Downspouts may not be the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of a home, but they serve a practical purpose that prevents damage to the roof, walls, and foundations of your home.Without a functioning downpipe, your home may become exposed to excessive rainwater. This could lead to damp forming in critical areas. If you have a missing or damaged downspout, it will be essential that you have some fitted. This is a task that can be carried out by someone with a moderate degree of DIY experience.
Here is your guide to DIY downspout installation.
Evaluate and Plan For the Task
Before you start, you will need to find out what size downspouts you will need.
Measure the area of the gutter where the downspout will attach, and measure the drop from the gutter to the ground. This will let you know what size downspout to buy.
In addition to this, you will also need to work out how many elbows you will need for your downspouts.
When buying your downspouts, you will need to buy longer pipes than you will actually need.
What Tools Will You Need for Downspout Installation?
Before you start installing downspouts, you will need to make sure that you’ve got all of the right tools to carry out the task.
You will need a good quality ladder. You may want to consider getting a ladder stabilizer for extra safety.
In addition to this, you will need a tape measure, hacksaw, and a cordless drill.
Fitting Your Downspouts
Once you have all of the parts and the tools needed, it will be time to start your gutter downspout installation.
Attach your downspout elbow to the gutters. Your elbow will need to be fixed into place to the gutter and the wall.
Assemble your downspouts away from the wall. This will allow you the opportunity to join all of the pieces easily.
All of your pieces will need to have a one-inch overlap. Once you are happy with the positioning of your parts, you can caulk and rivet your pieces together.
Once the downspout has been assembled, you can attach it to the elbow at the gutter.
Once you are happy with the position of your downspout against your wall, you can attach it.
Fit the downspout using brackets. Drill holes using a masonry drill bit. Then plug and screw the brackets to the wall around the downspout.
Taking Care of Your Downspouts
Downspout installation doesn’t need to be a stressful task. With the right planning and consideration, it will be possible to carry out the task in a relatively short space of time. Once installed, make sure that you take care of your downspout by clearing out your gutters and drains. Blockages could cause damage to your downspouts, and ultimately cause your home to develop damp.
