Installing house gutters is not a glamorous job, nor is it always necessary. Some roofs do not require roof gutters, as they have wide eaves that direct water away from the house. Installing roof gutters is most easily done when replacing the roof, as they work best when tucked under the first layer of shingles to catch the rain. While roof gutters come in a few different sizes, it’s best to get wider ones when installing rain gutters–their wider channels make them less likely to clog.

Types of Roof Gutters

Before installing house gutters, it is important to know about the different types:

• Aluminum roof gutters are most often used in seamless roof gutters’ systems. They maintain their color well, but dent more easily. Steel and copper are also used for roof gutters, though they are considerably more expensive. Installing house gutters made from wood usually only occurs with restoration projects.
• Vinyl gutters are most popular and are also less expensive than aluminum roof gutters. These roof gutters don’t rust, they maintain color well, are easily cut and configured, and are flexible and resistant to dents. Vinyl gutters do become brittle with age or through exposure to cold, so they do not work well in areas where winters are harsh.

When installing rain gutters, there are two options available:

• Seamless roof gutters are rolled out on site to fit, and are the more expensive option.
• Sectional roof gutters are more prone to leaks at the joints, so require more maintenance.

DIY Installing Roof Gutters

Installing rain gutters is not rocket science, but does take a bit of common sense. Remember when installing house gutters that they need to be sloped towards the downspouts. For every foot of roof gutters, the angle of decline should be about one-sixteenth of an inch.

Here is the basic process of installing rain gutters on your own:

• Mark highest point for roof gutters on fascia.
• Mark low end at other side of fascia, making sure to slope about five eighths of an inch per every ten feet.
• Snap chalk line between these two points.
• Mark tails of rafters, typically every sixteen inches.
• Mark every other rafter tail.
• Drill into rafter tails and attach brackets to fascia.
• Cut the vinyl gutters’ sections to length, at an angle of 45 degrees if around corner.
• Attach end caps with rivets.
• Seal rivets with caulk at joints.
• Mark downspout holes at low part of roof gutters.
• Cut downspout hole.
• Lay roof gutter into brackets connected to fascia.
• Rotate roof gutter until it lays into brackets.
• Drill holes in front edge of gutter and mount it on brackets.
• Wrap underside of gutter and secure with rivets.
• Secure downspout outlet to gutter.
• Screw downspout to outlet tube.
• Crimp elbow to fit into downspout.