Installing Rain Gutters - How to Install Rain Gutters

A rain gutter, also known as eaves channel, is a narrow channel attached to the roof to collect the rainwater and divert it to the ground. Rain gutters and rain chains help to channelize water away from the base of the building and thus protect the walls and foundation of the structure. As the water doesn't flow down the wall, problems such as water seepage and dampness are also avoided. We often see that continuous pouring of water streams from the roof leads to soil erosion. Rain gutter diverts these water streams to the ground via a downspout, and therefore helps to prevent erosion.

Installing Rain Gutters
To do this task successfully, you need to calculate the overhang slope with a line level. Ensure that the degree of slope of the rain gutter is between 1/4 to 1/2 inch per 10 feet. Non-uniformity in the slope will hamper the water drainage, especially during heavy downpours. You can make use of a chalk to mark the degree of slope along the fascia board. Rain gutters are made from various materials including galvanized steel, copper, PVC and aluminum.

Assembling the Rain Gutter
Before you move the gutter on the top, assemble it on the ground itself. Install the end caps, splice gutter pieces and make sure that you get the exact length required for the roof of your house. Measure the sections of gutter and cut them to the desirable size. If using aluminum, you can use tin snips and chalk for cutting. Working on a ladder for installing rain gutter can be a bit risky. Assembling it on the ground minimizes the risk and helps you to identify the problems and amend them easily, without taking the risk of working on a ladder. Use a drilling machine to drill through overlapping seams and connect two pieces using aluminum pop rivets. With a ready-to-use caulk tube, waterproof the joints and seams with silicon caulk. Use an edging tool to smoothen the edges of the gutter.

Gutter Clamps
Use non-corrosive screws to secure the gutter clamps, meant to hold the gutter, into the fascia board. Using non-corrosive screws will ensure that they won't rust, and thus the rain gutter will stay intact for a longer time. Spacing between the gutter clamps should be done based on instructions given by the rain gutter manufacturer. An ideal spacing distance is 24 inches apart from each other and 6 inches within the edge. Take the assembled gutter to the roof and set them into the gutter clamps. Use gutter clips to secure the gutter to the clamps; while doing this make sure that you don't put pressure on the sealed joints and seams.

Downspout
A downspout is the pipe attached to the rain gutter which carries the rainwater from the roof down to the ground. In order to add downspout to the rain gutter, cut a hole in the gutter where you want to connect it. Attach the spout to the gutter and waterproof the adjoining area with silicon. You can use mounting straps to attach the downspout to the outer wall of your house.

A rain gutter is an important component of the house. Knowing how to install rain gutter is beneficial as it can save your house from various damages. Especially in areas with frequent heavy downpours, installing rain gutters is an essential requirement for the safety of your beautiful home.