutter where the opening for the downspout will be made
With a hacksaw, cut an opening of adequate size at that point.
Step 6. Secure the duct cassette and end caps to the gutter, using silicone sealant and screws
You need to mount a header at each open end of the gutter.
Step 7. Mount the cylinder head
The supports are fixed to the roof flashing. The maximum distance between two neighboring supports must not exceed 100 cm. Secure the supports with screws long enough to penetrate the wood for at least 5 cm.
Step 8. Connect the downspout to the gutter using the duct cassette
Make sure that the flared end of the downspout is facing down and facing in an appropriate direction.
Step 9. Seal all joining points with a good dose of sealant and let dry for 12 hours
Advice
- Test the gutters after installation to verify that there are no leaks and that the water is draining properly. For testing, carry a garden hose up to the highest point of the gutter.
- Place leaf filters at the mouth of the downspouts to prevent them from clogging. This precautionary measure is especially necessary if there are trees in the vicinity of the building.
- Repair any damage to the flashing or roof edge before installing the gutters.
