How to Install Rain Gutters

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Rain gutters and downspouts are designed to divert and carry rainwater away from the foundation of your house, which helps maintain the integrity of its construction. They prevent soil erosion, damage to siding, and basement leaks. With a bit of effort and the right tools, you can install your gutters without hiring a contractor.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Measuring the Roof and Purchasing Materials

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  1. Rain gutters should be attached to the fascia and run the entire length of the roof, ending with a downspout. Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the gutter. If the gutter run measures longer than 40 feet (12.2 m), it should be positioned to pitch down from the middle, aimed toward a downspout at each end. If the gutter is shorter than this length, it will slope down to the left or right toward a single gutter. [1]
    • Whether you obtain your measurements from a ladder or the top of the roof, exercise caution: do not lean without support, place a ladder on uneven ground, or wear shoes without adequate traction.
  2. Head to a home improvement store for gutter material, fascia brackets, and downspout(s). A fascia bracket must be attached to every other rafter tail, which is approximately every 32 inches (81.3 cm). For example, if the roof length is 35 feet (10.7 m), dividing by 32 inches (81.3 cm) nets 13.12, meaning you need to purchase 13 fascia brackets and at least 35 feet (10.7 m) of gutter. [2]
    • Buy 1 downspout for gutters less than 40 feet (12.2 m) and 2 for anything longer. Avoid regions with hose bibs, sidewalks, and electric meters.
    • Gutters come anywhere between 4–6 in (10–15 cm) wide. Make sure you use the correct gutter based on your roof size and how often it rains in your area. If you don’t know which gutter size works best for you, look up a gutter size calculator online.
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  3. The eaves flashing are the sheet metal pieces at the edge of the roof that protect the exterior of the building. Be sure to mark the starting point 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) below the flashing on the fascia —the straight, long board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. [3]
    • If your roof is longer than 40 feet (12.2 m), mark the chalk line in the center of the fascia. Since the gutter extends downward from the center to the left and right, this marks the start.
    • If your roof is shorter than 40 feet (12.2 m), mark the starting point at the left or right of the roof.
  4. Locate the chalk line that marks the highest point of the gutter run. From here, mark a line in chalk on the fascia every 10 feet (3.0 m), moving down 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) for every point. [4]
    • For example, if your gutter is 30 feet (9.1 m) long, it's going to run from one end of the roof to the other. This means you will mark 3 chalk lines along the fascia, with the final one marking the end-point of the gutter run. The first line will be 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) down from the highest point, the second 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) down, and the end-point 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) down.
    • Install gutters 1– 1 1 ⁄ 2  in (2.5–3.8 cm) past the end point so they catch water from overhanging shingles.
  5. Locate the endpoints and hold a nail over each. Firmly hit the top of the nails with a hammer to drive them into each point. Hook one side of the chalk line to the nail at the start of the gutter run. Drag the string to the end point and hook it over the nail. [5]
    • After attaching the chalk line, pull straight up from the middle and let the string snap.
    • Use blue and white chalk lines—red can bleed through the paint onto your fascia
  6. Rafter tails are usually spaced apart 16 inches (41 cm) on center and can be located by their nail heads. Place a clear chalk mark at each point using a piece of chalk. [6]
    • Use a different color than the chalk line to help you distinguish them.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Attaching the Downspout Outlet and Caps

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  1. Measure from the corner of your home to the center of the downspout location. Now, transfer this measurement to the gutter and mark the center of the outlet on the bottom side of the gutter using a marker. Use a chisel and hammer to create a V-shaped start hole. Angle the chisel 45-degrees from the gutter and firmly hit the end with a hammer. [7]
    • Place the gutter face down on 2 scraps of wood for support while you chisel the starter hole.
    • Use a gutter piece with a pre-installed outlet to skip this step.
  2. Choose green snips if you're cutting clockwise and red tin snips if you're cutting counterclockwise. Be sure to cut 1 ⁄ 16 inch (0.16 cm) outside of the outlet line.
    • You can cut clockwise or counterclockwise—whichever you are most comfortable with.
  3. Place the outlet into the hole. Use an electric drill to create 2 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) holes for the rivets. Now, remove the outlet and apply a bead of silicone gutter sealant around the perimeter of the opening. Immediately insert the outlet into the opening and fasten the rivets through the holes. [8]
    • Use rivets with a 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) diameter.
  4. Hold the cap in place and insert a single sheet-metal screw into its hole. While this temporarily holds the cap in place, drill another 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) diameter hole and attach a pop rivet into it. Now, remove the temporary screw and attach a rivet into the same location. [9]
    • After connecting the cap with rivets, apply a bead of silicone glue along the seam to waterproof it. Use a putty knife to smooth the silicone and press it into the joint.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Mounting the Gutters

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  1. Mark the point to be cut on the gutters with an erasable marker. Hold the handle with your dominant hand and keep your index finger parallel to the top, pointing toward the cutting direction for support. Use the other hand to hold the frame at the top by the wingnut. Move the saw back and forth, using your dominant hand to move forward and backward and your non-dominant hand to apply downward pressure. [10]
    • Always cut your gutter on a flat surface.
    • Use heavy-duty wire snips for smaller cuts.
    • For gutters that run around corners, cut the appropriate angle—usually 45 degrees—at the applicable end.
  2. Drill a 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) pilot hole through the fascia and into the rafter tails at each chalk mark. Afterward, attach the fascia brackets to using 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) stainless steel lag screws at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) long.
    • Apply soap to the lag screws to make it easier for them to penetrate the fascia.
    • Review the manufacturer's recommendations for your type of gutter.
    • Many gutter hangers come with long screws to go through your gutters and into the wood. To screw through the metal, turn them slowly at first so they can catch.
  3. Lay your gutter into the fascia brackets that you attached to the rafter tails. Rotate your gutter upward (pushing it away from you) until the edge closest to the fascia fastens into the hook on the back of the bracket. [11]
    • If you're having trouble mounting the gutters, remove them and then place them on again, making sure that the edge closest to the fascia is underneath the fascia bracket hook before you rotate it.
  4. Use an electric drill to create a 3 ⁄ 16 inch (0.48 cm) diameter hole into the front side of the gutter. Afterward, insert a 1 inch (2.5 cm) #8-32 stainless steel machine screw through the hole and cap it with a flanged nut to secure the gutter to the bracket. [12]
    • Spray paint your brackets and gutters to contrast or match the house color.
  5. Use an electric drill to drive 1 −1 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) stainless steel hex head sheet metal screws through the back side of the gutter into the fascia. Be sure to do this once along every 2 foot (0.61 m) length along the gutter. [13]
  6. Screw the downspout into the gutter outlet that extends downward from the gutter. Be sure that the tapered end of the downspout is facing the appropriate direction for drainage. Afterward, apply a heavy bead of sealant to the connection seams between the downspout and its connector and let them sit overnight to dry. [17]
    • Avoid aiming the tapered end toward regions with hose bibs, sidewalks, and electric meters.
    • Join a 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) PVC pipe to your downspout to divert rainwater into the ground if you want to get it further away from your home.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I use to seal the gap between the gutter and the fascia board?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Many people use bath and kitchen silicone, but that is not correct. They are for interior use. Use 100% silicone. It is suitable for exterior use.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Why do you have to seal the gap?
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.
    Ryaan Tuttle
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It is necessary to seal the gap between the gutter and the fascia board. It ensures that when water flows onto the fascia from the roof, it enters the rain gutter.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
  • Question
    Can I install gutters by myself?
    Barry Zakar
    Handyman
    Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University.
    Barry Zakar
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    Gutter sections are quite long, so it's best if you have someone there to help you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • Gutters
      • Screwdriver/drill
      • Lag screws
      • Hacksaw
      • Downspouts
      • Fascia brackets
      • Silicone sealant
      • Tin snips
      • Short screws
      • Downspout connectors
      • Chalk line
      • Rain guards
      • End caps
      • Measuring tape

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/gutter-sizes-guide/
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/gutter-sizes-guide/
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/21016457/how-to-install-rain-gutters
      4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/21016457/how-to-install-rain-gutters
      5. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/how-to-install-or-replace-gutters/
      6. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/how-to-install-or-replace-gutters/
      7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-gutters/
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-gutters/
      9. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/21016457/how-to-install-rain-gutters
      1. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/how-to-install-or-replace-gutters/
      2. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-gutters/
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/21016457/how-to-install-rain-gutters
      4. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-gutters/
      5. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.
      6. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.
      7. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/21016457/how-to-install-rain-gutters
      9. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.
      10. ↑ Barry Zakar. Handyman. Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To install rain gutters, first you'll need to measure the length of the roof you're working with and then purchase that many feet of gutter material from a home improvement store. You'll also need enough fascia brackets, which hold up the gutter, to place one every 32 inches along the roof. Once you have all of your supplies, start by attaching the downspout outlet and caps to the roof. Then, cut the gutters to size and attach the fascia brackets to the rafter tails. Finally, mount the gutters to the brackets and attach them to the downspout. To learn how to install the brackets, gutters, and downspout, keep reading!

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