How To Install New Gutter

So you've decided your existing guttering and downspouts are past their best and need replacing. Don't worry, replacing them isn't as daunting as it first appears.

Following the steps below, it's definitely a job you can undertake without having to call the professionals!

Nowadays, the most common type of new gutters and drainspouts, for domestic use, are made of plastic. These have many advantages; they are lightweight, easy to cut, easy to fit and maintenance free.

It is important to have a sturdy ladder when working on the gutting. Ensure it is positioned on a level surface.

Removing the old gutters and downspouts

It is advisable to have someone help you with the removal. Especially if the old system is metal as this can be quite heavy. If needed, use a rope to lower the old guttering to the ground.

Purchasing the new gutters and downspouts

1. Make sure the new guttering is at least the same size as the old one. If it is too small, it will overflow in heavy rain.
2. Measure the overall length of gutter required and divide by the length of the gutter sections that you intend on purchasing, always round up so as you don't run short.
3. Do the same for the total length of the downspouts required.
4. Work out the number of fittings you will require; brackets, stop ends, joining pieces, outlets, pipe clips, stop end outlets and bends.

Preparing to fit the new gutters and downspouts

1. Take a section of guttering and mount it on a bracket.
2. Position it against one end of the fascia board as close to the roof tiles as possible.
3. Using a pencil or marker, mark the top of the bracket.
4. Using a nail, attach a piece of string, long enough to reach the opposite end of the fascia.
5. Move to the other end of the fascia and tighten the string, use a spirit level to ensure it is positioned horizontally. Secure the end of the string with a nail.
6. Repeat this process for all the fascias.
7. Using a plumb line, mark positions on the fascia which are vertically above the rainwater drainage points on the ground. These are the points at which the gutter will be lowest.
8. The gradient of the gutter will need to be at least 1:600 (i.e. for every 3m of guttering, a 5mm fall is needed).
9. If there is one outlet at the end of the fascia, calculate the fall needed for the length and adjust the string as required at the outlet end.
10. If there are outlets at each end of the facia, add an additional nail, to hold the string, in the middle of the facia. After calculating the necessary fall for each side, from the middle of the facia to the end; lower each end of the string accordingly.
11. If the outlet is part of the way along a fascia, lower the string at this point, calculating the fall using the longer length of facia, attach a nail to support the string.