New gutters will improve the appearance of your home and prevent water damage. As a handy individual, you have the option of taking care of these gutter repairs yourself. To ensure good results, you’ll need to know how to seam gutters together. This process varies a little depending on whether you’re using aluminum or vinyl gutters.
How to Seam Aluminum Gutters Together
- Measure roof edges along the fascia to determine gutter length.
- On a straight roof edge, measure from the outer shingle edges on each side and then add 1/2 inch on each side.
- When you measure from an outside roof edge to inside corner, subtract 5 inches to make room for the inside box miter.
- Add an extra 3 to 4 inches after roof measurements to each gutter piece to allow for overlapping edges when joining the pieces.
- Use a hacksaw or tin snips to cut the pieces.
- Plan to have the factory-cut edges on the outer edges for the smoothest appearance.
- On the ground, assemble the gutter pieces and overlap the sections by 3 to 4 inches.
- Make sure that the top edge of each overlapping piece is pointed in the direction of the water flow.
- Spread gutter sealant on the overlapping areas.
- Connect the overlapping areas along the sides of the gutters with pop rivets or sheet metal screws. Don’t drill holes in the bottom of the gutter.
- Attach the gutter to the fascia with a slope that directs water toward where you plan to have the downspout.
How to Seam Vinyl Gutters Together
- Measure and cut gutter pieces as you would for aluminum gutters except that you don’t need the extra 3 to 4 inches of overlap for each piece.
- Hang the gutter sections along the fascia with their ends touching together.
- Clean seam edges and interior of gutter joiner pieces with rubbing alcohol.
- Spread plastic cement on the edges of the gutter sections and the inside of the gutter joiner pieces.
- Snap the joiners firmly into place.