A gutter system enables rainwater to flow off the roof and away from the house—without overflowing or backing up into the eaves. Professional installation and regular maintenance help keep a gutter system in good condition, protecting the home from water damage. During a gutter installation tampa, installers pay special attention to proper slope and downpipe locations, seams and joints are properly sealed to prevent leaks, and gutter guards may be added for protection against debris accumulation.
Whether you are replacing existing gutters or installing a new system, it is important to start with a clean slate and carefully plan the project. Sketching the project on a sheet of paper can help, especially if you are installing a new system that differs from your old one in terms of downpipe locations, downspout sizes and gutter materials. This step will also give you a sense of the overall work involved, making it easier to estimate the cost of your gutter installation project.
Before beginning the installation, it is a good idea to make sure that the fascia boards beneath are in good condition; some may need to be replaced. Gutter installation can be hard on these boards, and rotten or damaged fascia will likely contribute to gutter leaks later on.
Once you have a plan for the gutter system, mark the gutter run length on the fascia boards using a pencil and straight edge. This will be the length that the gutters will extend beyond the eaves and downspout outlets. Next, determine the desired downspout outlet location for each section of gutter. Use a level to check that the downspout is properly angled and, if necessary, make adjustments.
With the gutter run marked, cut each gutter section to length. This can be done with a hacksaw and tin snips or with a 12-inch power miter saw fitted with a metal blade. If the gutter continues around a corner, mark and cut the appropriate angle. When cutting gutter sections, always wear safety glasses and a face mask to protect against the sharp edges of the tin.
Once the gutter is cut to length, fasten each section to the fascia boards using a set of hidden hanger brackets (also known as a “drop end” or “end cap”), spaced every 2 to 3 ft. These are available in a variety of styles, including those with a hook to accommodate downspouts. They are typically screwed into the rafter tails using 1/4-inch stainless steel lag screws long enough to penetrate the fascia and rafters at least 2 inches. Tip: You can save time by pre-drilling holes for the screws or pop rivets, and then apply a waterproof caulk to the screw or rivet hole before driving in the screw or rivet.
Finally, install the downspout outlets. If the gutter has a downspout hole already drilled, you can skip this step. Otherwise, drill a hole into the gutter piece, then cut the opening to the required size with tin snips (choose green tin snips for cutting clockwise and red for counterclockwise cuts). Attach a downspout outlet to the hole with a pair of pliers and a rubber mallet, then attach the downspout outlet flange to the gutter section using a splicing fitting. Alternatively, you can overlap the front and back flanges of each section and fasten them together with gutter lap sealer or sheetmetal screws.