The gutter system is very important when it comes to protecting your house from outer damage. It collects rainwater, channels it to the ground and keeps it away from the foundation of your house. Therefore, to be sure your home is completely safe, the gutter system must function properly and that’s why installing it yourself requires at least a bit of a skill and previous experience in DIY projects. Namely, there are several very important things to consider if you want to do it right.
Gutter type
Nowadays, gutters come in a variety of materials, styles, and gauges, so choosing the right one for your home can be overwhelming. The first thing to consider is, of course, your budget – set it up and then try to find the most durable material you can afford. K-style or half round aluminum gutters are pretty standard for residential homes, but if you live in a particularly rainy climate, you might need something more durable. The same goes for a gauge of the gutter – anything over 26 is fine, but feel free to go higher if you want to be completely safe from weather conditions.
Gutter sizing
To get the sizing right, you’ll need to measure your roof square footage and slope. The next thing you should be aware of is the average rainfall intensity in your area. Once you have your facts, you can proceed and start calculating the size of the gutter suitable for your house. Standard homes use gutters that are 5 to 6 inches wide but that depends on the area you live in. If you have any doubts, you can always check with hardware store employees or consult a professional to help you determine the appropriate size.
Downspout mounting
Although downspouts are mounted after gutters, you should plan their position ahead to avoid any mistakes. In general, downspouts should be near the corners while a single downspout shouldn’t cover more than 20 linear feet of gutter. When placing the gutters, make sure you mark the spot for downspout opening and cut it out. You’ll also need a downspout connector to connect it. Make sure that the tapered end is facing down and that it’s aimed to the right direction.
Calculating the pitch
In order for them to function properly, gutters should have a slight pitch that ensures water and debris to travel towards the downspouts and onto the ground. This should be a subtle angle and it’s hard to eyeball it, so make sure you snap a chalk line to be sure. Locate the starting and the ending point of gutter run and snap a chalk line between these two points. The decline should be one to two inches every forty feet.
Cutting and sealing
It goes without saying that you must have the total length of gutters as well as the needed number of downspouts, attachment brackets and other tools needed for gutter installation before you start doing anything. Once you have all the measures, cut your gutters into sections, make downspout holes and install the downspout connectors before you attach a piece of gutter onto fascia board. As for the sealing, you’ll want it to be as tight as possible, so give it time to dry completely. You can test it out with a jug of water or water hose and see if there are any leaks.
Asking for help
Finally, be aware that installing a gutter system can be a tricky business. Doing it yourself can save you some money at first, but repairs can cost even more and make you regret the initial save. It takes skill and knowledge while it’s extremely important to do it properly, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call the pros such as Sydney Wide Metal Roofing and you’ll be sure your gutter system is top-notch and your home is safe.
As you can see, installing a gutter system is not a piece of cake. Now that you got your facts straight, you can make a decision whether you’re going to do it alone or call for help. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s done properly!
