How to Fit Guttering

Installing guttering is an essential task to ensure your home efficiently channels rainwater away, protecting it from water damage. Whether replacing old guttering or starting from scratch, fitting guttering can be straightforward with the right tools and techniques. This guide will walk you through how to fit guttering effectively.

Click here, call 0113 279 5854 or email info@rainguard.co.uk to contact us about our range of guttering supplies, and ask how we can help with your guttering needs.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following:

• PVC guttering
• Gutter brackets and fascia brackets
• Downpipe pipe clip and downpipe pipe socket
• Offset bends (standard or adjustable offset bends)
• Union bracket, gutter outlet, and running outlet
• Combi drill, appropriate wall plugs, and screws
• Spirit level, plumb bob, and string line
• Silicone spray
• Hacksaw
• Brick line
• Water butt (optional)

Installing guttering becomes extremely difficult without the correct tools and equipment. Once you have everything, you can start to fit the gutter.

Step 1: Planning the Gutter Run

1. Measure carefully the length of your roof where the guttering will be installed.
2. Use a string line and ensure it runs slightly downhill to allow water flow. A slight fall of 1 cm per 3 m is recommended. By making sure the string runs slightly downhill, you can identify where the rest of the brackets should go.

Step 2: Installing the Fascia Brackets

1. Attach the first fascia bracket near the highest point of the gutter run.
2. Use a spirit level to check the angle of the slope before attaching the remaining joint brackets.
3. Mark and drill pilot holes in the fascia board, using the drill bit size recommended for your screws. Make sure the screw holes for the guttering are accurate. If not, adjust the screw locations on the fascia board to not face major issues later on during the gutter installation.
4. Secure the brackets with screws and appropriate wall plugs. Keep hold of the remaining brackets for future use.

Step 3: Installing the Gutter Outlet

1. Mark the location of the gutter outlet that will connect to the downpipe.
2. Ensure it is positioned directly above the drain outlet or water butt.
3. Secure the outlet with screws using the fixing holes provided.

Step 4: Attaching the Gutter Sections

1. Begin attaching gutter sections to the gutter outlet, ensuring a watertight seal using gutter seals.
2. Use union brackets to join sections, ensuring the joints line up properly. Is it important to make sure each union bracket sits beneath the previous piece of guttering?
3. Secure with support brackets spaced evenly, typically every 1 m, using pilot holes and screws.
4. Measure out the final piece needed for the opposite end of the guttering. Use a hacksaw to cut the guttering to size and attach it to the final pipe clip.

Step 5: Adding the Downpipe

1. Attach the downpipe pipe socket to the bottom of the gutter outlet.
2. Use a string that hangs directly from the roof level to mark where the downpipe will go.
3. Using a straight edge, join the marks to create a vertical line that shows where the centre of the downpipe will be.
4. Use offset bends to align the downpipe with the wall.
5. Secure the downpipe using a downpipe clip centrally positioned over the drain. This is done by starting at the top of the wall and positioning a downpipe pipe clip centrally over the pencil line.
6. If you need, add an additional length of downpipe, or more downpipe clips for further stability.
7. To allow for expansion, leave a 10mm gap between the end of the pipe and the bottom of the pipe socket. Then attach a pipe clip over the joint.
8. Fit a downpipe shoe to direct the flow into the drain (if required). Attach a downpipe clip directly below the socket of the shoe.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Before you test the system, check the system’s alignment with a spirit level and make any adjustments. Ensure the insertion depth of each section is correct to avoid leaks. Use silicone spray to ease the fitting of tight joints or back clip attachments.

Step 7: Test the System

To test the system, pour water into the gutter run to check for proper flow and ensure all connections are secure. While the water runs through the guttering, inspect for leaks, especially at the union brackets, gutter outlet, and pipe socket.

Maintenance Tips

For the guttering to work effectively, it is important to provide the necessary repairs and maintenance regularly. You can do this by:

• Cleaning the guttering regularly to prevent blockages.
• Inspecting for wear, such as cracks in plastic guttering or loosened brackets.
• Replacing damaged sections or old guttering as needed.

Common Issues and Solutions

When installing guttering, some common issues can arise. Knowing how to solve these issues will prove to be pivotal when you fit guttering. These issues are:

• Water pooling: Adjust the slope by repositioning the lowest bracket. A slight adjustment of gutter brackets will allow for the guttering to drain effectively.
• Leaking joints: Ensure gutter seals are properly seated.
• Downpipe misalignment: Check the vertical line with a plumb bob and adjust.
• Choosing the correct guttering material: depending on the project, you may opt for cast iron, aluminium, copper, or GPR guttering.

By following these steps, you can confidently complete a gutter installation project, whether for a house, shed wall, or other structure. Remember, proper installation and maintenance ensure your guttering system protects your home for years to come. But the first step is to learn how to fit guttering thanks to this guide.

For further details or advice, call Yeoman Rainguard on 0113 279 5854, a trusted UK manufacturer and supplier of guttering.