Rain Gutters

 

     As in most projects that one would try to accomplish, it is sometimes difficult to visualize it when the projects involve so many pieces such as installing Rain Gutters.  The same thing happened to me, however, having installed sprinklers, it is simply a matter of putting together a puzzle.  By the photos above, I will be extending the existing gutters.  Having had this portion of the gutters installed by a so called professional and not knowing anything about it's installation, I came to find out that the gutter was not leveled when installed, therefore, the majority of the water was backing up and overspilling over the edge of the gutter.  That being the case I will be modifying the length of the drain to compensate for that angle.

     Rain Gutters are manufactured as aluminum or plastic.  My experience at this moment is with aluminum.  Though the plastic ones come with a clean finish to them, they are still plastic and in my opinion will deteriorate before aluminum metal will.  They come already primed and painted in white or brown, however, can be easily repainted to any desired color.  A diagram of Rain Gutter installation is provided by the company providing the product, however, the diagram is of generic nature, and your project would vary based on your needs.

     As you can see the photo above, though the gutter appears to be wide, the hangers will bring it in as you tighten the screw to the facing board.  The hanger hooks under the fold of the gutter and then on the edge of the opposite side.  This will keep the gutter in place when being secured.  The spacing of the hangers based on my experience, should be approximately 3 feet apart.  I have seen them spaced as far as 5 feet apart, however, they do not appear to be as sturdy.
     You will need to get right and left corners.  They are called "Inside / Outside Miter" as illustrated on the right.  Make sure you get the correct corner since the materials are sometimes intermixed. You will also need right and left end caps.  Before getting your supplies, draw a diagram of the area you are going to install and this will give you a better idea of what you will need.  The gutters come in 10 foot lengths.

     To compensate for the angle of your house when connecting to the down spout, extension sections are provided.  Keep in mind, that even though the angle sections are machined, the folds are not water proof.  You will need to use calking inside and out.  The recommended calk is Seamermate, which works well.  Make sure you use as much of it as you think will provide a good seal. 

     Manufactures also provide ends with drop.  That is the area you designate to have the water run off.  Some come already with the plastic oulet in place, or you can cut out a hole and insert one from the inside out in any area of the gutter you wish.  The plastic outlet will need to be secured with screws from the inside.  Be sure to calk it well whether or not it came pre-assembled.

     Once the gutters are in place you will install a Down Spout.  They come in 10' lengths and can be cut to any length needed.  Usually only one strap is required to secure the spout.  Depending on where the water is draining to, you can add a "Flex A Spout" to redirect it with a Splash Block
 so it will not create a hole next to your foundation. 


         Gusher Guards are recommended.  These guards are placed in corner areas where the water is being collected from more than one roof pitch.  This is to minimize water spilling over before it gets redirected to the spout.

     An optional item are Snap in Gutter Filters.  These filters generally come in 3' lengths and are easily installed.  They will greatly reduce time spent cleaning the gutters every season.


        A Splash Block is also recommended in order for the water to disburse without creating a hole on the ground by your foundation.  For that matter even placing a brick underneath the spout will do the job just as well.

     Basic materials recommended for this project are metal cutters, a drill, 1/4" hex bit for the Hanger Hooks, and a metal cutting blade.  The photo on the right will provide an example of what the items look like.  The metal cutting  blade will give you a cleaner look when cutting sections of the gutter or spout.

 

 

 

Materials List
$  1.77    Hidden Hanger with Screw
$  1.86    Right & Left Corners
$  4.78    Calking (Seamermate)
$  6.98    Steel Gutters 5"x10'
$  2.57    Side Elbows
$  7.87    Inside Miter
$  7.87    Outside Miter
$  2.23    Plasic Outlet (For drainage to down spout)
$  8.96    Down Spout  10' lenghts
$  1.96    Snap In Gutter Filter  (For Debris)
$  9.58    Flex A Spout
$  6.56    Splash Block
$  4.99    Gusher Guard
$  2.99    Hex Bit
$  7.96    Metal Blade
$13.98    Metal Pliers

 (Page Under Construction)