How To Fit Guttering
Posted on 05 July, 2021
How To Fit Guttering
Knowing how to fit and replace guttering is a useful skill. With the right care and maintenance, your guttering should last for years, so let’s take a look at how to fit guttering on your home.
Tools You Need:
- Guttering
- Downpipe
- Screws
- Wall Plugs
- Lubricant
- Ladder
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
- Hacksaw
- Combi Drill
- Drill Bits
- Spirit Level
- String
- Plumb Bob and Line Set
Parts Required:
You will need a number of parts which make up the guttering and downpipe system. Listed below is each part that is required.
More details on each part can be found in our Guttering and Downpipe Guide.
Calculating Size Of Guttering Required
To determine the size of guttering required for your property, you can carry out the following formula as a guide.
(Roof Height ÷ 2 + Width) x Length = Roof Area
Once you have worked out the roof area, you can then use this to determine how much guttering is needed for the house. Ensure you always double check this with a professional or refer to the guidance in the Code of Practice For Drainage of Roofs and Paved Areas (BS6367: 1983)
Step One: Preparing your home
Scenario 1: If you are replacing old guttering, take this down from the house and measure the total length. This will give you the exact length of the new guttering you need to buy.
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How To Remove Old Guttering:
- To remove existing guttering from your home, start by adding nails to the fascia underneath at either end of the guttering to stop it from falling.
- Cut the bolts which are joining the parts then once they are loosened, hammer them out.
- Using a rope, tie around each end of the guttering and break the joint and unscrew the brackets.
- Slowly lower the guttering to the floor. Once this is done you can then remove the downpipe.
- You may also want to consider replacing the current fascia with new uPVC fascia boards and soffits. For this, the existing fascia will need to be removed along with the guttering.
Scenario 2: If there is no guttering on the home at present, measure the length of the fascia boards that you will be attaching the guttering brackets too. This is also a great time to check to see if your fascia boards need replacing or touching up.
The standard size for guttering is 112mm, however, if you live in an area where you receive more than average rainfall, you could look at getting slightly larger guttering to handle the extra water.
“Top Tip: Plastic and uPVC guttering will expand and contract depending on the weather, make a note of the depth marks on your gutter fixings as these allow for these movements.”
Step Two: How to fit guttering brackets
Start by fitting the guttering that has the section that attaches to the downpipe and has the downpipe outlet. This is the best place to start as it is the section that really cannot move too much as it must remain over the ground-level drain, the rest of the guttering can then be fitted to accommodate this.
Secure the first guttering bracket close to the top of the fascia board but no more than 50mm below the level of your roof tiles. If the guttering you are fitting has a separate outlet section, position this directly over the ground level drain using a plumb line. You can attach this to the fascia over the drain using two integrated fixing points or brackets.
Next, fit a bracket at the opposite end of the run. Make sure that this is higher up the fascia than the bracket at the other end of the run, where the outlet is. Doing this ensures that there is a fall over the length of the guttering going towards the downpipe. A great way to check this is to tie a piece of string to the lowest point of the bracket and stretch and tie it to the first bracket. You can then use a spirit level to check there is a fall in the right direction. If there isn’t one, you can move either bracket up or down, there should be a fall of around 10mm every 600mm.
Using the string as your guide, you can now fit guttering brackets all along the run. Ensure you stick to intervals of no more than 1000mm when you work out where the joints will occur you should also check that a bracket is no more than 150mm away.
Step Three: How to fit guttering
Now for the actual guttering. Start with the section with the outlet, fit a stop-end if required and clip the guttering into the first bracket. When the first section is clipped firmly into place, fit a joint between the two sections of gutter (union piece) and screw this into the fascia if you can.
Fit the second piece of guttering into the union piece and continue to clip it into the brackets, continue to repeat this process until you reach the end of the run. Once you have the last piece of guttering, trim it to fit and attach a stop-end. Do a final check to ensure all joints and brackets are secure.
Top Tip: Add a bead of silicone lubricant to stop-ends and union pieces before fixing them to the end of guttering. This will make fitting the sections easier and improve the overall performance of the gutter.
Step Four: How to test guttering
To check that guttering is positioned correctly, fill a large bottle with water and pour it onto the roof above the gutter, as the water runs across the gutter you can check for any leaks or excessive ponding.
If ponding occurs, you can adjust the guttering by simply raising brackets a few millimetres. If you have leaks, this may be due to sections of guttering not being pushed firmly into a union piece.
Aftercare:
Ensure you look after your newly fitted guttering. Taking care of your gutter system will help increase its longevity. Make sure you clear away any debris to prevent blockages from occurring and inspect the gutter parts if you experience any harsh or extreme weather.
Dirt can also accumulate on guttering, so you may need to clean it from time to time. This is more visible on white or light coloured guttering parts.
Related Articles:
At BC Profiles, we have all the tools you need to complete your roof ventilation or guttering projects. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch with a member of the team today. For more help and advice on DIY projects, check out our help and advice centre for easy to follow guides, hints and tips.