Install a PVC gutter

Gutters protect your home from heavy rain and snowfall by ensuring that rainwater is evacuated away from the foundations. Your home is therefore drier with fewer humidity problems, and the ground drains better. PVC guttering has the advantage of being durable, affordable and easy to install.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Duration: Week-end project

Material

Gutters, corners and downspouts Brackets, connectors and clips End caps Galvanized screws Sealant Downspout extension Gutter splash (Splash block)Gutter guard, Leaf guard, Gutter shield

Tools

Measuring tape Drill/Driver Level Chalk line Square Stepladder or ladder

Plan the installation of the gutters

1.1 - Useful tip: Download the PDF Planning Guide
1.2 - Measure the roof edges of your home.
1.3 - Transfer these measurements to your scale drawing.
1.4 - Indicate the highest point for each side of the house.
1.4.1. - More than 40': place the highest point for the gutters in the center, sloping down to both extremities.

1.4.2. - Less than 40': evacuate rain water on the same side of the house.
1.5 - Identify the length of each gutter section on your drawing.
1.6 - Calculate the number of gutter sections you need by dividing the length to be covered by 10. Gutter sections and downspouts are sold in 10' lengths.
1.7 - Indicate the locations for the downspouts, typically from the lowest points of the roof. Note these lengths. Downspouts should be located at 40' intervals.
1.8 - Mark the locations for the gutter hangers, at intervals between 16" and 24". In areas exposed to frost and snowfall, space the hangers at 16". Multiply the number of gutter sections by 8 to calculate the number of hangers you will need.
1.9 - List all components on the table.

Mark the gutter’s location

2.1 - Note your measurements and calculations on the fascia board.
2.2 - Mark locations for the downspouts.
2.3 - Drive a nail 1/2" under the edge of the roof to mark the highest point of the gutter (A).
2.4 - Calculate the slope with a 1/2" inclination per 10' of guttering.
2.5 - Drive a nail into the spot marking the lowest point of the guttering (B) and location of the downspouts.
2.6 - Connect points A and B using a chalk line, marking out the location for the guttering to be installed.
2.7 - Mark the locations for the gutter hangers on the line. Start 12" from the corners of the roof, and then space the hangers at 16" intervals.
2.8 - Screw in the brackets and downspouts on the markings.

Assemble gutter sections

3.1 - Lay the guttering on the ground according to your plan, one section at a time, but don’t connect them.
3.2 - Insert a joint connector between gutter sections if necessary or cut gutters to the required length. Lightly sand section ends before applying PVC cement.
3.3 - Join components one section at a time: gutters, connectors, end caps and corners.
3.4 - Slide the back of the gutter under the mounting brackets and slot the front into the gutter clip.
3.5 - Insert the assembled gutter sections into the downspouts. Do not glue the downspouts.
3.6 - Repeat for all sections and glue corners as the installation progresses.

Assemble the downspouts

4.1 - Insert an elbow under the downspout. Do not glue.
4.2 - Place a second elbow against the wall.
4.3 - Measure the distance between the 2 elbows and add 2" for inserting sections.
4.4 - Cut the downspout.
4.5 - Assemble the down pipe section between the 2 elbows.
4.6 - Use a downspout clip to screw the elbow to the wall.
4.7 - Determine the length of the downspout from the top of the coupling sleeve of the elbow on the wall to 6" above the ground.
4.8 - Cut pipes if necessary or assemble together with a connector.
4.9 - Slot the downspout assembly into the elbow attached to the wall. Secure to the wall by screwing in clips every 3'.
4.10 - Install a gutter swing outlet at the bottom of the downspout to evacuate water away from the foundation.
4.11 - Install a strainer on each downspout diverter to prevent leaves from entering and blocking the pipe.

Install a PVC gutter

Plan the installation of the gutters

Mark the gutter’s location

Assemble gutter sections

Assemble the downspouts

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Install a PVC gutter

Plan the installation of the gutters

Mark the gutter’s location

Assemble gutter sections

Assemble the downspouts

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