The Basics of Gutter Installation

Gutter installation helps protect a home from water damage, but it can be a challenging DIY project. If you have never hung gutters before, it’s a good idea to have a professional help with the process. A qualified Lowe’s PROvider can walk you through material options and check for any local regulations that may affect your project. Once the job begins, a gutter contractor will take special care to safeguard your home and carefully remove all debris. They’ll also examine your existing gutters for signs of rot and other damage.

During the gutter installation, your contractor will determine the ideal locations for downspout outlets, which are needed to direct rainwater away from the house and avoid overflowing or damaging siding or other parts of the structure. They will measure the length of the gutter run and mark spots where brackets, downspouts, and end caps should go. They will also consider the slope of your roofline and where it is most vulnerable to water runoff.

Next, the gutter contractor will fasten fascia brackets to the home’s fascia boards, under the roofline and above rafter tails attached to the joists. To do this, they’ll use lag screws long enough to penetrate the joists 2 inches (as shown). Alternatively, you can fasten the gutters to the rafters with self-tapping stainless steel screw or aluminum pop rivets. These can be inserted with a power drill or hand drill, but screwing is easier to do and offers more flexibility if you need to adjust the gutters later.

Once the fascia brackets are secured, you’ll begin installing gutter sections one at a time. To do this, you’ll need a ladder, a tape measure and a ladder extension. Having all the necessary materials together in advance will save you time and hassle. It will also ensure that your gutters are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, ensuring that the slope and dimensions are correct for optimal function and appearance.

While you are hanging each section of gutter, it’s important to double-check the pitch (typically 1/4 inch per 10 feet of gutter run) with a spirit level at every few inches. Then, you can add or subtract gutter hangers or supports as needed to maintain the proper pitch. This will help prevent sagging gutters and leaks.

If your gutter installation is going to be around a corner, it’s a good idea to trace the downspout outlet location on the gutter by running it upside down with the downspout outlet on top and marking its outline with a pencil or marker. After you’ve cut the gutter to size, it’s easy to install the downspout outlet by simply slipping the outlet into the holes at each end of the gutter. Then, you can fill in any open gaps or joints with silicone caulk to seal them. This will also help prevent clogs and leaks.