A properly installed gutter will protect your home from water damage.
Controlling rain water is the easiest and most important step in protecting your home from significant water damage. Your roof is your first line of defense, and this channels the water into a gutter system. The gutters then discharge this water away from the foundation through downspouts. A correctly graded property will move that water away from the foundation. Installing a gutter and downspout system on an existing fascia is easy with a little knowledge and some basic tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Set up two ladders; one on each end of the section you would like to install a gutter. With a friend, measure the total length of the section. A gutter needs to slope 1/4 inch for every 10 linear feet.
2. Divide the total length by 10 then calculate the amount of slope by multiplying 1/4 by that number. For example, 40 feet of gutter will need 4 x 1/4 = 1 inch of slope.
3. Measure the distance determined in step two on one end of the gutter location from the top of the fascia down. Mark this location. Using a friend, extend a chalk line from the top of the fascia board on one end to the mark on the other end and snap a line.
4. Measure and cut a section of gutter to the desired length with the tin snips.
5. Position the downspout sleeve in the location on the bottom of the gutter where you wish the downspout to be located and outline its circumference with a pencil on the downspout. Drill one hole on the inside of every corner large enough to fit the jigsaw blade. Cut out the outlined section with the jigsaw. Apply silicone sealant to the downspout connector and push into the cut out hole. Screw one screw into all four corners of the downspout connector in the holes provided.
6. Fasten gutter end-caps on either end of the cut gutter. They will slide onto the end and are fastened in place by crimping the ends with the pliers. Apply silicone sealant on the inside of this end cap.
7. Snap the mounting brackets into place every 18 inches along the gutter, making sure to have one within 6 inches of either end.
8. Climb up both ladders holding the gutter between you. Align the top of the gutter with the chalk line you made in step three and begin screwing in the mounting brackets into the fascia board. Work your way along until all of the screws are in place.
9. Mount the downspout to the downspout sleeve with short steel screws. Make sure the downspout extends at least 4 feet from the foundation in a location where the grade will move the water away from the house.
10. Test the gutters for leaks by using a hose to fill the system with water and observer for drips.
Tags: away from, from foundation, water away, water away from, Apply silicone, Apply silicone sealant, away from foundation