Complete Gutter Installation Guide

So you’ve decided to try to tackle installing your own gutters?  No problem! Many people have installed their own gutters and even more have attempted and given up.  If you’re somewhat handy and have the patience to learn as you go gutter installation is an achievable task.

Planning and Layout

Before you go rushing to buy gutters or order from a seamless provider make a plan and material list.  Draw an overhead diagram of your home and decide the size gutter you need or want as well as downspouts. Refer to the

Gutter and Downspout Sizing Charts

***Hint, don’t forget outside and inside corners, rivets, downspouts, screws, and gutter weld type caulking.

Hardware, How am I going to attach the gutters

There are two primary option for attaching the gutters to your home. Your are either going to install by attaching to the fascia of home or hang from the roof in some fashion.

Spike and Ferrule		This was an old standby of the past.  A two piece system where a spike is driven through the ferrule(which is inside the gutter) and driven through the back of the fascia.  They are seldom used today but you can still acquire them for service issues.  Typically they were installed every 2-3ft.
Hidden Hanger		The most popular system to hang gutter on the market today.  The strong hidden hanger.  A bracket that hooks into the front lip of standard K Style and half round gutters, then set on the rear of the gutter.  A screw goes through the rear of the gutter and into the fascia behind.  We recommend at installing these AT LEAST every two feet.
Roof Straps		The most common method for installing gutters with no fascia or slanted fascia is using some version of roof straps.  Your local supply warehouse should have matching straps for nearly any style of gutter your have.  They wrap around the gutter or inside with a bracket and then nail or screw down into the roof either under shingles or on top with butyl.
Rod and Nut		A rod and nut hardware system is typically used to hang half round gutters off a roof but is also seen in larger commercial style gutter applications.  A bracket attaches to the front and rear of gutter and then a rod is screwed to that.  Using a bending machine the rod in bent to the pitch of roof then screwed into the roof.  Use butyl to waterproof the hole as you are screwing through.