Gutters have long been taken for granted as guardians of homes. They direct rainfall away from the foundation, protect against erosion, and help with the longevity of your roof and siding, and landscaping. Homeowners opt to have their gutters professionally installed, while others prefer to install the gutters themselves. At Vasa Roofing West Seattle LLC, we have developed this guide to walk you through the importance of gutters and how to install them yourself safely and effectively.
Before Gutter Installation: Begin by Preparing
Proper preparation is key to gutter installation success. Gutters act as a defense to your home by directing rainfall away from your foundation, thus helping you prevent damage. Preparing ahead of time for the work will help you feel a sense of accomplishment when you have built your gutters that are going to last. 
To ensure a successful gutter installation, get ready as follows:
Choose the Right Gutter Material and Style
You can choose your gutters from among several material types, including aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Aluminum is the most common type of gutter material because it is lightweight and won’t rust.
Gather Necessary Tools and Safety Gear
Next, you must gather your tools, including a measuring tape, level, hacksaw (or tin snips), drill, ladder, and a caulking gun. Don’t forget to use gloves, safety glasses, and a ladder stabilizer to help when working at any height.
Measure Roofline and Plan Gutter Layout
Taking accurate measurements is the most critical part of this process. Measure the entire length of your roofline to determine how much guttering material you will need.
Check Slope Requirements for Proper Drainage
Normally, gutters will need a slight slope of approximately ¼ inch for every 10 feet to have the water move toward the downspouts. You can make chalk lines on your fascia board to mark the slope during installation.
Remove Old Gutters
If your house has gutters on it, carefully take them off with a pry bar or drill. Check the fascia boards for any rot or damage. If there are rotten areas, you will want to replace them before installing gutters.
Step-by-Step Gutter Installation Process
Installing gutters is a crucial home renovation project that helps protect your home from water damage. This guide provides the essential materials and tools needed, as well as clear instructions, so you will have all the information needed to install a gutter system in a successful manner.
Please ensure that you work through the following steps smoothly and carefully:
Mark and Install Gutter Hangers
Begin marking the places each hanger will be installed along the fascia with 2 feet in between. After the hangers are marked, secure them in place with screws and a power drill.
| Protip:
Use the stored slope lines you made earlier when installing the hangers. |
Cut and Assemble the Gutter Sections
Cut the gutter to length using a hacksaw or tin snips. Connect gutter sections either with connectors or with a simple overlap, depending on the material. Caulk the seams on the inside with gutter sealant to create a watertight connection.
Attach Gutters to Fascia Boards
Lift the gutter section(s) into place and install to the prepared hangers using either an injector snap-in connection or a screw connection. Be sure that the gutters follow the intended slope, and that they are level from side to side to avoid ponding.
Install Downspouts and Elbows
Install drop outlets at the dependent downspout locations according to the gutter plan. Connect elbows to direct the water down the wall, and then use downspout clips to attach the pipe vertically to your home.
| Protips:
Use a splash block or flexible extension to extend the prior drainage away from the foundation. |
Seal Joints and Test the System for Leaks
Put gutter sealant at every joint and seam. Let the sealant cure. Then, to test the system, let water run through the gutter with a hose. Look for leaks and make certain the water flows consistently to the downspouts and out.
Conclusion
Putting up gutters is a simple enough DIY job that pays huge dividends in home protection. If you have the proper tools, measurements, and patience, we believe you can have the installation done in a day or so. Once the gutters are installed correctly, with regular cleaning and inspection for clogs, your gutter system will last for years. Whether you are replacing existing gutters or adding them to a new home, this guide will help ensure you are ready for success.
FAQs
Is it possible to install gutters myself?
Yes, you can install gutters yourself, but professionals are recommended for a seamless finish.
What material is best for gutters for durability?
Aluminum is the best material for gutters due to its combination of durability and affordability.
After the gutters are installed, how often should they be cleaned?
You should clean the gutters ideally every year, twice a year in the spring and fall, to prevent clogs and overflow.