Prepping to Install Vinyl Gutters
by Admin
Posted on 12-04-2024 01:53 PM
Schedule your installation during the offseason. The best time to install rain gutters is during the shoulder season or offseason when demand is lower and prices are more affordable. Shop around for the best price. Don’t just go with the first rain
gutter
installer you find. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price. Choose a less expensive material.
There are a variety of materials available for rain gutters, including aluminum, vinyl, and steel. Choose the less expensive option to help keep costs down. Do it yourself. If you’re handy and have some basic carpentry skills, you can install rain gutters yourself and save on labor costs.
Confirm that your fascia is free from any rot or decay before installing the gutters. To do so, poke at the fascia boards at their ends or where two boards meet; if the boards feel soft or spongy or appear visibly damaged, you should replace the fascia before installing the gutters. The rotting could be caused by your old gutters, in which case new wood fascia is a fine replacement. If, though, the rot is the result of other factors, you can install aluminum or vinyl fascia to better weather any heavy moisture. Regardless, you might wish to contact a local roofing contractor to get to the root of the issue and ensure you’re making the best material choice for your home.
Plan Out the Gutter Installation
Fig. A (below) shows an example of a rain gutter system for a typical house. Record the length of the rain gutter runs and mark the downspout locations. Then count up the inside and outside corners and end caps (note whether they are right or left ends). Measure the height of downspouts and add four feet to each for the extension away from the house at the bottom. Each downspout requires three elbows.
There are two types of elbows that turn either to the front or side of the downspout. Most installations require only front elbows, but occasionally you may need a side elbow, usually to turn the downspout extension sideways.
If you plan on having gutter installers hang gutters made of aluminum, which is the material we recommend, extra care is required during installation. It doesn’t take much to bend or dent your gutters — all they have to do is fall to the ground or get hit by your ladder. If this happens, the entire section will need to be replaced. It’s very important to hire a professional company that has the expertise to install very long sections of gutter and work safely from ladders.
Measure How Much Gutter You Need
Before purchasing materials or tackling any part of the project, you need to measure everything and plan ahead. This prep-work is vital to ensuring the gutter project runs smoothly from start to finish. Without proper measurements and a well-thought-out plan, you can be stuck with too many materials, not enough materials, or a completely stalled project because you get stuck somewhere along the way. Here are a few ways you can start to plan this extensive undertaking.
Not measuring the gutter’s length: before buying the supplies, the gutter’s length needs to be measured. By doing this, you can guarantee that you have enough supplies on hand to finish the installation without making additional excursions to the store. Not utilizing the right hangers or spikes: in order to attach the gutter to the fascia board, hangers or spikes must be used. To achieve a secure installation, it’s critical to utilize the appropriate hangers or spikes for your style of gutter. Not utilizing a level: using a level can help ensure that the gutters are put at the proper angle.
Before embarking on a rain gutter replacement project, careful planning is essential. Start by evaluating the condition of your fascia and soffit, as any rotted wood should be replaced before installing the new gutters. Determine if any trim boards or crown molding need to be removed or modified to create a flat surface for the gutters. Prime and paint any bare wood to protect it from moisture. Additionally, consider the placement of downspouts in unobstructed areas and use oversized downspouts for large roof areas or areas prone to heavy rain. Proper planning ensures a successful and long-lasting rain gutter replacement.
Measure your house perimeter: measure the length of your house where you'll install the gutters. This will determine the total length of gutter you'll need. Determine the best layout and slope for drainage: gutters should slightly slope towards the downspouts to ensure your gutters drain properly. A good rule of thumb is a 1/2 inch slope for every 10 feet of gutter. Use a chalk line to mark this slope on your fascia. Choose the right downspout location: plan where your downspouts will be placed. Downspouts and the downspout outlet should be positioned at or near the corners of your house and directed away from your home's foundation.