cancel

Find Qualified
Local Contractors

Select Service:
Enter Zip:

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.
Email Page   Print Page

Before Installing a Gutter, Make Sure You Have All the Right Parts

comments
  • Currently2.93/5 Stars
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
out of 671 votes

« Previous
Next »

Guttering

 

  • Aluminum is the most popular type of guttering and used on most homes today.
  • Galvanized guttering is sturdy, but is unpainted and requires some type of finish. This type must also be cleaned regularly if it is to last.
  • Vinyl guttering is easy to install and is manufactured specifically with the do-it-yourselfer in mind.
  • Plastic guttering is the least expensive option but not very durable.
  • Prolonged cold and hot weather can cause plastic guttering to be damaged.
  • K-style is the most popular, while a half-round style is also available.
  • Popular sizes of gutters are 4”, 5” and 6”. Larger sizes may be available.
  • Available in a variety of colors.
  • Uses a variety of fittings and connectors.
  • Continuous guttering is popular and avoids joints in the gutter, but is usually installed by a professional.

    •  


    Downspout

     

  • Attaches to the gutter to carry water down the side of the house.
  • Rainfall capacity of a guttering system is largely dependent on the size and number of downspouts rather than strictly gutter size.
  • Downspouts are usually rectangular in shape and come in 10’ lengths.
  • Popular sizes of downspouts are 2”x3”, 3”x4” and 4”x5”.

    •  


    Elbow

     

  • Diverts the direction of the downspout by 45 degrees.
  • A square elbow is available in two different styles.
  • A square shoe style elbow is used at the bottom of the downspout to help divert water away from the house.

    •  


    Mitre

     

  • Changes the direction of a run of gutter.
  • An outside mitre is used for an inside turn of a gutter.
  • An inside mitre is used for an outside turn of a gutter.

    •  


    End Cap

     

  • Used to stop a run of gutter

    •  


    Spike & Ferrule

     

  • Used to hold a gutter to the eave of the roof.
  • The spike is inserted through the ferrule.
  • The ferrule helps hold the width of the gutter constant throughout the run.

    •  


    Strap

     

  • Used to attach the gutter downspout to the side of the house

    •  


    Gutter Leaf Guard

     

  • Placed over the top of the gutter.
  • Used to keep leaves out of the gutter while letting rainwater in.
  • A variety of styles are available from different manufacturers.

    •  



    Splash Block

     

  • Diverts water away from the foundation of the house.
  • Only works if the grade of soil is already pitched away from the house's foundation.

    •  

    COurtesy of NRHA.org
    leave a comment
    « Previous
    Next »

    member comments

    or Register to leave a comment

    articles we like

    A Drabby Deck Goes Fab!

    I love to decorate outdoor spaces and find that it’s much less intimidating than... read more

    Choosing and Planting Your Woody Landscape Plants

    Helpful tips to that will help you plan and plant the woody areas around your... read more

    Wood Works for Kitchen Cabinets

    Wood Works for Kitchen CabinetsWhen it comes to creating a kitchen cabinetry look that is all your own, few... read more

    top searches of the day

    popcorn ceilingkitchen backsplashlevel a concrete floorcrown moldingwood floor installation groove first or tongue firstpergola220 volt wiringretaining wallwallpaper removal techniquespressure wash a deckbasement bathroomsinstalling cabinet crown moldingbackyard patiolaminate flooringhow to build a breakfast barfill for concrete stepsframeless bathroom mirrorhow to install ceiling fan with remotehow to repair vinyl sidingblack painted furniture

    sponsored articles of the day

    diy centers

    Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics
    Loan Center Decorating Center Insurance Center
    Kitchen Center Recipe Center Interactive DIY Workshop