How to Install an Aluminum Downspout

Aluminum downspouts are popular nowadays as they stay almost maintenance-free for a long time. Downspouts are very important as they drain away from the rainwater and melted ice from the gutter, aiming them away from your home. Special care should be taken to see that the gutter-slope is sufficient and that there are enough downspouts, otherwise, the gutter can overflow causing damage to the surrounding areas. Take measurements for the downspout and the number of elbows needed for installation, taking into consideration all the twists and turns that the downspout is likely to take.

Step 1 – Starting the Downspout

Mark the place where the downspout should be fitted in the gutter. Cut a square hole in that place, making a template out of the sleeve used for attaching the downspout. Punch holes in each corner of the square and then cut away the piece, using a jigsaw or snips. File away any rough edges.

Step 2 – Fitting the Connector

Place silicone sealant around the lip of the downspout connector. Place the connector in the square space that was cut away from the gutter, and press it down to seal. For a more secure grip, drill in using screws.

Step 3 – Attaching the Elbow

Attach an elbow to the connector with the crimped end, pointing toward the house. Secure the elbow to the connector with self-tapping screws.

Step 4 – Directing the Downspout Close to the Walls

Place another elbow at the next point where you need it and measure the distance between both the elbows, adding a few more inches to the length of the pipe. Use a hacksaw to cut the downspout to the desired length. The downspout pipes are tapered at one end, so whenever you cut them, cut from the non-tapered end. After cutting, fit the downspout pieces, between the elbows, and screw them. The downspout should get near the walls of the house. Give a slope to this piece of downspout, so that the water will flow through it easily. Join and secure the next elbow to direct the main downspout close to the walls.

Step 5 – Using Wooden Spacers

If required, use wooden spacers, cut from two-by-four pieces of lumber and attach aluminum mounting straps on them and secure them with screws to the wall through the wood. Install the fitted downspout in its place and fold both ends of the mounting straps over it. Secure the straps to the downspout using screws.

Step 6 – Main Downspout

Measure out the main downspout, so that it spans the length of the house. Remove 6 inches from it. Attach it to the elbow fitted above.

Step 7 – Securing the Downspout

Secure the downspout to the walls, with the straps, using appropriate screws at a distance of every 10 feet.

Step 8 – Splash Block

At the end of the main downspout, attach the last elbow to help divert the water away from the house. Place a splash block under the elbow so that the rainwater splashes on it and disperses and does not make a hole on the ground.