Installing gutters on your house is an important home improvement project that can protect your home from water damage. With the right materials and proper technique, gutters can be installed by an experienced DIYer in a weekend. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of installing gutters on your house, from assessing the site and choosing materials to measuring accurately and mounting gutters properly for optimal performance.
Assessing Your Site and Choosing Materials
Before starting any gutter installation project, you need to fully assess your site to determine the best gutter system for your home. Consider key factors like:
Roof Style and Pitch
The style and pitch of your roof will impact what type of gutters you need. For steeply pitched roofs, seamless gutters are often preferred as they can be customized to fit the exact slope. For flat or gently sloped roofs, sectional gutters with joiners and end caps work well.
Rainfall Volume
Areas with heavy rainfall need larger gutters like 5-6 inch K-style gutters versus 4 inch half-round gutters that handle less water flow. Check rainfall averages for your area.
Roof Size and Shape
Measure the linear feet around the entire roof perimeter to determine how much gutter material you will need. Also note any complex roof shapes that will require custom fittings.
Downspout Drainage
Consider where downspouts can drain water away from the home’s foundation. Having sufficient runoff slope is key.
Gutter Material Options
Choose from aluminum, steel, copper, vinyl, and wood. Aluminum is a lightweight and affordable option. Copper is very durable but more expensive. Vinyl is low maintenance but can be flimsier.
Gutter Style
K-style and half-round are the most common. K-style carries more water and installs closer to the roof. Half-round has a curved bottom and decorative look.
Once you have assessed your site, determine how much material you will need. It is always better to have 10-15% extra material on hand for any customizations or repairs needed down the road.
Measuring and Planning Gutter Placement
Accurately measuring your roof and planning out precisely where gutters will be installed are crucial steps.
Here are the key elements to measure before installation:
- Total linear roof edge footage
- Width and length of each roof plane
- Distance between corners, ends, and splits
- Height at regular intervals along roof edge
Make a detailed sketch of your roof with all measurements marked. This will allow you to calculate how much gutter material is needed and exactly how much to cut for each section.
When planning out your gutter layout:
- Mark where downspouts and end caps will go
- Note any low points that need overflow drains
- Plan sections that slope 1/4 inch every 10 feet towards downspouts
Measure twice and plan thoroughly prior to cutting any material to avoid wasteful mistakes.
Securing Mounting Clips
Gutter mounting clips secure the gutter to the fascia and create the critical pitch needed for proper drainage.
To install mounting clips:
- Mark clip placement every 24 inches along fascia’s edge
- Pre-drill into fascia to avoid splitting wood
- Place clip over fascia edge and screw into place
- Use a level to ensure clips line up precisely
Proper clip installation is the foundation of how well your gutters will function. Do not rush this process.
Cutting Gutter Sections to Length
Once mounting clips are in place, the next step is measuring and cutting gutter sections to length.
Follow this process for clean and accurate cuts:
- Measure between endpoints and mark cut length on gutter
- Use hacksaw or electric miter saw with fine-toothed blade
- Cut slightly longer than measured mark
- Use gutter-crimping pliers to crimp cut edge 1-2 inches
Crimping the cut edge maintains proper shape and structural integrity. Always make cuts incrementally to fine-tune fit.
Installing End Caps and Joiners
After cutting gutter sections to size, you need to install end caps on either end. Joiner fittings connect gutter sections between end caps.
- Dry fit end caps and joiners prior to final attachment
- Apply sealant inside end caps before attaching
- Use pop rivets on underside to secure end caps
- Attach joiners top-side using gutter screws into pre-drilled pilot holes
- Seal joiner overlaps thoroughly with silicone caulk
Taking extra time to install end caps and joiners correctly ensures gutters have a tight seal and sturdy structure.
Hanging Gutters with Proper Slope
With mounting clips, end caps, and joiners in place, you are ready to hang gutters sections one-by-one.
Follow this process:
- Lift section into place over mounting clips
- Guide back edge into correct position on fascia
- Firmly press front edge upwards to lock into mounting clips
- Use levels often to maintain slope
- Slope 1/4 inch every 10 feet towards downspouts
Check alignment every few feet as you attach. Change mounting clip height as needed to keep sections sloped properly for drainage.
Installing Downspouts
Downspouts are a key functional and aesthetic element of any gutter system.
Here are tips for professional downspout installation:
- Determine location based on roof valleys and existing drainage
- Cut sections to needed length with hacksaw or pipe cutter
- Attach upper elbow using sheet metal screws
- Hang downspout and secure brackets every 5-6 feet
- Use elbows and extenders as needed to direct water flow
- Seal all downspout connections thoroughly
Ideally, water should discharge 6-10 feet from the home’s foundation to prevent flooding and water damage.
Adding Gutter Accessories
Certain accessories can enhance gutter function and protection. Common add-ons include:
- Leaf guards – Mesh covers that block debris but allow water flow
- Snow/ice guards – Prevent heavy buildup and ice dams in winter
- Downspout filters – Filter out debris before it enters drainage system
- Overflow drains – Provide extra drainage if gutters overflow
Assess your climate and issues like snow/ice dams and clogging when deciding which accessories would be beneficial additions to your new gutters.
Inspecting and Testing New Gutters
Before considering the project complete, thoroughly inspect newly installed gutters and test functionality.
- Check alignment along all fascia edges
- Ensure proper slope to move water towards downspouts
- Confirm tight seals at all seams and joints
- Clear any debris before testing water flow
- Use hose to simulate heavy rainfall and check for leaks
- Make any final adjustments to ensure optimal performance
Verifying everything drains well without leaks ensures your gutters will protect your home from water damage.
Maintaining Gutters
Proper maintenance is key to getting the most from your gutters. Follow these tips:
- Inspect gutters twice per year and clear any debris
- Check for leaks, damage, or misalignment
- Remove piled up leaves/debris from roof edge
- Install gutter guards to reduce clogging long-term
- Use extenders/splash blocks to keep drainage directed away from home
- Re-seal any small leaks quickly to prevent bigger issues
- Make repairs immediately if significant damage occurs
Well-maintained gutters can provide decades of protection. Don’t allow small issues today to become major roofing headaches tomorrow.
Safety Tips for Gutter Installation
Gutter installation involves potentially dangerous situations like ladder use and roof access. Keep these safety tips in mind:
Set Up A Stable Ladder
- Place ladder on solid, level ground
- Maintain 3 point contact when climbing
- Extend ladder 3 feet above roof edge
- Secure ladder against house for added stability
Practice Caution On The Roof
- Wear slip-resistant shoes with good traction
- Walk carefully and deliberately
- Have assistant hand up materials to avoid carrying and climbing simultaneously
- Place planks to crawl on to avoid stepping on roof face
- Use OSHA approved fall protection equipment
Use Proper Equipment
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, hard hat when needed
- Keep tools secured in tool belt when on ladder/roof
- Attach tools lanyards to prevent dropping
- Follow all power tool safety protocols
Rushing causes accidents. Maintain safe practices throughout entire gutter installation process.
Gutter Installation Costs
Installing new gutters involves buying materials plus paying for professional installation if you don’t DIY. Here are average costs:
- Aluminum gutters – $4-$8 per linear foot
- Copper gutters – $14-$20 per linear foot
- Vinyl gutters – $5-$9 per linear foot
- Professional installation – $5-$11 per linear foot
A typical 2500 square foot home with 150 linear feet of gutters would run $750 to $1200 for a professionally installed aluminum system. Higher-end copper gutters could be $3000 or more.
Is DIY Gutter Installation Right for Me?
If you are a skilled DIYer, gutter installation is a reasonable project to tackle. Key considerations include:
- Are you comfortable with heights, ladders, and roof access?
- Do you have carpentry skills and proper tools?
- Are you ready for a project that may take 2-3 full days?
- Can you lift long gutter sections up a ladder safely?
- Will you properly dispose of old gutters versus just capping them off?
- Is roof edge sound enough to support new mounting clips?
Be realistic about your DIY skills and capacity. Hiring a professional is often the smarter choice for such a crucial home protection system.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Gutters
Here are key signs that your gutters are failing and need full replacement:
- Gutters are leaking in multiple spots even after repairs
- Significant portions no longer slope properly towards downspouts
- Large sections have become misaligned or detached from fascia
- Metal gutters have extensive rust/decay holes
- Wood gutters are rotting through in places
- Downspouts are severely bent or damaged
- Water isn’t being directed properly away from your home
Spot repairs may temporarily fix a few leaks, but reaching the point where several issues are happening likely means full gutter replacement is required.
New Gutter Styles and Innovations
Many innovative gutter styles and features exist beyond standard K-style aluminum gutters. Consider these options for your new gutter system:
Rain Chains
Rain chains divert roof water runoff through decorative chain links. They can completely replace downspouts for a unique look.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters provide a classic, distinguished look. Copper naturally resists corrosion.
Color-Coated Aluminum
Colored gutters are now available beyond basic aluminum finish. Popular options include white, black, brown and copper tones.
Hidden Hinge Designs
Hinged gutter systems flip down for easy cleaning access then pivot back into place.
Custom Wood Trim
Add custom crown molding, trim boards, and conductor boxes to integrate wood gutters into your home’s architecture elegantly.
Custom Copper Straps and Supports
Copper strap hangers and sideways suspension rods provide industrial visual appeal.
Explore these innovations and the latest styles to find the perfect new gutter system to enhance and protect your home.
Choosing Skilled Gutter Installers
If hiring out gutter installation, it’s important to choose experienced professionals who know best practices. Look for these indicators of skilled gutter pros:
- Specialize in gutters with 5+ years experience
- Have extensive experience with your specific gutter style
- Provide detailed inspection and site assessment
- Will follow up for quality assurance checks
- Offer warranty to guarantee their workmanship
- Have proper licenses and insurance
- Get great reviews for response time, service, and pricing
Beware of contractors who quote prices without seeing your home first or who ask for full payment upfront before starting work. Vet installers thoroughly to get the quality gutters your home deserves.
Common Gutter Installation Mistakes
It’s easy for DIYers to make mistakes that dramatically reduce gutter effectiveness. Avoid these common errors:
- Mounting clips spaced too far apart leading to sagging
- Failing to slope gutters 1/4 inch per 10 feet
- Allowing leaks at seams between sections
- Not fully sealing end caps and loose joiners
- Not extending downspouts far enough from home foundation
- Installing gutters without screening or guards
- Cutting corners on preparation and measurements
- Attempting risky roof work without safety equipment
Correcting installation mistakes can mean redoing much of the project. Avoid easy errors through education, preparation, and patience.
New Gutter Installation Process and Timeline
Installing new gutters is a significant project best done by qualified professionals. Here is a typical timeline:
Day 1
- Assess site needs and take measurements
- Remove existing gutters (2-5 hours)
- Install mounting clips (2-5 hours)
Day 2
- Hang new gutter sections (5-8 hours)
- Install end caps and joiners (2 hours)
- Begin on downspouts (1-2 hours)
Day 3
- Complete downspouts (2-4 hours)
- Install any accessories (1-2 hours)
- Thoroughly test system (1 hour)
- Finish trimming and sealing (2 hours)
- Clean up work site
This provides an estimated timeline of 11-20 hours depending on gutter length and specifics of your home. Build in a buffer for potential delays or issues requiring rework.
Finding the Right Gutter Professional
Choosing the right gutter installation pro is key to getting a quality end product that protects your home. Here are tips for identifying the best contractor:
- Ask neighbors/friends for referrals of installers they used and trusted
- Search HomeAdvisor and read reviews on Google to vet companies
- Ensure company is licensed, bonded, insured
- Ask how many years of experience the company has
- Request 2-3 local references to view past work
- Get at least 3 detailed quotes for cost comparisons
- Choose a company that provides a warranty
- Schedule a site visit to discuss options specific to your home
- Assess responsiveness and clarity of communications
- Trust your gut instincts on which pro understands your needs
Taking time to find the right contractor reduces the risk of gutter installation headaches down the road.
Signs It’s Time to Hire a Gutter Installation Professional
DIY gutter installation is an ambitious project. Consider hiring a pro if:
- Your roof has tricky elements like steep slopes or multi-level sections
- Existing gutters show signs of advanced deterioration or damage
- You don’t have the right equipment like tall sturdy ladders
- Large heavy sections would be unsafe to install alone
- You don’t have expertise hanging long gutter runs level and sloped properly
- Removing old materials like lead-based gutters requires hazardous waste disposal
- Your schedule doesn’t allow for continuous days needed to complete the full project
Know your limits and when it’s smarter to hire professional gutter installers to do the job right.
Questions to Ask Gutter Installers Before Hiring
To determine if a gutter contractor is the right fit, ask these key questions:
- How long have you been installing gutters specifically?
- Will you handle removing and disposing of old gutters properly?
- Do you assess drainage issues to advise on downspout placement?
- What types of gutters do you recommend for my roof?
- Do you provide a warranty on parts and labor? How long?
- Will you come back to inspect/repair leaks free if any occur?
- How will you access the roof? What safety measures do you take?
- Do you pressure wash the roof edge before installing new gutters?
- What payment schedule do you expect during the project? When is final payment due?
Professionals who know the trade inside out will have informed answers to these questions that highlight their expertise.
Downspout Drainage Options
Proper drainage design is crucial to maximizing gutter effectiveness. Downspout drainage options include:
Splashblocks
Direct water several feet from foundation. Requires sufficient ground slope.
Drainage Pipes
Direct water away underground via pipes. Works for flat yards.
Rain Barrels
Collect water in covered barrels for gardening use. Must have overflow outlet.
French Drains
Gravel trenches redirect water away from trouble spots. Effective but labor intensive.
Dry Wells
Gravel-filled holes allow drainage but don’t discharge above ground. Requires sufficient space.
Take time to assess your topography and drainage needs to select the right downspout runoff solution.
Alternatives to Gutters for Roof Drainage
While gutters are usually the best drainage option, some alternatives exist:
Extended Eaves
Extending roof eaves 24+ inches helps shed water away from siding and foundation.
Gravel Strip Drainage
A gravel trench along the drip line redirects runoff away from the home.
Rain Chains
Roof water is channeled through decorative chains/pipes alongside the home.
Enhanced Landscaping
Sloping soil, gravel, and plantings can provide improved natural runoff.
Interior Drainage System
Interior perimeter drainage using a sump pump removes water trapped at foundation.
These options work for some homes but usually require specific site conditions. Evaluate whether they could supplement your gutter system.
Choosing Gutter Guards to Prevent Clogs and Damage
Gutter guards are covers that allow water to flow through but block debris from collecting in gutters.
Considerations for choosing gutter guards: