Introduction: How to Install Rain Gutters to Summer House

By Hansa Garden Ltd.
About: I am a carpenter with seven years experience in Carpentry and Joinery who is keen to find a position where my skills and professional knowledge can be increased.

Gutters are not very attractive but they are necessary in order for your summer house to have a proper drainage system for your roof.

There are many different types of gutter systems and they are made of a variety of materials such as aluminum, steel, vinyl, copper etc.

Tools:

  • Ladder
  • Levels
  • Hacksaw blade
  • Screws, Gutters
  • Hangers
  • Brackets
  • Connectors, Elbow
  • Downspouts
  • Chalk line
  • Tape measure
  • Drop outlets and Corners

Gutter System Layout: You will need to position the gutter so that the edge of the roof is almost over the middle of the gutter in order for it to catch the water coming off the roof.

In order for the water to flow downward into the downspout, you will have to slope the gutter very slightly from end to end.

When deciding on where you want your gutters to direct the water flow, you should consider a position where the downspout will empty onto a hard surface preferably somewhere where the area is already sloped to drain water away from the foundation.

To determine the amount of gutter pieces you will need for the job, you will have to measure the roof and compare the measurements with your layout. They must match exactly.

Step 1: Starting the Installation

Starting at the end of the gutter that is furthest away from the downspout, measure the distance as recommended by the gutter manufacturer and mark the spot.

Move to the other end close to where the downspout is positioned and measure down the same amount of distance as you just did on the other end and mark the spot.

When you are finished measuring the two spots should be level with each other. Now starting from the downspout end, measure down from your mark approximately one sixteenth of an inch for every foot of run and mark the spot.

Snap a chalk line between the two spots, the one at the end of the downspout and the single mark at the far end. This line will be the reference line that you will have to use for installing the gutter components.

Step 2:

Next start installing the components of the gutter system at the lower end of the run (corners and drop outlets), then install the mounting bracket and be sure and follow the manufacturer's directions for this installation.

Now snap on the individual sections of the gutter into the brackets and join the sections with the connectors. You will have to cut the sections to the required lengths as necessary in order to finish a run.

Step 3:

The final step is installing the elbows to the bottom of the drop outlet, you will have to measure, cut and install the sections of the downspout to the base of the drop outlet and fasten it to the side of the house.

Then you will have to install a final elbow and a short section of downspout to direct the water flow away from your foundation. That's it you are all done now all you have to do is test your gutter by using a hose to allow some water to flow through the gutter and if all is well it should flow out your downspout perfectly.