Maya Ellison
Gutters are most often installed by professionals, but there's no reason why you can't install plastic guttering yourself. Guttering is an essential system that collects and drains rainwater from your roof and through a downpipe. Plastic (or PVC) gutters are inexpensive to buy, can be attractive, and are available in a range of colours. They can be glued into place but are more commonly slotted together, in which case they are equipped with rubber seals to make them watertight. To install plastic guttering, you'll need to measure your slope, cut your gutter sections to length, screw in brackets, and install a downpipe.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your ladder and ensure safety
When preparing to fit new guttering, it is important to prioritise safety. Before you begin, ensure that your ladder is in good condition, with all its parts secure and functional. Check that the rubber or plastic feet are in good condition to prevent the ladder from slipping. It is ideal to have someone assist you by holding the ladder securely while you work.
When positioning the ladder against the wall, aim for an angle of 4:1. For every 4 feet up, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. For example, if you are working at the average height of a fascia board on a two-storey house, which is approximately 15 feet, the ladder's feet should be placed on a level surface, roughly 3.5 to 4 feet away from the wall's base.
Extend the ladder to its maximum height and, whenever possible, tie off the top of the ladder with a string for added security. While the specific dimensions may vary slightly depending on the unique characteristics of your house or building, adhering to these general guidelines will help ensure your safety while installing plastic guttering.
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Measure your slope
Measuring the slope of your guttering is an important step in ensuring your gutters drain properly. Gutters should slope towards a downspout at a rate of 1/2 inch for every 10 feet. For gutter runs longer than 40 feet, it is recommended to pitch the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end. Alternatively, you can slope the gutters from each end towards a single downspout in the middle of the run.
To measure your slope, first, determine the highest point of the gutter run on the fascia. This should be marked 1 1/4 inches below the metal drip-edge flashing. Then, at the other end of the fascia or at the downspout location in the middle of the run, mark the low end of the gutter run. Remember that the slope should be approximately 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of the run. Snap a chalk line between these two points to visualise the slope.
If your gutter continues around a corner, cut the appropriate angle (usually 45 degrees) at that end. When cutting gutter sections, you can use a hacksaw, aviation snips, or a 12-inch power miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade. Overlapping sections should be joined using self-tapping stainless steel screws or pop rivets, with two rows of four each. Remember to locate screws or rivets on the sides of the gutter, never at the bottom.
Additionally, consider the drop needed for the gutter outlet. The outlet should be positioned around 50mm below the level of the roof. After marking the position of the gutter outlet, drill small pilot holes and fix the gutter stop end or running outlet to the fascia board using the recommended fixings. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, especially if you're using a cordless screwdriver, to avoid damaging the plastics or fascia board.
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Cut the gutter to size
Cutting your gutter to the right size is a crucial step in ensuring your guttering system works effectively. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut your plastic guttering to size:
First, measure the length you need for your gutter. This will depend on the size of your roof and the amount of rainwater you expect to drain. The standard domestic gutter is 112mm half-round guttering, but if you have a larger roof or expect more rainwater, you may need a deeper gutter, such as 120mm.
Next, choose the right tools for cutting. You can use a hacksaw and aviation snips, or for a faster and more powerful option, use a 12-inch power miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade. If you are cutting iron guttering, an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc is recommended.
Now, cut your gutter to the desired length. If your gutter continues around a corner, cut the appropriate angle, typically a 45-degree angle. Overlap the sections by 8 inches if you are joining two pieces, and use screws or pop rivets to secure them together, ensuring the rivets are placed on the sides and not the bottom of the gutter.
If your gutter turns a corner, you will need to fasten an end cap to each end. Hold the end cap in place with a sheet-metal screw, drill a hole, and install a pop rivet. Remove the screw and replace it with another rivet.
Finally, attach any additional components, such as a drop outlet or downspout. Cut a piece of the downspout to fit between two elbows and fasten them together. Use needlenose pliers to adjust the elbow as needed.
Remember to follow all safety precautions when using power tools and always work with a partner to secure your ladder when installing your guttering.
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Install gutter guards
Gutter guards are an excellent way to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging up your gutters and downpipes. They are fixed to the gutters, allowing rainwater to flow freely while keeping out unwanted blockages.
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have the proper tools and a good level of manual skill. Gutter guard installation can be complex for inexperienced DIYers, so consider calling a professional if you're uncomfortable. It is recommended to install gutter guards on a warm, dry day.
Make sure to measure your gutters so you purchase the right size and amount of gutter guard material. You will need a sturdy, extendable ladder, and it is recommended to wear long sleeves, work pants, and gloves for protection.
Thoroughly clean your gutters to remove all debris and sediment, including the downspouts.
Installation
The installation process will depend on the type of gutter guard you have purchased. Mesh screens, for example, are installed by sliding the flat side up under the roofing shingles, so they sit between the wood and the shingle. The screen angles downward, allowing debris to slide off the roof.
Reverse-curve guards are another option but are not recommended as a DIY project due to their complex design and the need for high-quality materials. These guards use water flow to push debris off onto the ground efficiently but require precise openings to allow water passage.
Gutter screens are a simpler alternative, sitting atop the gutter. These are made from sheets of metal or plastic with perforated holes.
Maintenance
Gutter guards greatly reduce the need for maintenance. Without them, regular cleaning is required to prevent blockages, which can lead to water damage.
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Seal the gutter
To seal the gutter, you will need to apply a gutter sealant. There are various types of sealants available, such as caulk, rope and bitumen/gutter sealant, or silicone. Silicone sealants, such as Securbond, are designed to be versatile and compatible with plastics and metals, offering a good balance between elasticity and adhesive strength.
When sealing your gutter, it is important to ensure that the gutter is properly aligned and that the rubber seals are intact and in good condition. This will help to prevent leaks and ensure the gutter is watertight.
If you are joining old iron gutters with new plastic guttering, you will need to trim the cast iron section so that the ends line up and fit an adapter. A capping piece can also be used, which is placed over the end of each gutter and will not affect the alignment.
To seal the gutter, apply a thin bead of PVC adhesive or sealant inside the stop end or the end of the gutter. Fit the stop end onto the gutter, opposite the drop outlet, and hold it firmly in place for a few seconds. Wipe off any excess glue or sealant with a cloth.
Additionally, to prevent blockages and ensure proper drainage, it is recommended to install gutter traps or leaf guards. Gutter traps are inserted into the base of the drop outlet to catch debris, while leaf screens are inserted into the gutter to prevent a buildup of leaves and other debris.
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