Gutter installation is a DIY project that can be done on your own or with the help of a roofing contractor. However, it’s important to know the best practices for ensuring your gutters will be properly installed and functioning as they should. Work safely by assembling your gutter sections on the ground instead of from a ladder. Always use the proper equipment, tools and supplies.

Preparation

The secret to a gutter installation project’s successful conclusion is proper planning. It starts with preparing the necessary tools, materials and equipment for the job. Gutter companies Salem will ensure that all these items are ready and in good working condition. The next step is to mark the high point of each run of the gutter using a piece of chalk. Then, follow this line for ten feet until it intersects with a planned downspout point. Each ten-foot gutter section should also be marked on the fascia board with each scheduled bracket location (every other rafter tail). Next, cut each gutter run to length using tin snips or a hacksaw. Each length of downspout will also be shortened and crimped on one end. It is done to ensure that all downspout pieces fit together easily and securely. It also helps prevent water from leaking inside the gutter. It is important as a leaky gutter can cause many problems.

Installation

Gutter installation is best performed in warm, dry months to avoid any problems with water runoff from the roof. Gutters should be thoroughly inspected before and after a gutter replacement, particularly for signs of clogs or damage to the top and foundation of the house. Measure each gutter section on your fascia board to get started. For every 10 feet of gutter, a 1/4 inch slope is an excellent place to start. If you re-install a long gutter run, slope it down both sides from the center and install a downspout on each end. Attach your new gutters to the brackets using a good-quality self-tapping screw or pop rivet. A strip miter joint should be used at each corner of the gutter to ensure a tight fit. Silicone glue should be applied to all screw or rivet holes and joints. Be sure to crimp the ends of each gutter section with pliers before inserting them into the corner miter joint.

Downspouts

If no downspouts exist, water will build up in the gutter and corrode the fascia board. It also seeps into and wears away at the shingle edges, weakening the roof and soffit and damaging foundations. Gutters drain best when sloped to the downspouts. Place a downspout outlet on top of a gutter section, flange side down, and trace around it with a marker. Chisel a V-shaped opening in the mark for the downspout hole, then cut out the opening with offset tin snips. Repeat the process for each downspout outlet, using a cordless drill to drive the gutter hanging screws that will fasten it to your home. Screws are usually preferred over rivets because they’re easier to remove when it comes time to clear the gutters of debris or clogs. Also, crimping the gutter with a quality crimper gives the corners a factory-precision crimp that helps prevent leaks.

Maintenance

While gutters may seem like a simple home improvement project, they are vital to protecting your house from water damage. Ensure you hire a contractor with experience and familiarity with installing and repairing gutters. Ask for client testimonials and check if the company offers a warranty on its work. If you need to splice a gutter section, ensure the seam is flush with the fascia board, but leave a little daylight on the side facing away from the gutter. Use a strip miter joint and seal the corners with silicone caulk. If you’re joining two lengths of gutter at an intersection, overlap the end seams by at least four inches. It reduces stress on the seam from expansion and contraction and helps to keep water flowing through your gutters. Install a downspout drainpipe extension to carry water far enough from your foundation for adequate drainage. Fasten the drainpipe to the gutter with a downspout extension bracket.