Omar Khalid
Gutters are a necessary part of a rain and stormwater management system for a house. They collect rainwater and carry it away from the building, preventing water damage to the siding, foundation, and basement. Gutters can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, aluminum, copper, and vinyl. Vinyl gutters are a popular choice due to their durability, low cost, and ease of installation. This guide will provide an introduction to installing a corner plastic rain gutter, a simple and effective way to manage rainwater runoff from your roof.
How to install corner plastic rain gutter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To direct the flow of water away from the house and protect the structure from water damage and dampness. |
| Materials | Plastic gutters, downspouts, gutter corners, gutter hangers, deck screws, end caps, slip joints, connectors, pop rivets or sheet metal screws, touch-up paint, sealant, splash blocks, rain barrels, gutter screens, etc. |
| Tools | Tape measure, sawhorses, plywood, level, drill, tin snips, needle-nose pliers, chop saw or sabre saw, ladder, etc. |
| Planning | Measure the length and width of the roof areas that require gutters. Determine the best locations for downspout outlets, considering the orientation and landscape of your home. Calculate the number of gutter parts and accessories needed, including corners and downspout adapters. |
| Installation Process | Cut the gutter at a 45-degree angle for corners. Overlap gutter sections by 8 inches and join them with screws or pop rivets. Cover joints with a strip miter and seal with silicone caulk. Install gutter hangers every 2 feet along the fascia, using deck screws. Hang the gutter sections, using hangers to support them. Attach downspout outlets and elbows to the gutter. Connect drainpipes to the house. |
| Maintenance and Repair | Gutters should be angled at a slope to ensure water flows freely. Gutter screens can prevent overflow and corrosion. Sealants and paints can provide additional protection from water damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Measure the length of the gutter and cut at a 45-degree angle for corners
When installing a corner plastic rain gutter, it is important to measure accurately and cut at precise angles to ensure a watertight fit.
First, measure the length of the gutter. This will involve measuring the length of the area that will receive the gutter, taking into account the usable length of parts like corners and downspout adapters. Measure the length from the bottom of the fascia to the ground to determine the downspout length. Keep detailed notes of all measurements.
Next, cut the gutter at a 45-degree angle for corners. This is the typical angle for a gutter that continues around a corner. However, it is important to note that not all corners are perfect 45-degree angles. In such cases, you can use an adjustable angle bracket for flexibility, or custom-cut the gutters to match the specific angles. To custom-cut, measure and replicate the window angle accurately, then cut each side of the gutter at 22.5 degrees. Use a miter gauge and protractor to achieve the correct angle, or use an angle finder.
When cutting, a sliding miter saw for wood will cut aluminum gutter very cleanly and precisely if you go slowly. The soft and thin metal of the gutter means it won't damage the blade or saw.
After cutting, you can begin attaching the corners. Cover the joint between two lengths of gutter at each corner with a strip miter—a 3-inch-wide strip of aluminum. Wrap the strip tightly around the underside of the gutter and secure it with eight pop rivets or sheet-metal screws.
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Use screws or rivets to join gutter sections
When joining gutter sections with screws or rivets, it is important to first overlap the gutter sections by 8 inches. This will ensure a strong and secure joint. Next, use two rows of four self-tapping, stainless steel screws or pop rivets to join the gutter sections. It is important to locate the screws or rivets on the sides of the gutter, never in the bottom, to ensure the joint is watertight.
If you are using sheet metal screws, you will need to drill holes for the screws. First, use a drill with a hole saw to create the necessary openings. Then, insert the screws and tighten them securely. For pop rivets, use a rivet gun to insert and secure the rivets in place.
To further ensure a watertight joint, seal the rivets and the seam between the gutter sections with a high-quality siliconized caulk. This will create a strong, waterproof bond that will prevent leaks.
When using screws or rivets to join gutter sections, it is important to work safely and securely. Ensure you have a stable work surface and consider having an assistant to help hold and support the gutter sections during the installation process.
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Install gutter hangers to support gutter weight
Gutter hangers, also known as gutter brackets, are an essential part of the gutter installation process. They are sturdy metal brackets that attach to the fascia board or roof rafters of your home, holding the gutters securely in place. Gutter hangers are what give the gutter its strength, as gutters are typically made with thinner material to save on costs.
Gutter hangers come in a variety of materials, including aluminium, copper, steel, brass, and galvanized steel. Aluminium is the most common material due to its lightweight, rust-resistant properties, and affordability. Steel and copper hangers are also available at a higher price point.
When installing gutter hangers, it is important to consider the spacing between them. The distance between gutter hangers determines how much water the gutter can safely collect and divert. In areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall, gutter hangers should be placed closer together, typically no more than 18 inches apart. In warmer climates with less rain, gutter hangers can be spaced further apart, approximately 24 inches or where there is a rafter.
To install gutter hangers, first, use a drill to create pilot holes in the gutters at the desired locations for the hangers. Next, insert screws into the pilot holes and tighten them until the hangers are secure. Finally, test the hangers to ensure they can bear the weight of the gutters.
Gutter hangers are an important component of any gutter system, providing stability and proper pitch to the gutters, allowing rainwater to flow smoothly away from the home's foundation. They also help to maintain the integrity of the home's exterior and prevent water damage.
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Seal gutter joints with sealant and sheet metal screws
Gutters are a crucial part of a rainwater management system for a house. They collect rainwater and carry it away, preventing water damage to the siding, trim, and basement of the house. Gutters can be installed by professionals or as a DIY project.
When installing a corner plastic rain gutter, it is important to seal the gutter joints properly to ensure they are watertight. This can be done using a sealant and sheet metal screws. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Prepare the Joint:
First, ensure that the gutter sections are properly aligned and overlapped by 8 inches. Clean the joint area thoroughly, removing any old caulk, dirt, rust, or loose paint with a wire brush. It is important to wear gloves and goggles during this process. Ensure the joint area is completely dry before proceeding.
Apply Sealant:
Choose a high-quality, flexible sealant suitable for outdoor use and resistant to weather conditions in your area. Apply a bead of sealant along the joint, ensuring it penetrates into the seam.
Secure with Sheet Metal Screws:
Use sheet metal screws to secure the gutter joints. Place the screws along the sides of the gutter, avoiding the bottom. Ensure the screws are tight and securely fastened.
Check for Watertightness:
Once the sealant has dried, check that the joint is watertight by pouring water through the gutter. Ensure that no water is leaking through the sealed joint.
Maintenance:
Regularly inspect and maintain your gutter system. Keep the gutters clean and free of debris. If you notice any leaks or damage, repair them promptly to prevent further issues.
By following these steps and using sealant and sheet metal screws, you can effectively seal the joints of your corner plastic rain gutter, ensuring a watertight connection that protects your home from water damage.
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Fasten the gutter with spikes, ferrules or hanger straps
Spikes, ferrules, and hanger straps are all methods used to fasten gutters.
Spikes
Nails, or spikes, are an older method of gutter installation. The nail goes through the outside of the gutter and passes through the inside, attaching to the fascia board and rafter. This method is less expensive, but nails tend to pull out over time, requiring regular maintenance.
Ferrules
Ferrules are metal cylinders the length of the inside width of the gutter. A spike is driven through the outer gutter, down the ferrule across the width, through the inner edge of the gutter, and into the bottom end of a rafter. This method offers reliable security, but the wood can split when the spike is driven through the fascia, so it's important to work with an experienced installer.
Hanger Straps
Also known as T-bars, gutter hangers have a vertical metal strap fastened to the middle, forming a suspension system. The remaining end of the strap is then fastened to the roof deck. This eliminates the need for fasteners on the fascia board. Hanger straps are manufactured in aluminum, steel, and vinyl. Aluminum is a popular choice due to its lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant properties.
Wrap-around hangers are a hybrid between the exposed bracket and strap system and the T-bar hanger system. They are stronger than both and should be spaced no more than 2 to 2.5 feet apart from each other.
When installing plastic corner rain gutters, it's important to cut the appropriate angle, typically 45 degrees, if the gutter continues around a corner. Overlapping sections of the gutter should be secured with screws or pop rivets, ensuring they are placed on the sides and not the bottom.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic rain gutters are used to direct the flow of water away from your house. This prevents water damage to the siding and foundation of your home.
First, you need to decide whether to buy a plastic gutter kit or separate parts. A kit will include all the necessary connectors, corners, caps, and gutter pieces, but it may be more expensive and less customizable. If you buy separate parts, you will need to purchase gutter pieces, connectors, corners, end caps, and a gutter hanger for every 2 feet of the gutter.
Measure the length and width of every area of your roof that requires gutters. Multiply each area’s length and width to get the square footage. Then, calculate your roof’s pitch factor to get the adjusted square footage. This tells you the vertical rise of your roof over a 12-inch span. Take your adjusted square footage and multiply it by your pitch factor. This will help you determine the amount of gutter you need.
First, install the gutter sections into the outlets, using hangers to support each section. Use a plastic slip joint at the end of every 10-foot length to connect the gutter sections. For corners that don't require downspouts, install the gutter corners and hangers. Gutter hangers hold your gutters in place and should be installed at least every 2 feet along the fascia. Finally, attach drain pipes to the house by securing the downspout outlet to the gutter and connecting downspout elbows to the outlet tube.
When measuring and planning, consider the placement of downspouts, splash blocks, diffusers, underground piping, and water collection barrels. Avoid placing downspouts where the ground will push water back towards the house. Gutters should be angled at a slope so that water flows freely down and out the spouts. To fasten gutter components, you can use sheet metal screws or pop rivets. Seal joints with a high-quality siliconized caulk to make them more waterproof.
