Replacing Rain Gutters
Over time, rain gutters in your home may have to be replaced due to damage caused by termites, extreme weather conditions or even a fallen tree branch. Making do-it-yourself gutters is a relatively easy project because rain gutters can be replaced in parts. It is only necessary to repair the part that has been damaged.
Taking down the gutter that needs replacing
Clean any debris in the old rain gutters with a garden palette. Place scrap pieces of 2 by 4 inches of wood in the gutter so it retains its shape while you remove it. With a lever and a hammer, remove the spikes that hold the gutter in place, making sure to not damage the side of the house. Check the eaves boards that were under the old rain gutter. If you see signs of water damage or termite infestation, use the lever bar to remove the boards. Cut new boards to match the size and shape of the old eaves boards. These will be installed when attaching the new rain channels to the house.
Choosing your new rain gutters
Decide what type of rain channel you will install. Vinyl gutters are the least expensive and easiest to cut yourself, but they will not last as long as a more resistant material. They have an advantage over metal gutters, as they are impervious to rust. Aluminum gutters are durable, but can rust and can bend if they are hit by tree branches or other large objects. Steel gutters are very durable, but they cost more and are still susceptible to rust – unless they are made of stainless steel. Before you get rid of your old rain gutter, measure it so you know how long the new gutter needs to be. If you are using vinyl or aluminum rain gutters, you can cut them yourself with a hacksaw.
Installation of the new rain gutters
Put your new gutters up and connect the corners. Use silicone putty to seal the corner joints, making sure the putty dries before fixing the spout to the house. If you had to replace the eaves boards in the previous step, attach them to the house with galvanized wood screws. Drive a channel peak through each of the holes drilled in the inner edge. Run the channels so there is a slight slope down, which connects with the down spout. You want the water to flow freely out of the gutter, instead of pooling and overflowing.
