Gutters help shed rainwater and keep your foundation, landscaping, and other home components safe from damage and flooding. But while gutters seem like a simple home improvement project to tackle, there are many nuances and details involved in getting a quality system that will last for years. While it is possible to save some money by purchasing a cheaper gutter system, those systems tend to be made with lower-quality materials that can be damaged easier and will likely need replacement sooner than a high-quality gutter system.
When hiring a contractor to perform read on Gutter Installation, be sure to find out what their process will be. Some contractors will have an entire checklist that they follow from start to finish so that the job is done correctly, efficiently, and with zero to minimal mess or confusion. In addition, a reputable contractor will make sure that all the necessary materials and tools needed for the job are collected before beginning, and that they are of good quality to ensure that everything is installed properly.
Before beginning any work on the gutters, a professional will assess the area and check for proper slope, roofline, and downspout placement. This will help determine the best gutter location and style for your home. Having accurate measurements and locations to reference will help ensure that the new gutter system is fitted to the roofline and will allow water to flow correctly.
Once the contractor has determined what kind of gutter system is needed, they will gather the necessary tools and materials for the job, including the new gutters, downspouts, and brackets. The contractor will also inspect the existing gutters to make sure they are secure and free of clogs, corrosion, and other problems. If the gutters are corroded, a professional can replace the metal and/or paint to prevent further damage.
Next, they will remove any existing gutters and downspouts, if necessary, to prepare the area for new installation. This may include sanding and scraping the surface to remove any existing caulk and primer to ensure a clean, smooth, and long-lasting result. Then they will reinstall the downspouts and gutters, following the manufacturer’s directions to ensure they are firmly secured. Finally, they will hose down the gutters to test for leaks and to ensure that standing water is being drained away from the house.
If the gutters are leaking or have seams, they will be resealed with butyl-based gutter caulk to seal these weak points. This will protect the gutters and fascia boards from leakage and decay.
Once the gutters are installed, they will be reconnected to the downspouts using gutter hangers. These are usually a snap-on connector and are fastened with either gutter screws or rivets. To install the downspouts, locate the center of the downspout outlet (typically at the low end of the gutter run) and mark it on the fascia board. Next, mark the contact point on the gutter (as shown), and use a ladder to reach this spot. Then fasten the downspout to the gutter hangers with either screw or rivet, and the gutter to the downspout outlet with the same method.