Snap layout lines photo by mary beth montgomery.
Best way to run gutters.
When installing gutters set the proper slope by driving a nail 1 2 in.
Pounding them back in is a temporary fix at best.
Gutters don t look very impressive but they re about as important as the roof over your head.
Also check and repair berms and ditches as necessary.
Here s how to choose the best gutters for your home.
Here are 10 things to take into account when trying to improve your water drainage and runoff.
Where you place the gutter system matters too.
If the gutter run measures longer than 40 feet 12 2 m it should be positioned to pitch down from the middle aimed toward a downspout at each end.
The one drawback is price.
For every 10 feet of gutter from this measurement and mark this distance at the low end of the gutter run.
If using a splash block at end of downspout be sure the splash block and ground upon which it rests slope away from the house.
In this case moderation is best.
These gutters will run two to four times as much as gutters manufactured from lesser materials so be prepared to shell out a few more peanuts if you go this route.
There are many things you can do to improve the effectiveness of your gutters.
Rain gutters should be attached to the fascia and run the entire length of the roof ending with a downspout.
You know the gutters go on the roof but do you know exactly where.
One way to make sure your gutter doesn t fall off the house is to install fascia hanger brackets.
Attach elbow to bottom end of downspout and connect a downspout extension to carry rainwater away from the foundation.
Finally copper gutters are perhaps the most beautiful rain gutters on the market and like stainless steel are virtually indestructible.
How to install gutters.
How to install gutters in 8 steps 1.
Below the shingles on the high side of the gutter run.
Twice in the fall and before spring.
Clean gutters regularly to keep rainwater flowing freely.
Experts recommend that you allow for a inch slope towards the downspouts for every 10 feet of gutter.
Inspect clear out your gutters regularly.
Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the gutter.
Determine what works best for your house before ordering gutters and attachments.
The most important thing to remember is that the gutters should never be level.
Mark the highest point of the gutter run on the fascia 1 inches below the metal drip edge flashing on the extra wide fascia shown here the gutter is lower down.
Years ago spikes and ferrules were a common method for hanging gutters.
Measure and record the distance from the bottom of the fascia board to this nail.
Most basement water problems are really gutter and downspout problems.
But don t overlook performance and quality.