Are you looking to install rain gutters in your yard, but aren't quite sure how to do it?
Rain gutters can be extremely beneficial for homeowners. Rain gutters help protect the foundation of your home, protect your landscaping, and prevent erosion and basement flooding.
But, in order to reap all of the benefits of rain gutters, you need to make sure you install them the right way.
Check out this guide to discover how to install rain gutters.
Make a Plan
Before you begin the installation process, you first need to make a plan. That is, you need to figure out how many of your exterior walls need gutters.
If you live on a street where all of the homes are close together, then you may get away with just guttering the front and back of your home. If you have ample yard space and space on the sides of your home, then you may need to gutter all around your home.
Gather Your Tools
Once you've figured out which areas of your home need guttering, it's time to gather your tools. Here's what you'll need:
- Safety goggles
- Working gloves
- Step ladder
- Power drill
- Wood screws
- Tape measure
- Gutter buckets
- Tin snips
- Caulking gun
- Permanent markers
These supplies will ensure you get the job done right the first time.
Prepare Your Soffits and Fascia
Once you have your supplies gathered, it's time to prepare your soffits and fascia. Fascia is the flat boards that sit underneath your roof along the walls of your home.
Soffits are the space underneath your roof in between the walls and gutters. Before you install the gutters, you should perform a thorough inspection of both of these areas. Check for peeling, cracked, and chipped paint as well as rotting.
If you notice any damage, you'll need to clean it up before you begin the installation.
Choose a Direction for the Drainage
Your gutters need to be installed at a slight angle so water can move toward the downspouts and out toward the yard.
If your gutters run 40 feet or more, then you'll want to set the highest gutter position in the middle of the run. Then, slope the gutter downward toward the downspout that is situated at the end of the run.
If your gutters are 40 feet or less, then you can choose the direction you want the water to drain in. In general, you want to avoid draining toward gas or electric meters, sidewalks, fences, or other yard obstructions.
Measure and Cut the Gutters
Before placing the gutters, you need to make sure you measure and cut them to the appropriate length.
The age-old rule in carpentry is that you should always measure things twice before cutting, so make sure to do this. Then, make sure you hang the gutters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to Install Rain Gutters: Are You Ready to Install?
Now that you know how to install rain gutters, it's time to get started. If this seems like too overwhelming a task for you, you can always get professionals to do it.
If you're not sure which gutter colors you want to choose for this project, be sure to check out this guide.
