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10 Gutter Installation Tips from the Pro’s

Are your gutter jobs taking you too long and leaving your customers with only so-so results?  If so, it may be time to brush-up on your skills.  Knowing the tricks of the trade will not only help you cut cost through less waste and time on the job but also leave your clients with a better product in the end.  Read on to learn more about how to work smart when out in the field.

Here are 10 tips for professional Gutter Installation:

  1. Use a Material List – Begin by compiling everything you will need to complete the job.  This not only ensures your truck is loaded properly but also can help you plan the cuts that will make the best use of your material eliminating waste.  Taking time in the beginning to plan helps you work smarter in the end.
  2. Join Sections on the Ground – It is much easier to join your gutter ends from the ground than high up in the air.  Assemble your system from below and then adjust as needed when on the ladder.
  3. Good Snippers are your Best Friend – A good pair of snippers is helpful for almost any task at hand.  Invest in a quality pair to work quickly and cleanly.
  4. Cut Out the Downspout Outlet – To make your work look neater, cut the downspout outlet
    /outlet-punches

    out of the gutter rather than using a small section with an outlet already installed.  This practice eliminates two seams leaving a much more finished look.

  5. Remember the ¼” for every 10 ft. Rule for Slope – Sloping is one of the essential ways that water is eliminated from the system so you want to make sure you get it right.  Each gutter should be sloped toward the downspout at an angle of 1/4-in. for every 10 feet of system.
  6. Apply Sealant Properly – When applying sealant always apply a liberal amount on the inside of the gutters.  Gutters must be dry so make sure to wipe any condensation off the parts when working in the morning or after a rainfall.
  7. Good Crimpers make Downspout Installation Easy – Downspout crimpers make it easy to prepare the downspouts for installation.  Good quality crimpers will make a factory precision crimp each and every time.

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  8. Use Screws to Install Downspouts – When installing downspouts use screws rather than standard rivets.  The screws make it easier to remove the downspouts when cleaning out debris or clogs.  A 1/4-in. hex screw is a good one to try.  Just make sure it is pre-painted to match the rest of the system or it will stick out like a sore thumb.
  9. Always Have the Crimp Face Down – When installing elbows and downspouts always have the crimped ends facing down.  This is key to preventing leaks at the joints and ensuring a functional system.
  10. Clean Up after Yourself – Every good professional knows how important it is to leave the customer’s property as clean as it was when you arrived.  Make sure to take with you your leftover materials and supplies leaving them with not only a soundly-installed system but also a great impression of your company. 
When purchasing materials for your next job, visit GutterSupply.com for all the top-quality supplies and tools you need.  Not only do we offer a huge variety of gutters in every material imaginable, we also carry the best tools in the industry. For professional gutter products at the best prices, contact our expert staff at 1-888-909-RAIN (7246).

Author: Mike Milliman

Mike is managing partner at Gutter Supply Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise and vast knowledge of the industry, along with his priority on customer service, has contributed to the continued success of Gutter Supply, it’s contractor customers and homeowner DIY’s.

8 thoughts on “10 Gutter Installation Tips from the Pro’s”

  1. Really nice works. We doing like same work. Our company name is Mr Gutter. Mr Gutter is a full gutter service company. We giving various services like Seamless gutters, gutter guards, gutter repairs, underground drains, copper gutters, fiberglass Radius Gutters, rotten facia boards, gutter cleaning. We also offer online services such as scheduling appointments online and getting quotes online as well. You can always contact on Mr Gutter for all your gutter system needs. We giving Special Offers. Visit our site to know more details http://www.mrgutterusa.com

  2. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude!
    Many thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS.
    I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  3. Thanks for sharing some tips on how to install a gutter! I like how you mentioned that gutters would be easier to be built on the ground and just adjusted once raised to its proper place. That seems to require quite a bit of effort to be done since I would have to raise the whole gutter once built on the ground. I’ll probably just have a service install the gutter for me to keep me safe and free from labor. Honestly, I don’t think I have the talent to be handy in any way.

  4. I liked that you had mentioned that when it comes to getting your gutter installed that it can be important to make sure the sealant is applied properly to avoid possible leaking. My wife and I have been wanting to replace our current gutter because it has holes and isn’t doing a great job. We’ll have to start looking further into a gutter replacement, and we’ll be making sure that the sealant is installed properly.

  5. You make an interesting suggestion to use screws as opposed to standard rivets when installing downspouts. The gutters on my parents’s house are pretty old and worn out, and my dad really wants to get them replaced for that reason. Unfortunately, he’s not super handy and probably doesn’t even know the difference between screws and standard rivets. I think it would be easiest if they called in a professional to get the job done.

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