Need to know about gutters?

Question

We just bought a home and it needs gutters (there aren't any). we have gotten pricing to have it done but it is outrageous. I need to know what all we need besides the gutters, down spouts & nails. And how hard is it to do it ourselves? I'v been to Lowe's and know they have what I need but want to know more info.

Sorry we are in Ohio

Answer 1

Are you sure it needs gutters? Some are designed so that the water flows over the edge of the roof and drips uniformly to the ground (except over doorways where it is diverted to drip to the sides of the doorway). If the house is not new ask the previous owners why there are no gutters - their explanation may convince you to skip that expense.

If you are going to put gutters up yourself (with another family member or friend to help) the first question is how comfortable will you be on a ladder at roof height? If you are OK with that then you need to get a couple of ladders of the required height including any offset brackets to keep you far enough from the wall that you can reach the roof edge even if there is an overhang. Climb up to roof edge height and see if that is something you can deal with.

Next look at a book at Lowe's about gutters or at a website that explains how to set them at the right pitch and how to fasten their hangers to the fascia of the house. Beyond that information it is just a matter of attaching them while up at that height (you did not say if it was a one story ranch or a three story Victorian).

If you are in a very wintery climate you will need to deal with the issue of ice dams and possibly a heat tracing tape to keep the gutters and downspouts from freezing into one heavy tube of ice that will tend to rip down from the house or backup under the shingles and leak inside the attic down through the walls.

Answer 2

Ok. Gutter can be simple or hard depending on how much you know.

First of all how high is the edge of the roof and are you afraid of heights?

Second will you have help because gutter is at least a two man job.

If you are ok with the first to ideas then here is how you install gutter. The method of fastening the gutter to the building varies but either nails (spikes) or clips work best.

Make sure you do not put a seam over where people walk or stand. Seal all seams with a long lasting elastic caulk. Make sure the caulking you use stays soft when it dries. Apply caulking on seams, end caps and down spouts so water can drain. Install the gutter on a slight pitch to the down spouts. Lap the seams in the gutter to go "with" the water flow. Plan down spouts for water collection. If there is metal edging on your roof make sure you slide the gutter under this flashing.

Answer 3

I have had good success with a plastic type of gutter that is relatively easy to install. The most difficult part of the installation was getting up on the ladder to reach the side of the house. Check at your lowes or other hardware store to see if they have a plastic gutter that has supports that allow you to put the gutter by snapping it into place with small plastic hooks. This is easier that attaching metal. In addition, this plastic gutter does not fit up against the wood facia on the house, and thus does not promote rotting of the wood. This rotting of wood facia is the biggest problem with guttering....(next to keeping them clean.

I also found the plastic guttering to be cheaper than galvanized metal. The one downside to this type of gutter is that it only comes in two colors...brown and and white.)

Answer 4

Hi, here is a link to all your solutions http://www.asggutter.com/, you will get a better idea about different type of gutters and there prices

Answer 5

If you search on line for the brand available over there you may be able to get similar instructions to what I have included.
Our rules will no doubt be different to yours about drainage, but this will guide you through the process

Answer 6

You don't want rain water pouring directly to the ground near your house.

DIY is out of the equation here unless you're willing to learn how to do it yourself. Plus you need to have the right tools do the profiling. It's costly for a reason!

Answer 7

if you live in los angeles or southern california area then email me, i can have one of my friend to take care of your gutter need and other information you may have.

Answer 8

go to lowes and they will get you thru this with low cost