How to Install Rain Gutters

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. GUTTERS

2. FASCIA GUTTER BRACKETS

3. DOWNSPOUTS

4. DOWNSPOUT OUTLETS
used to join gutter to downspout

5. DOWNSPOUT ELBOWS

6. DOWNSPOUT BRACKETS

7. SPHERICAL END CAPS

8. 1/4-INCH-DIAMETER STAINLESS STEEL LAG SCREWS
long enough to penetrate rafter tails 2 inches

9. 3-INCH-WIDE ALUMINUM STRIP
to form a strip-miter joint at gutter corners; available from gutter manufacturer

10. 3/8-INCH-LONG, SELF-TAPPING, HEX-HEAD STAINLESS SCREWS
if using drill/driver to join together gutter sections and end caps

11. 1/8-INCH-DIAMETER x 1/4-INCH-LONG ALUMINUM RIVETS
if using pop rivet gun to join together gutter sections and end caps

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Hacksaw,
  for cutting gutters and downspouts to length
- Drill/driver with nut driver,
  for driving self-tapping, hex-head stainless screws
- Pop-rivet gun,
  used instead of drill/driver and screws to join gutter sections and end caps
- Aviation snips,
  left- and right-handed versions used to cut gutters and trim aluminum strip miters
- Electric drill with 4-inch-diameter hole saw,
  for cutting holes in gutter for downspout outlet
- Chalk line,
  for snapping gutter layout lines on fascia
- 12-inch power miter saw with carbide-tipped finish blade,
  to cut gutters and downspouts to length
- Ratchet wrench with 7/16-inch socket,
  for attaching fascia brackets to house
- Assorted twist drill bits
- Needlenose pliers
- Tape measure
- Ladders with ladder brackets and aluminum scaffold plank,
  all can be rented
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Photo: Mary Beth Montgomery

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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- 9

1. Snap layout lines

Mark the highest point of the gutter run on the fascia 1 ¼ inches below the metal drip-edge flashing (on the extra-wide fascia shown here, the gutter is lower down).

At the other end of the fascia (or at the downspout location if there's one in the middle of the run), mark the low end of the gutter run, keeping in mind that the slope should be approximately ½ inch for every 10 feet of run.

Snap a chalk line between the two points (as shown).

Tip: Check the fascia for rot — and make repairs if necessary — before installing the gutters.