| |
Adding gutters to your home can be
an important way to save your house from water damage and flooding.
Gutters, also known as eaves troughs, can keep water out of the
basement and prevent the home's foundation from getting moldy.
A professional may best install some gutters, such as long seamless
or decorative gutters, however, smaller sectional ones can be attached
by anyone. Installing gutters may not be the
easiest home improvement task, but they are pretty important. The
first step in doing it on your own is to determine where you want
the water flow to be channeled. The obvious way for the water to
run would be away from the home, so find where the best locations
for this objective would be. Measure where you want the gutters
to be placed, and since gutters can often come in lengths of 10
feet or more, that should tell you how much you might need. Always
allow for extra in cases of miscalculation in cutting or damages
and repair later on. While measuring the roof, also allow for other
gutter pieces, such as elbows, drop outlets and corners.
Mounting brackets that hold up the gutter should be placed every
20-30 inches to keep it sturdy. When installing your new gutters,
begin at one end of the roof and mark a half-inch down from the
roof, and move to where the downspout will be located. Measure in
this place also one half inch from the roof and use a chalk string
to connect the two measurements. Check that they are level
with each other and make changes if needed. Decide which downward angle the gutter
should be placed to allow for easy flow of water. Measure the distance
needed for the angle from the first mark that was made and chalk
that line as well. Install brackets and other pieces of the
gutter to your measurements with a power drill for easier installation.
Continuing to move down the roof, attach the gutter to mounting
brackets and gutter joints and trim gutter sections for an easier
fit when needed. Use a silicone caulk between gutter sections to
prevent leaking through the individual pieces. Install an elbow
to the gutter that you want to attach a drop outlet to and piece
together. Use a mounting bracket to secure the drop outlet securely
to the side of the house.
If you are having a hard time deciding where to have the excess
water flow, try having it empty onto a driveway. Most often,
driveways are already sloped to prevent a buildup of water around
the foundation. Also be sure to use rust resistant screws, since
it can make repairs easier in the future.
Related tags:Do it Yourself, |
