How to Install an Eavestrough

A quality eavestrough system is important because it not only keeps water out of a basement, it also protects house foundations from damaging water that can turn to ice and bow a foundation. Luckily, aluminum and vinyl eavestroughs are easy enough for any do-it-yourselfer to install.

Step 1 – Planning

It is important to decide where the water within the eavestroughs is going to go before hanging them. Ideally, the eavestroughs will be mounted so that water flows towards a side of the house where a downspout can safely channel it away from the foundation. Measure the length of the roof edges where the eavestroughs will be. Eavestroughs usually come in 10 foot lengths so, take the measurement of the roof edges and divide it by 10 to find out how many troughs will be needed. Add an additional 10 percent to this number in case some lengths need to be cut. Also, note how many elbows, drop outlets (the brackets that lead to the downspout), etc., may be needed to complete the project. Remember, mounting brackets need to be installed about every two feet or so to support the eavestrough.

Step 2 – Mark the Slope of the Eavestroughs

Starting on the end opposite of where the downspout will be, make a mark ½ inch below the edge of the roof. Next, calculate the slope the eavestrough will need. An eavestrough should slope 1/16 inch for every foot it runs linearly. So, if the distance to the downspout is 10 feet, the eavestrough should be 5/8 inch lower on the downspout side than the side where it began. Since the eavestrough is going to be mounted at ½ inch below the roof’s edge. If the trough must span 10 feet, the downspout side should be mounted at 1 1/8 inch lower than the roof edge. Once the slope has been calculated, make a mark for the final height on the downspout side and use a chalk line to mark a straight line across the distance.

Step 3 – Secure Mounting Brackets and Fittings

Using a drill with a screwdriver bit and rust resistant screws, fasten the mounting brackets approximately every 2 feet along the sloping line left by the chalk line. Install the any elbows and downspout brackets in the same manner.

Step 4 – Mount the Eavestroughs

Once the mounting brackets are in place, begin a fastening the eavestroughs to them. If the troughs need to be cut to fit properly into the drop outlets or elbows, use a hacksaw. In the places where the eavestroughs meet, join the pieces with silicone caulk to keep water from leaking through the seams.

Step 5 – Install the Downspout

Once the rest of the eavestrough system has been installed, join the downspout to the drop outlet bracket with a bead of silicone caulk. At the bottom, of the downspout, connect an elbow to channel the water away from the house foundation. A tube of flexible plastic pipe can be attached to the elbow to guarantee that the water is led far from the house before is vented onto the ground.