How To Replace Your Gutters: A Step By Step Guide

Tips for Safe and Efficient DIY Gutter Removal and Installation

When your gutters let you down and allow rain to pool around your house, it may be time to consider replacing them. But what’s the best way to do that? We’ll walk you through the basics of removing gutters and installing replacements, as well as the tools and equipment you’ll need.

How Often Gutters Need to Be Replaced

Most gutter systems last from 20 to 50 years depending on materials used and upkeep. Signs you need new gutters include: 

• Flaking paint. 
• Noticeable leaks.
• Rust or discoloration. 
• Sags or detachment from hangers.
• Regular clogs from leaves and other debris.

Pro-Tip: It’s best to look for these signs following a rainy day, when your gutters have been put to the test.

Do it Yourself or Call for Help?

Roof gutter replacement is an intensive process, especially for those not trained in gutter installation. There are several risks involved with DIY gutter tear down and installation, including potential damage to your home’s exterior, as well as safety risks for the people performing the labor. If you choose to hire a contractor, it could still be beneficial to take your own measurements in case your roof needs additional work in the future.

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Begin the Roof Gutter Replacement Process

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If you have a gutter system that’s past its prime, you’ll need to take some precautionary steps before installing the new one. Follow the tips below to avoid damaging your roof or siding in the process.

Part 1: Removing Old Gutters From the House

It’s important to tackle this project one stage at a time. From safe ladder usage to disposal of old gutters, we’ll walk you through each step of the process.

Gather the Right Tools to Tear Down Old Gutters

To kick off your gutter replacement project, you’ll need to gather the right tools and start tearing down the old gutter system. The following equipment will come in handy for removing gutters from your roof.

Tools to Remove Gutters
Tools	Safety Equipment
Hammer Pry Bar Power Screwdriver Caulking Material Tool Belt	Work Gloves Ladder Partner Hard hat Goggles

Step 1: Work From the Ground Up

Once your work gloves are on, start working from the bottom.

1. Remove the heavier downspouts connected to the gutters first. This way, the gutters themselves won’t be anchored to the ground when you work at greater heights
2. Most downspouts can be unscrewed from the gutters and the drain system, but you may need the pry bar to remove them entirely.

Step 2: Detach Gutters From Their Hangers

Now that you’ve removed the downspouts, it’s time to get on the ladder. Before you start, make sure to have a spotter to hold the ladder steady. Then, remove each gutter piece-by-piece from their hanging brackets. Depending on how your gutters were initially installed, you may need to pry out nails or rivets in the process. Use the tarp to keep nails, screws, rivets, gutter sections and other debris from littering your yard.

If holes are made in your siding or wooden roof fixtures during the process, fill them in with caulk and make a note to repaint them later if needed.

Pro-Tip: Keep a tube of caulk in your tool belt so you can quickly fill holes or nicks while you’re on the ladder.

Step 3: Continue Working Around the House

Repeat the process and work your way around the perimeter of your home, removing each section of brackets, hangers and gutters as you go. Take your time and make sure to move your tarp along with the ladder as you reposition.

Step 4: Dispose of the Debris

Whether you’re catching your old gutters and assorted debris in a tarp, wheelbarrow or other container, a roll off dumpster is generally the easiest way to get rid of it all. Keep in mind that this type of solid waste isn’t collected curbside in most cities.

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Part 2: Installing Your New Gutter System

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Now that your old gutters are torn down, it’s time to move on to the new system that’ll keep your home dry for years to come. It’s best to tackle this step soon after removing the old gutters, especially if rain is expected. A home without a functioning gutter system can be susceptible to waterlogging and foundation damage.

Step 1: Take Careful Measurements and Estimates

Once you’ve made preparations to replace your gutters, start by taking precise measurements of your roof area to determine what size gutters you’ll need. Plan out where your downspouts will need to go – find areas that allow for the downspouts to divert rainwater directly into a drainage system or storm sewer.

Gutters most commonly come in 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch varieties and can be made from a wide range of materials, including aluminum, copper and vinyl, but aluminum is the most popular.

To know which type of gutters are best for you, take into account the average amount of rainfall your home receives per year and the overall size of your roof. You could contact the zoning authorities in your area for more information on typical rainfall in your area.

Step 2: Gather Materials to Hang Your New Gutters

Next, gather the necessary equipment and materials to install the new gutters. Luckily, most home improvement stores carry everything you need, including the following:

Tools Needed for Gutter Installation
Tools	Safety Equipment
Gutters Hanging brackets Nails Hammer Downspouts Corner joints End caps Pipe cutter Miter saw (optional) Level Flashing shingles Tool Belt Gutter sealant	Work Gloves Ladder Partner Hard hat Goggles

Step 3: Assemble Your New Gutters Before Installation

Assembling your gutter sections before installation will save you from having to connect them while you’re working on the ladder.

1. Cut your gutter peices with your pipe cutter or miter saw according to your measurements.
2. Connect gutter sections with rivets and use caulking to smooth out the seams. 
3. Attach your gutter sections to the joints and end caps with gutter sealant. 
4. Use your pipe cutters or pliers to cut out holes for the downspouts.

Step 4: Install Your Preassembled Sections

Now that your gutter sections are assembled, you can start installing them by attaching your hangers or brackets to the wood below your roof and securing the gutters to the brackets. Make sure your downspout locations are set ahead of time so you can line up your pre-cut gutter sections with where the downspouts will need to be installed.

Step 5: Set a ¼-inch Slope While Hanging Gutters

When you start anchoring in the hangers and attaching the gutter sections, use your level to set a downward slope of about a quarter of an inch, with the slope leading toward the downspouts. This will make the middle of the gutter into a highpoint, which keeps rainwater moving toward the downspouts and prevents standing water in the gutters.

Step 6: Add Flashing for Extra Protection

Flashing and gutter guards are additional components that act as shields to keep leaves and other debris out. These pieces of gutter material are usually installed under your shingles and above the gutters, forming a protective barrier between the gutter and the fascia board behind it.

 

Worry Less Next Time it Rains

Now that you know how to replace gutters on your house, you’re ready to make a significant investment in the long-term health of your home. While you’re at it, it may be worth it to look into other roofing projects that improve the overall quality of your house.

Read our roofing basics guide for tips and helpful information to help you get started.