Gutters help direct water away from your home’s foundation, protecting it against rotting foundations, moldy attics and basement leaks. Without gutters, water seeps into structural areas and weakens walls – potentially leading to weakened walls, weakened foundations, rotted foundations or moldy attics.
Though some homeowners may opt to install their own gutters, it is highly recommended that this task be left to a professional. Gutter installation can be more intricate than other types of roof work and ladder safety should always be taken into consideration when doing so.
Installing the Fascia
Gutters are the primary means of diverting water away from houses, keeping it out of soil and foundations. Gutters come in a range of materials such as wood, vinyl, aluminum or PVC.
Fascia boards also help the gutters attach to roof trusses and support their weight, so a home without them violates building codes and should be repaired to guarantee that gutters stay put.
Fascia boards, commonly 2×4’s or 2×6, are located on the front of the eaves and can be covered with either a shingle or vinyl cap for protection.
Installing gutters on a fascia board should never be taken lightly. They must be installed straight, plum and level with the fascia board in order for water to drain properly; otherwise, they could sink into it, giving off an appearance of a sinking foundation.
Installing the Gutters
Gutters direct rainwater away from the roof, protecting siding and foundations from damage. But they need regular upkeep in order to prevent debris clogging them and creating mold growth.
Installing gutters correctly begins by measuring the length of your roof and calculating how many feet of gutter are necessary. If it’s more than 40 feet, include two downspouts at each end for proper drainage.
If your gutters are prone to sagging, hire a professional for repair. Alternatively, you can purchase straight sections of vinyl or aluminum gutters at home centers or online.
Hanging hardware for gutters includes a screw that fastens it to your fascia, ferrule and pipe cleat for the downspout, as well as various connectors like straight connectors, inside/outside corner sections, miter boxes and drop outlets.
Installing the Downspouts
A gutter system with downspouts helps keep water off your roof, protecting it from damage or clogging the foundation of your home. It also diverts rainwater away from your residence and into a drainage area.
Installing a downspout requires marking the spot where you want the outlet to fit into your gutter. Most outlets taper slightly at the bottom, so you’ll need to create an opening in the gutter for them.
Once you’ve marked the location, measure down to either the ground or where you want your downspout to end – whichever way it goes. Subtract 4 3/4 inches so there is room for an elbow at the end of the downspout.
Next, insert the downspout into the outlet and attach a connecting elbow at its base using rivets or screws. It’s best to use two screws per joint so each section of the downspout always tucks into its neighboring section.
Final Inspection
Real estate law requires a final inspection of your gutters up to five days before settlement, during which you should verify that everything remains as it was when you purchased the property and any agreed-upon work has been completed.
One way to ensure your gutters are functioning optimally is by pouring water into them. If they appear overfilled with liquid, this could indicate an issue that requires professional intervention.
Gutters are designed to divert water away from your roof and towards downspouts that divert it away from the foundation of your home. Water that infiltrates into a structure or foundation can lead to numerous issues, such as mold growth and weakened beams.
Maintaining your gutters effectively will help to avoid future issues. The most reliable way to guarantee they’re in optimal working order is by hiring an expert for an inspection.