Gutters reduce the moisture load on siding windows and doors which in turn increases the life span of exterior finishes.
Can i install my own gutters.
In fact leaky overflowing gutters can buckle basement walls in just a few years so it pays to keep your system working properly.
If your rain gutters are old and starting to break down and not do its job correctly then it is time to install a new one before the next rainfall leaves a small pond in your basement again.
When the time comes to replace your gutters you ll have tow major options.
Many seamless gutter companies will come to your house measure and form continuous lengths of aluminum gutter to fit and sell you all the installation accessories you ll need.
Using many of the same basic techniques we show in this story you can install your own seamless gutters.
How to install gutters in 8 steps 1.
Installing gutters in 18 steps.
To install rain gutters first you ll need to measure the length of the roof you re working with and then purchase that many feet of gutter material from a home improvement store.
Measure the fascia to determine the length of the gutter.
You ll also need enough fascia brackets which hold up the gutter to place one every 32 inches along the roof.
For gutter runs of 40 feet or longer set your highest gutter position in the middle of the run and then slope downward toward downspouts positioned at both ends of the run.
You could buy gutter sections and all related accessories on your own from a retailer.
Determine what works best for your house before ordering gutters and attachments.
For gutter runs longer than 40 feet it s best to pitch the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end.
Or you can slope the gutters down from each end toward a single downspout placed in the middle of the run.
Lengths are common at home centers or lumberyards.
All gutters must be installed with a slight angle for water to drain toward the downspouts and out to the yard.
Secure the end cap to the gutter with a crimping tool.
If you do decide to install new gutters yourself make sure to employ at least one helper double check all measurements and fasten all pieces correctly and sturdily to avoid separations later on.
This is the obvious advantage of installing your own gutters.
A contractor may charge you twice as much to replace your gutters as he would to purchase materials from a gutter fabricator and let you do the work yourself.
No need to transport materials.
Professionally installed seamless aluminum gutters and do it yourself steel or aluminum systems available at the retail level.
If you need gutters and want to save money by installing them yourself you can buy stock sizes.
