How To Install New Gutters

Installing new gutters is essential for protecting your home from water damage.

Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation, preventing issues such as erosion, mold, and structural damage. With Hover, you can learn how to install gutters effectively for yourself or your clients.

When should you replace your gutters?

Gutters should be replaced when they show signs of significant wear and tear, such as visible cracks, rust, sagging sections, or frequent clogs. Additionally, if water is overflowing or leaking from the gutters despite regular cleaning, it’s time for a replacement.

Properly functioning gutters ensure that rainwater is channeled away from your home, protecting your siding, foundation, and landscaping from water damage.

Types of gutters

• Aluminum Gutters: Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in various colors, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. They are durable and can last for decades if properly maintained. Aluminum gutters are also relatively easy to install and handle, making them suitable for DIY projects. However, they can be more prone to dents and bending from heavy impacts or ladders leaning against them.
• Vinyl Gutters: Vinyl gutters are affordable and easy to install, but they may not be as durable in extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a good option in humid or coastal areas. However, vinyl can become brittle and crack in very cold temperatures, and it can warp or sag under heavy loads or prolonged exposure to the sun. Vinyl gutters are lightweight and require minimal maintenance, but their lifespan is generally shorter compared to metal options.
• Steel Gutters: Steel gutters are very durable and can handle heavy rainfall and snow loads. They are available in both galvanized and stainless steel varieties. Galvanized steel gutters are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust, but they may still rust over time if the coating is damaged. Stainless steel gutters, on the other hand, offer superior rust resistance and longevity but come at a higher cost. Steel gutters are strong and can withstand impacts better than aluminum or vinyl, but they are heavier and may require professional installation.
• Copper Gutters: Copper gutters are a high-end option known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They develop a natural patina over time, which adds a unique character to the home. Copper gutters are extremely long-lasting, often lasting over 50 years with proper maintenance. They are also resistant to corrosion and can handle various weather conditions. However, copper is expensive, and installation typically requires a professional. The initial investment is high, but the long-term benefits and minimal maintenance can make copper gutters a worthwhile choice.
• Seamless Gutters: Seamless gutters are custom-made on-site to fit your home perfectly, minimizing leaks. They are typically made from aluminum or copper and are formed using a special machine that creates a continuous length of gutter tailored to the dimensions of your roofline. Seamless gutters have fewer joints and seams, which reduces the likelihood of leaks and clogs. They also offer a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. While the installation cost is higher compared to sectional gutters, the improved performance and reduced maintenance needs make seamless gutters a popular choice for many homeowners.
• Sectional Gutters: Sectional gutters are sold in pre-cut lengths that are joined together during installation. They are available in various materials, including aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Sectional gutters are more affordable and easier to transport than seamless gutters. However, the joints between sections can be potential points for leaks and require regular maintenance to ensure they remain watertight. Properly sealing and securing the joints can help mitigate these issues, but sectional gutters generally require more upkeep compared to seamless options.
  
  

Preparing to install gutters

1. Measure your roofline: Use a measuring tape or better yet, try Hover’s measurement tool to determine the length of the roof edges where you’ll install the gutters. Start by measuring the entire perimeter of the roof, including any additional sections that may need gutters, such as porches or additions. Add a bit of extra length to account for overlaps and end caps, ensuring you purchase enough materials.
2. Check the slope: Ensure the fascia boards are level to provide a proper base for the gutters. Gutters need to slope about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet towards the downspouts to ensure proper water flow. Mark the high point and low point on the fascia board, then use a chalk line to snap a guide for installing the gutters. This slope will help prevent standing water and potential overflow during heavy rain.
3. Gather tools and materials: You’ll likely need the following tools and materials at a minimum for the installation:
   1. Gutters
   2. Downspouts
   3. Hangers
   4. End caps
   5. Gutter sealant
   6. Stainless steel screws
   7. Level
   8. Chalk line
   9. Drill with bits
   10. Hacksaw or power saw with a metal-cutting blade
   11. Ladder Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses) 
   12. Consider using gutter guards to reduce maintenance and prevent clogs from leaves and debris. 
4. Inspect the fascia: Check for any damage or rot on the fascia boards and repair them as needed before installing the gutters. Damaged or rotted fascia boards can compromise the stability of the gutter system. Use a screwdriver or awl to probe the fascia for soft spots that indicate rot. Replace any damaged sections with a new fascia board and prime and paint the boards to protect them from future moisture damage.
5. Clean the area: Before starting the installation, clear any debris or obstructions from the roof and fascia area. This will provide a clean work environment and help ensure the gutters are installed securely. Remove old gutters carefully, taking note of any existing downspout locations and drainage paths to plan the new installation effectively. 

How to install new gutters

1. Mark the slope: Use a chalk line to mark the high point and low point on the fascia board, ensuring a slope of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet. This slope is essential for directing water toward the downspouts and preventing standing water in the gutters. Start by marking the highest point at the end of the fascia where the gutter will be installed. Measure and mark a point 1/4 inch lower for every 10 feet of gutter run. Use a chalk line to connect these points, creating a guide for the gutter installation.
2. Cut the gutters: Measure the length of each section of the roofline where the gutters will be installed. Use a hacksaw or a power saw with a metal-cutting blade to cut the gutter sections to the required lengths. For corners or angled sections, ensure to cut the appropriate angles to fit the roofline correctly. Overlap sections by about 8 inches and secure them with screws or rivets for longer runs.
3. Attach the gutter hangers: Secure the gutter hangers to the fascia board every 2 feet using stainless steel screws. Locate the rafter tails behind the fascia and make marks on the chalk line at every other rafter tail. Drill pilot holes through the fascia and into the rafter tails at these marks. Fasten the hangers with screws, ensuring they align with the chalk line and provide adequate support for the gutters.
4. Install the gutters: Position the gutters on the hangers, ensuring they align with the chalk line. Tilt the gutters upwards until the back edge slips into the hooks of the hangers. Drill pilot holes through the gutters and into the hangers, then secure the gutters in place with screws. Make sure the joints between gutter sections are tight and sealed to prevent leaks.
5. Add downspouts: Mark and cut holes for the downspouts at the low points of the gutter runs. Use a downspout outlet to trace the location of the hole and cut it out with a hole saw or tin snips. Attach the downspouts to the gutters using elbows and screws, ensuring the downspouts are securely fastened. Extend the downspouts to direct water away from the foundation, using extensions or splash blocks if necessary.
6. Seal the joints: Apply gutter sealant to all joints and connections to prevent leaks. Use a high-quality silicone or polyurethane sealant specifically designed for gutters. Apply the sealant on the inside of the gutters at the joints, end caps, and any other connections. Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before testing the gutters with water.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your new gutters are installed correctly and will provide effective drainage for your home. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning out debris and checking for leaks, will help keep your gutters functioning properly for years to come. If you are working with a professional to install new gutters, ask them about Hover to help the job run more efficiently.