Gutter installation is not difficult to accomplish on your own if you have the right tools and a small amount of skill. For those that are not confident in using power tools or making accurate measurements, hiring a professional may be the best route. For the rest, the first step is to use a level to mark the level line on the roof eaves. Often, the roofline is not level and this is an important first step.
Most hardware stores will have every tool needed for the job. Pliers, a drill, heavy-duty tin snips, pencil, and a jigsaw are needed to complete the work. You will need to get silicone sealant to make sure the connecting points, such as end-caps, do not leak when the job is complete.
There must be a 1/4 inch slow downward every ten feet. This slope must be towards the downspout to allow the rain to drain properly. This is the point where it is important to know the level line rather than going by the roofline. Making the proper level marks at the beginning of the job will allow you to easily measure this slope.
Cutting the sections to the right length is easy. If the length of one side is longer than a single section, you can use seams to put two of them together. More than likely, one of them will still have to be cut. Mark where to cut and then use the tin snips to make a smooth cut. If the edges are ragged, you need to smooth them out to make a better connection with the end cap or seam.
Install the snap-in mounting brackets prior to raising the gutters. The brackets should be no closer than six inches to each end. They should be spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart. This will give them a solid connection to the house. Using the drill with a Philip's head screw bit, you can begin to drill them into the roofline.
The holes for the downspout need to be measured and cut prior to hanging the gutters. Mark a square on the bottom of the gutter where the spout will be located. Using a jigsaw, cut the square and make sure the spout fits. Finally, make sure the edges are smooth. When everything is in place, use the silicone sealant to prevent leaks at any connecting point.
Professionals use these basic steps for the gutter installation. When you want to save money by doing it yourself, you need to be sure you have the right tools, time, and knowledge to do the job. During the installation, it will be helpful to have a second person to hold the gutters while you screw in the brackets to the eaves.
Most hardware stores will have every tool needed for the job. Pliers, a drill, heavy-duty tin snips, pencil, and a jigsaw are needed to complete the work. You will need to get silicone sealant to make sure the connecting points, such as end-caps, do not leak when the job is complete.
There must be a 1/4 inch slow downward every ten feet. This slope must be towards the downspout to allow the rain to drain properly. This is the point where it is important to know the level line rather than going by the roofline. Making the proper level marks at the beginning of the job will allow you to easily measure this slope.
Cutting the sections to the right length is easy. If the length of one side is longer than a single section, you can use seams to put two of them together. More than likely, one of them will still have to be cut. Mark where to cut and then use the tin snips to make a smooth cut. If the edges are ragged, you need to smooth them out to make a better connection with the end cap or seam.
Install the snap-in mounting brackets prior to raising the gutters. The brackets should be no closer than six inches to each end. They should be spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart. This will give them a solid connection to the house. Using the drill with a Philip's head screw bit, you can begin to drill them into the roofline.
The holes for the downspout need to be measured and cut prior to hanging the gutters. Mark a square on the bottom of the gutter where the spout will be located. Using a jigsaw, cut the square and make sure the spout fits. Finally, make sure the edges are smooth. When everything is in place, use the silicone sealant to prevent leaks at any connecting point.
Professionals use these basic steps for the gutter installation. When you want to save money by doing it yourself, you need to be sure you have the right tools, time, and knowledge to do the job. During the installation, it will be helpful to have a second person to hold the gutters while you screw in the brackets to the eaves.
About the Author:
Gutter installation helps to confine and direct the removal of water from your roof. Gutter installation Massachusetts area can be completed easily and quickly by hiring a professional.