Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic gutters and downspouts is a straightforward process that can be completed in 13 steps. First, decide where you want the water to go and measure the length of the house that will include gutters. Mark the slope on fascia boards with a chalk line to guide the installation process. Next, secure gutter corners on the house corners without downspouts, ensuring water can travel easily towards the downspouts. Hang the gutter sections, using hangers and connectors, and add end caps to areas without outlets. Attach the downspout outlet to the gutter and connect the elbows and outlet tube. Secure the drainpipe to the wall using brackets and fit gutter guards or jackets to prevent debris buildup. Regularly clean your gutters to maintain functionality and prevent emergency repairs. This process will ensure your gutters and downspouts effectively manage rainwater runoff.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Decide where you want the water to go, whether into a rain barrel or away from the foundation of the house. Measure the length of the house that will include gutters to determine the number of gutter sections and accessory pieces required. |
| Materials | Connectors, corners, end caps, gutter hangers, drainpipes, elbows, outlets, gutter guards or jackets, and downspout components (outlet, elbows, and drainpipe section). |
| Installation | Mark the slope angle on fascia boards with a chalk line to guide the installation. Install gutter sections into the outlets, using hangers for support, and connect them with plastic slip joints. Secure gutter corners on house corners without downspouts, ensuring water can travel easily towards the downspouts. Attach drain pipes by securing the downspout outlet to the gutter and connecting the elbows and drainpipe section. Fit gutter guards or jackets to prevent debris buildup. |
| Maintenance | Clean the gutters twice a year, in spring and fall, to ensure functionality and prevent emergency repairs. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning: Consider water flow, slopes and landscape
When installing plastic gutters and downspouts, it is important to plan carefully to ensure effective water flow and protect your home from water damage. Here are some key considerations for planning:
Water Flow
The number of downspouts required depends on the length of your gutter system and the volume of rainwater in your area. As a general rule, place downspouts at regular intervals of at least 20 feet apart but no more than 50 feet apart. For gutter runs longer than 40 feet, consider placing a downspout at each end or in the middle to handle the water volume effectively.
Slopes
Ensure that the land around your house slopes away from the foundation walls. Maintain a 5% grade or a slope of at least 1/16 inch per foot of run, or 1/4 inch per 10 feet, towards a downspout to facilitate proper water drainage.
Landscape
Consider the landscape and any obstacles when planning downspout placement. Avoid placing downspouts too close to the property line and ensure they are integrated into the overall drainage system. Decorative downspouts can also add aesthetic value to your landscape, with options such as rain chains or creative downspout landscapes.
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Measure gutter run and purchase materials
To install plastic gutters and downspouts, you must first measure the length of the house where you plan to install the gutters. This will help you determine how many gutter sections and accessory pieces you need to purchase.
When measuring the gutter run, consider the orientation and landscape of your home. Decide whether you want to collect the water in a rain barrel or dump the runoff into your yard. If you choose to dump the runoff, ensure that it is directed at least 10 feet (3 m) away from the foundation of your house to prevent water damage. Also, check for any severe slopes or ruts in the ground that may cause water to flow back towards your foundation.
Calculate the number of connectors, corners, end caps, and gutter hangers you will need. As a rule of thumb, you will require a gutter hanger for every 2 feet (0.6 m) of gutter. Additionally, for every 30 to 35 feet (9.14 to 10.67 m) of downspout, you will need drainpipes, elbows, hangers, and outlets. If you are unsure about which parts to purchase, consult a salesperson at a home repair store or refer to a DIY kit for a parts list.
Before you begin installing, mark the slope angle for the water to flow using a chalk line. This will make the installation process easier. The vinyl gutters should be sloped approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) for every 10 feet (3.048 m) of gutter for short runs of less than 30 feet (9.14 m). This slight slope ensures that water flows out smoothly and doesn't create stagnant pools.
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Secure gutter corners and gutter sections
To secure gutter corners and gutter sections, you will need connectors, corners, end caps, and gutter hangers. You will need a hanger for every 2 feet (0.6 m) of the gutter. Gutter corners should be secured first at the corners of the house that will not have downspouts. The water should be able to travel easily through the gutters, funneling toward the downspouts. Gutter sections should then be installed into the outlets, using hangers to support each section. Use a plastic slip joint at the end of every 10-foot length, connecting the gutter sections with connectors.
Add an end cap to areas that won't have outlets to keep the water flowing toward the downspouts. If you need to adjust the size of the gutter sections to fit your walls, cut them using a lopper or a table saw. To make the job easier, have one person hold one end of the gutter while the other takes the other end and begins attaching the gutter to the hangers from the outside in.
Once the gutter sections are in place, secure the downspout outlet to the gutter. Connect the downspout elbows to the outlet and outlet tube coming from the gutter. Secure the correct size drainpipe section to fit between the elbows. Secure the drainpipe to the wall using the same brackets you used for the gutter sections.
Gutter guards or jackets can also be fitted over the gutters to complete the installation. This will keep debris from clogging up the gutters and should keep the water flowing smoothly.
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Attach drain pipes, elbows and outlets
To attach drain pipes, elbows, and outlets, follow these steps:
First, secure a downspout outlet to the gutter. This will act as the starting point for your drainage system. Ensure that the outlet is firmly attached to the gutter, as it will bear the weight of the water flowing through it. Next, connect the downspout elbows to the outlet and the outlet tube coming from the gutter. The elbows will direct the water downwards, so they need to be securely attached and aligned properly.
Now, you'll need to cut and secure the drainpipe sections. Measure the distance between the elbows and cut the drainpipe accordingly. It's important to use the correct size of the drain pipe to ensure a snug fit. Secure these sections to the wall using brackets, similar to how you attached the gutter sections. Make sure the pipes are firmly attached and can withstand the weight and pressure of the water.
If your system requires additional elbows or outlets, simply repeat the process, ensuring that each component is securely attached before moving on to the next step. Remember to maintain the proper slope for effective water flow.
Finally, once all the pipes, elbows, and outlets are in place, double-check that everything is securely attached and aligned correctly. Test the system by pouring water through it to ensure it functions as intended.
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Fit gutter guards or jackets
Gutter guards or jackets are an important component of your gutter system as they prevent debris from clogging up your gutters and ensure water flows smoothly. There are several types of gutter guards, including mesh guards, surface-tension guards, and drop-in screen guards. Mesh guards are a popular option as they trap debris while letting rainwater pass through. The debris eventually dries up and is blown away by the wind or can be brushed off. Before installing gutter guards, it is important to clean your gutters thoroughly to remove all debris and sediment.
To install mesh gutter guards, start by measuring the length of your gutter and cutting the gutter guard to that measurement. Position your ladder against the side of your home and place one end of the gutter guard underneath the shingles and the underlayment. Place the other side of the guard over the lip of your gutter and screw it into place. You can also bend up one end of the guard and screw it into your fascia instead of sliding it under the shingles.
For surface-tension gutter guards, the installation process is similar. Position your ladder and gutter guard, then slide the gutter guard between the bottom layer of shingles and the underlayment. Slide the other end of the guard underneath the lip of your gutter so that it fits snugly. Some surface-tension guards will have rivets to secure them, while others use tension to stay in place.
Drop-in screen guards are another easy-to-install option. Measure the length of your gutter and cut the screen guard accordingly. Wedge the guard between your gutter and fascia so that it fits snugly. Repeat this process for the remaining gutters, ensuring a secure fit.
Gutter guard installation is generally a straightforward process, but if you lack DIY experience, are uncomfortable with heights or ladders, or have a complex gutter system, it is recommended to consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions
First, decide where you want the water to go and measure the gutter run. Next, mark the slope on fascia boards with a chalk line, ensuring the gutters slope slightly so that water can flow out easily. Then, hang the gutter sections, using hangers and connectors. Finally, attach the downspouts and drainpipes to the gutter, securing them with brackets.
You will need connectors, corners, end caps, and a gutter hanger for every 2 feet (0.6 m) of the gutter. For the downspouts, you will need drainpipe, elbows, hangers, and outlets for every 30 to 35 feet (9.14 to 10.67 m). You may also want to install gutter guards or jackets to prevent debris from clogging the gutters.
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, and connect the gutter sections with connectors. Add an end cap to areas without outlets to keep water flowing toward the downspouts.
