Without rain gutters, your home is susceptible to damage like water erosion, foundational leaks, filthy side panels, and more!
While most rain gutter installations are done by a team of professionals. With the right planning and proper tools, this project can be completed by the average DIY’er. (yes, even you!) DIY gutter replacement can save you substantially over hiring professionals, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Follow along and learn how to correctly install rain gutters and gutter guards plus a few things to avoid along the way.
Tips For Installing Gutters the Right Way
Make Sure You Have The Right Tools
Not having the right tools on hand can make a new gutter project nearly impossible. Here are some of the key tools you’ll need for a successful installation:
- Cordless drill
- Gutter End Cap Crimper
- Duckbill tin snips
- Extension ladder
- Hex head driver
- Offset tin snips
- Pop rivet gun
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
It’s probably a wise idea to not buy too much of this equipment if you don’t own it already. This is because you may use it just one time for gutter installation, then never use them again. Unless you’re planning to utilize them for other home improvement projects, it’s best to look into renting some of these tools.
Many Hands Make Light Work
While too many folks working on a single gutter installation will probably cause more trouble than good, enlisting the help of a friend or neighbor to help you out will make the job go much faster and smoother. Just make sure you buy them a drink or a meal afterward to thank them for their assistance.
Finding The Right Gutter Material
Nothing can derail a project faster than finding out you don’t have the right materials. You’re in a groove, knocking off some of the initial steps, and then you look for your downspouts and realize you forgot them. Double and even triple-checking to ensure you have the right materials will help you streamline the project and avoid delays.
While materials will vary slightly depending on the project, here are the key materials you’ll generally need for a successful gutter installation:
- 1 1/4″ self-tapping hex head screws
- 1/4″ hex head screws (‘zippers’)
- 1/8-in. medium length rivets
- Downspout outlet
- Elbows
- Gutter
- Gutter flashing
- Gutter hangers
- Silicone gutter sealant
- Stainless steel lag screws
- Fascia brackets
Things to Avoid During Installation
Proper Ladder Safety Is A Must!
It may seem like an easy part of the installation process, but actually getting up on a ladder and putting new gutters in can be dangerous. Depending on the height of your home, a fall from the top of a ladder can be bad and equate to an expensive trip to the hospital. Even if your home isn’t very tall, landing awkwardly on your ankle or arm from 8+ feet can be bad. So, when it comes to installing gutter systems, don’t be reckless.
Check out this video to get the skinny on proper ladder use around the home:
Avoid Alcohol Before Your Gutter Job
Sure, that liquid courage may give the confidence of being able to handle a home improvement project, but you’ll likely do a poor job.
Don’t Try And Install Gutters During A Torrential Downpour
That’s just a bad idea. We shouldn’t have to explain it any more than that.
Squirrel Trouble? (Agh Nuts!)
Sure, they may not pay rent, but it’s not good to tear down a squirrel’s home before relocating them. Squirrels are vengeful, and they hold grudges. So, make sure to have a professional come in and relocate them to a local park or wooded area.
Gutter Replacement Difficulty
Installing gutters isn’t the most complicated home improvement job on the planet, but doing it right is essential for maintaining the integrity of your roof and the safety of your home. For this reason, you either need to work with an experienced gutter installer or enlist the help of a pro to get the job done.
Okay, now that we’ve gone over some of the things to avoid, here are some tips to ensure you do it right.
If you’re not confident in installing your own gutters, give Eagle Eye a call today!
Eagle Eye Roofing is the premier Texas roofer and gutter installer. With customer service that can’t be topped and over a decade of experience under our belt, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time. We believe that everyone deserves to have a fully functional roof and gutter system, and we never cut corners. But we don’t just talk about providing good services; we actually deliver on our promises. Just check out our 70+ 5-star Google reviews.
If you’re not sure if you need to have your gutters replaced, here are a few signs to look for:
- Broken, buckled, or split gutters are tell-tale signs that a repair is in order.
- If you’ve noticed water seeping into your foundation, then make sure to take action fast to get a repair in order.
Sometimes, however, it can be tricky to tell whether or not your gutters are broken. If you’re ever not sure, give us a call and we’ll come by for FREE inspection.
