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How to Hang Gutters

Hanging new gutters involves a good amount of precision. When planning your gutter installation or replacement project, take note if you have any roof edges longer than 40 feet. Those sections will require gutters that angle down in two directions from the middle toward two separate downspouts. As you prepare to follow the direction on how to hang gutters, have a work table ready. You’ll want the flat surface when cutting the gutters.

Steps for How to Hang Gutters

  1. Measure the length of all roof edges to find out how much gutter to buy.
    1. Choose a gutter width appropriate for your roof’s pitch and local rainfall. Typically between 4”-6”.
  2. At the gutter’s starting point on the fascia, make a mark 1-1/4 inches below the eave.
  3. Move along the eave and make a new mark every 10 feet 1/4 inch lower than the previous one.
  4. Once you reach the end, drive a nail into that spot.
  5. Go back to your first mark on the other end and drive another nail.
  6. Connect the chalk line between these two nails and snap it to mark the angle of gutter alignment.
  7. Working along the fascia, mark the end of each rafter tail at 16-inch intervals.
  8. Measure from the corner of the roof edge to where the center of the downspout will be positioned.
  9. Use the measurement to mark the center of the downspout outlet position on the end of a gutter.
  10. With the gutter over scrap wood, start a V-shaped starter hole with a chisel and hammer.
  11. Complete hole by cutting with tin snips.
  12. Insert the downspout outlet and drill holes for rivets.
  13. Take the piece out and place a bead of silicone sealant around hole.
  14. Put the outlet back in and connect with rivets.
  15. Attach the end cap with sealant and one sheet metal screw.
  16. Drill a hole to insert a pop rivet that will permanently hold the end cap.
  17. Apply more waterproofing sealant along end cap edges.
  18. Cut gutter to final size with hacksaw and tin snips.
  19. Drill pilot holes into rafter tails for fascia brackets and attach with steel lag screws.
    1. Make sure that brackets are positioned along angled gutter line.
  20. Hook gutter section into back of fascia brackets.
  21. Complete attachment to fascia brackets with machine screws.
  22. Drill hex head sheet metal screws through back of gutter into fascia.
  23. Connect downspouts.

Tools & Materials

  • Ladder
  • Measuring tape
  • Chalk line
  • Erasable marker
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Tin snips
  • Caulking gun
  • Pop rivet gun
  • Power drill
  • Hacksaw

Fast Results From PJ Fitzpatrick

When learning how to hang gutters, getting the angle of gutters right is very important. An inadequate angle of drainage will leave stagnant water in your gutters or allow them to overflow potentially causing water damage to your home. If you would prefer professional gutter installation, ask our specialists for an installation estimate.

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