Manuals for Replacing Gutters

Leaks in your home's gutter system can cause damage to its siding and also cause damage to its foundation. This is why it is important to check your gutters regularly. When you find that you need to replace your gutters, ask a friend for assistance, gather the tools and materials you will need, and you can get the job done yourself fairly easily.

Tools:

• Straightedge


• Tape measure


• 2-foot carpenter's level


• Chalk line


• Drill and drill bits


• File


• Screwdriver


• Fine-tooth hacksaw

Materials:

• Vinyl gutter system


• Pencil


• Goggles


• 2 Ladders


• Rust-resistant screws

Before you begin to put your new gutters up:

• Make sure that you read through the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This is how you will know where to put drop outlets, brackets and downspouts.


• Have a friend help you take accurate measurements of the length of each side of you home.


• Sketch out a layout plan for the gutters that you can follow while you are installing them.

Planning out your gutter system:

1. Gutters should be placed below the roof shingles to prevent water from rushing past the gutter during heavy downpours. To find the right location for them place a straightedge flat against the shingles so that it comes out a few inches from the edge of the roof. 


2. Hold a drop outlet against the fascia and begin moving it upward until it touches the outside edge of the straightedge. 


3. Use a pencil to mark the spot where they meet and then repeat these steps on the other end of the roof. 


4. Stretch your chalk line out between the two points, make sure it is straight and level, and then snap the line. You will use this line as a guide when determining the gutter's proper pitch.


5. Measure the length of your gutter and then calculate how much of a slope there should be. Gutters should be placed at a 1/16" slope for every foot of length. 


6. Use the chalk line to mark this line. 


7. Do this for every piece of gutter. In some areas the gutters may be very long. If that is the case, you may want to place a downspout in the middle and slope both sides toward the central point.

Install corner components:
 Use a screwdriver and rust-resistant screws to place the corner components in their proper positions. There should be one at each corner of the roof.

Install drop outlets:
Follow the layout plan you created and install the drop outlets. They are usually spaced thirty to forty feet apart and are placed at the low ends of your chalk lines.

Install brackets:
Place your brackets every 30 to 36 inches on the fascia and along your chalk guideline.

Install gutter sections:
Start with the first section of the gutter and hold it against the fascia board. Snap the piece into each bracket.

Measure, then cut:
To connect the last piece to the first piece, you may need to cut it. Measure and mark the length you need and then use a fine-toothed hacksaw to cut it. Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles before you begin cutting.

Install endcaps:
Follow the gutter around the edge of the roof and attach all the endcaps.

Install downspouts:
Measure each section of the downspout and cut it so that it is long enough to reach the ground. Fasten the downspouts to the elbow of the down outlets and secure them in place with brackets. There should be brackets at the base of the downspout and near the offset.

Install diverter:
Place a 45-degree elbow at the end of your downspout so that water is directed away from the house. A concrete or plastic splash block should be placed below it to catch any water.