Rain gutters and vertical pipes are important tools used to direct rainwater and drain it away from the basic foundation of your home. Both help prevent soil erosion, wall damage, and basement leaks. Measuring the gutters, fitting them down a bit, and doing it correctly are all important for the gutters to function properly. Installing gutters is a job that a homeowner can actually handle on their own with a little effort and the right tools. Read the article below for instructions or how to install gutters.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Calculate and purchase gutters of at least the total required length, and also purchase vertical pipes and gutter hangers
Gutters must be installed on the lisplang and along the roof drain, and terminate in a vertical pipe (dumping pipe) at the end of the gutter. If the size of the gutter to be installed is more than 40 feet (12 m), the gutter must be installed in a downward position from the center so that the water flow can lead to the vertical pipe located at each end. A gutter hanger will be installed on each rib, or approximately every 32 inches (81 cm).
- Depending on the type of gutter you want, be prepared to pay around IDR 24,000 - IDR 72,000 per foot (0.3 m) for aluminum gutters. While the price of copper gutters can reach Rp 240,000 per foot (0.3 m).
- Vertical pipes are priced at around Rp. 24,000 per foot (0.3 m), and for gutter hangers that attach gutters to the lisplang the price is around Rp. 72,000-Rp 120,000 per one piece.
Step 2. Check the lisplang and the outer ceiling for rot or damage before you install the gutters
Can the installation of gutters be good if the lisplang used to hold the gutters turns out to be rotten? To check the trim, tap the ends of the plank, or where the two ends of the plank meet. If it feels soft or fishy, you may want to consider changing the trim before continuing with your work.
- Think about replacing the trim with a more durable material, or you can just stick it with wood.
- If you believe the rot is caused by excess moisture because the gutters aren't working effectively, then wood can be used (you'll end up installing gutters anyway).
- If you believe the decay is due to other factors, consider choosing a material such as aluminum or vinyl that can withstand the elements slightly better than wood.
Method 2 of 3: Planning the Gutter Slope
Step 1. Measure and draw a line plan for the gutter layout using line chalk
Of course, you want your gutters to work well, and for that they need to be placed slightly downwards at the bottom corners to allow water to flow into the vertical pipe.
- Longer gutters (35 feet and more) will be angled from the center towards each end. The gutters will be installed starting at the same height in the middle and sloping down to the edges, and meeting at the same point.
- Shorter gutters should be angled from one end to the other. The gutters must be installed starting from a high point and ending at a lower point.
Step 2. Determine the starting point, or the highest point on the gutter installation
If your plank is longer than 35 feet (10.6 m), your starting point will be in the middle of the plank. If the plinth board is shorter than 35 feet (10.6 m), your gutters will be installed from one end to the other.
Mark the high point on the trim board, 1.25 inches (3.175 cm) below the tin/metal roof with a piece of chalk
Step 3. Then determine the end point or location of the vertical pipe
The location of the end point will be at the corner of a lisplang board, and allow for one vertical pipe to be fed by two different gutters.
Step 4. Locate the end point of the gutter installation using a inch (635 cm) downward slope
Start at your high point, then lower inch for every 10 feet (3m) of gutters.
For example: If you're working on a 25-foot (7.6 m) plank, your end point is about 1-1/4 inch (3.75 cm) below your high point
Step 5. Draw a chalk line between the high and low points
Use a leveling tool or measuring stick to draw a straight line. This line will be the guide for your gutters so make the right one.
Method 3 of 3: Measuring, Cutting and Installing Gutters
Step 1. Measure the gutters to size
Use a metal saw or hacksaw to cut the chamfer to the right measurements. You may need to cut your gutters at a 450-degree angle if the two gutters meet at an angle.
Step 2. Attach the gutter hangers to each rib
Define each rib - usually every 16 inches (40.6 cm) - by looking for the head of the spikes that are clearly visible. After you have marked the location of each rib on the trim board, drill holes in the marked board with a drill to make installing the gutter hanger easier.
The gutter hanger will be attached either directly to the gutter or pre-installed on the surface of the board, depending on the type of gutter you purchased. Review the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular type of gutter
Step 3. Mark the location for the opening in the gutter to connect to the vertical pipe
Use a jigsaw to cut a square opening in the right place in the gutter.
Step 4. Install the vertical pipe fitting and gutter cover using silicone sealant and short metal screws
A gutter cover must be attached to each open end of the gutter.
Step 5. Install the gutters
Install the gutter by tilting the gutter up until the back end of the gutter fits into place, namely at the top of the gutter hanger. Gutters should fit in place or at least look good enough.
A gutter hanger should be attached to the surface of the board every 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm). Use stainless steel lag screws that are long enough to penetrate the surface of the board at least 2 inches (5 cm)
Step 6. Coat the gutters using a thin strip of aluminum around the bottom of each corner of the gutter, then rivet the aluminum strip in place
To keep water from leaking through small cracks or openings in the joined corners, secure the aluminum pieces together with a waterproofing coating.
- This piece of aluminum can be sprayed with paint first so that the color blends with the color of the gutter.
- Make the aluminum strip just an inch or two (2.5 - 5 cm) above the outside of the gutter. Cut a triangular shape on the top of the aluminum strip sticking out earlier, and then fold each corner or trim it flat on top of the gutter to create a clean look.
Step 7. Attach the vertical pipe to the gutter through the pipe connector (pipe shock)
Make sure the vertical pipe thread is facing down and is pointed in the right direction.
- To connect the vertical pipe to the outlet pipe (funnel), bend the top vertical pipe slightly outward using pliers.
- Secure the vertical pipe to the gutter and the vertical pipe to the outlet pipe (funnel) either with pop rivets or suitable screws.
Step 8. Glue each gutter joint seam with sealant and let dry overnight
Tips
- Test the newly installed gutter to check for leaks and to see if the water flow is smooth by spraying water from the hose at the highest point.
- Using a piece of filter wire placed over the drain hole on the gutter will make it easier to clean the gutter in the fall.
- Repair rotting or damaged trim/roof trim before installing gutters.
