A step-by-step guide to installing DIY gutters with corrugated downspouts and decorative cast aluminum supports. A typical gutter installation involves joining two sections of gutter at a mid-high point. These halves form an inverted V. Each half ends in a downspout.
The maximum combined length for this type of installation is 40 feet (two 20-foot gutters). Installing gutters requires going up and down many stairs and using power tools. Climbing stairs can be very dangerous, especially if you're trying to carefully maneuver gutters and other materials. On average, most owners of average-sized homes can install their own gutters in a day or less if they have all necessary materials and equipment.
The size of the house and the number of rain gutters that need to be replaced will affect the total installation time. Installing rain gutters isn't as simple as it sounds, but it's helpful to become familiar with how the gutters are carefully installed to encourage water to flow away from the house. A well-installed rain gutter protects the house and its foundation from water that could seep through walls or build up on the floor and cause damage. Special care must be taken to ensure that the gutters are properly measured, tilted and installed to prevent future water damage.
A local gutter installation company will be familiar with the best gutter style for your home and weather conditions. Installing a gutter on your own may cost less than hiring a professional, but if the gutters are installed in the wrong position or are the wrong style for your home or region, the home could suffer structural damage over time. A professional will be able to properly evaluate the house to select the correct gutter style, inspect the house for water damage to the walls or foundations, and install the gutters in the correct position with the correct connections and seals to prevent leaks. Given the importance of gutters to a house, if necessary, gutters can and should be installed or replaced at any time of the year, almost any condition.
However, most homeowners can install or replace their own gutters (only if they are sectional, if it's a whole-house gutter installation, tall, professional ladders are needed to get the job done) without turning to professionals. The Home Depot has everything you need to install and repair your home's rain gutters and stormwater systems. Believe it or not, installing gutters requires a lot of training and experience to be properly installed. If the gutters are installed on wood that is already rotting inside, future repairs are likely to be more extensive and costly.
A professional will know how and what to inspect for water damage to the house, and not installing the right gutter on the correct slope can cause water to flow into the house and foundation rather than down the downspout.
