Install Rain Gutters

Rain gutters come in two types, vinyl and aluminum. They normally are available in brown or white. They can be painted to match your house. Most building center and hardware stores offer a primer - paint combination that works great. The gutters should to be wiped down with denatured alcohol for the prep. They both are similar in the way that they are installed. Below are some steps for doing this:

1. Chalk a line for the slope. A good rule of thumb is to drop 1/2 inch for every 20 feet. Too much slope will cause water to congregate at the downspout outlet hole and overflow. We will use a 40 foot run as an example. Place a mark in the middle of the run about 1/4 inch below the drip edge. At both ends place a mark about 3/4 inch below the drip edge. Snap a line from the middle to these two end marks.

2. Screw in the brackets so that the top of the bracket is on the line at 24 to 30 inch intervals. If you live in a heavy snow area, you may want to space them at 24 inches for more support.

3. Gutter usually comes in 10 foot lengths. Start in the middle with the end of the first piece at the middle.

4. Join the second piece wit the slip connector. Do not snap in place. This piece needs to be cut when you determine the downspout location

5. The downspout is normally 6 inches from the end of the building. Cut the gutter and install the downspout outlet connector. Then install this piece. 6. Measure and cut the end piece, extend this about 1 inch past the end of the building. Install the end cap. 7. Cut downspout pieces and join with elbows. Place two straps to hold in place.

8. Repeat this at the other end. 9. Seal all joints with gutter sealer.

Tip: The best way to cut vinyl gutter sections,downspouts and aluminum downspouts is with a hacksaw and a 24 teeth per inch blade. For aluminum gutter sections use a pair of straight snips. Tools needed (use the proper safety equipment when using tools) : - Tape Measure - Chalk Line - Cordless Driver - Level - Hacksaw - Straight Snips

Dave Bert - About Author:
Dave Bert, Expert on home improvment, Experienced writer

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/home-improvement-articles/install-rain-gutters.htm

Related Home Improvement Articles

Related Home Improvement Topics

electric gate dry air hardwood inlay relaxing hammock chair yogibo fly engineered glass doors