Gutter Installation Cheat Sheet

Complete guide to gutter installation including parts, sizes, best practices, and step-by-step installation process for residential rainwater management systems.

Gutter Types & Materials

Gutter Profiles

K-Style

Most Common

Decorative profile resembles crown molding

Higher water capacity
Flat back attaches directly to fascia
Modern aesthetic

Half-Round

Traditional

Semicircular profile for classic homes

Historic look
Easier to clean
Less prone to debris accumulation

Material Options

Aluminum

$4-9 per linear foot

• Won't rust
• Lightweight
• Many colors
• 20-30 year lifespan

Vinyl

$3-5 per linear foot

• Most affordable
• Easy to install
• Won't corrode
• 10-20 year lifespan

Copper

$15-30 per linear foot

• Premium look
• Develops patina
• Very durable
• 50+ year lifespan

Steel

$8-12 per linear foot

• Galvanized option
• Very strong
• Heavy duty
• 20-30 year lifespan

Sizing Guide

Gutter Sizes

5-inch K-Style

Standard residential size

• Roof area up to 5,500 sq ft
• Most common choice
• Works with 2x3" downspouts

6-inch K-Style

High-volume applications

• Roof area up to 7,900 sq ft
• Heavy rainfall areas
• Works with 3x4" downspouts

7-inch K-Style

Commercial or large homes

• Very large roof areas
• Steep roof pitches
• Works with 3x4" or 4x5" downspouts

Downspout Sizing & Placement

Size Guidelines

2x3 inches

For 5-inch gutters, standard residential

3x4 inches

For 6-inch gutters, high-volume areas

Downspout Placement Rules

• 1 downspout per 30-40 feet of gutter
• Maximum run: 40 feet from high point to downspout
• Place at corners and low points for best drainage
• For runs over 40 feet, add downspout in middle or use larger size
• One downspout per 600-800 sq ft of roof area

Complete Parts List

Gutter Components

Gutter Sections
10 or 20-foot lengths, seamless or sectional
End Caps
Left and right, sealed ends
Inside/Outside Corners
90-degree miter or box corners
Drop Outlets
Connects gutter to downspout
Gutter Hangers/Brackets
Hidden hangers, spikes & ferrules, or brackets
Gutter Sealant
Waterproof sealant for joints

Downspout Components

Downspout Sections
10-foot sections, corrugated or smooth
Elbows (A & B)
A-elbow for side turns, B-elbow for front/back
Downspout Brackets/Straps
Secure downspout to wall, every 6-8 feet
Splash Blocks/Extensions
Direct water away from foundation
Downspout Screws/Rivets
Secure connections between sections
Gutter Guards (Optional)
Screen, mesh, or solid covers

Installation Requirements

Critical Specifications

Slope/Pitch

• 1/4 inch per 10 feet minimum slope
• Slope toward downspouts
• Too much slope looks bad
• Too little causes standing water
• Mark high and low points with chalk

Hanger Spacing

• Every 24-32 inches for most climates
• Every 18-24 inches in snow/ice areas
• Within 12 inches of seams and corners
• Hidden hangers recommended over spikes
• Secure into rafter tails, not just fascia

Position Guidelines

Gutter lip position: Should catch water from shingles (use straight edge from roof to check)
Below drip edge: Gutter front lip should be 1/2 inch below extended roof line
Fascia attachment: Hang from fascia board or rafter tails
Level check: Use string line or laser level for consistent slope

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Plan & Measure

•Measure total linear feet of gutter needed
•Count corners, end caps, and outlets needed
•Calculate downspout locations (every 30-40 feet)
•Determine proper size based on roof area and rainfall
•Check fascia board condition and repair if needed

Mark Slope Lines

•Find highest point (usually opposite downspout location)
•Measure down 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspout
•Mark low point at downspout location
•Snap chalk line between high and low points
•Repeat for each gutter run

Install Downspout Outlets

•Cut hole in gutter section for outlet (use outlet as template)
•Apply sealant around hole
•Insert outlet from inside and secure
•Position at low point of each run
•Ensure outlet is aligned properly for downspout

Attach Gutter Hangers

•Start at high point, install first hanger
•Follow chalk line for consistent slope
•Space hangers 24-32 inches apart (18-24 in snow country)
•Screw into rafter tails for strongest hold
•Place hangers within 12 inches of seams and corners

Hang Gutter Sections

•Snap gutter sections into hangers
•Start at outlet and work outward
•Ensure front lip catches roof drip edge
•Connect sections with slip joints
•Apply sealant to all joints and seams

Install Corners & End Caps

•Cut gutter sections to fit corners
•Apply heavy bead of sealant
•Secure corners with screws or rivets
•Attach end caps with sealant on all edges
•Add hanger within 12 inches of corners

Assemble Downspouts

•Measure from outlet to ground
•Cut downspout sections to length
•Connect outlet to downspout with elbows
•Secure sections with screws (3-4 per connection)
•Use 2 elbows to bring downspout to wall if needed

Secure Downspouts to Wall

•Install bracket/strap every 6-8 feet
•Screw brackets into wall studs or masonry anchors
•Keep downspout 1-2 inches from wall surface
•Ensure downspout is plumb (use level)
•Install bottom elbow to direct water away

Add Drainage Extensions

•Attach splash block or extension at bottom
•Direct water at least 6 feet from foundation
•Consider underground drainage for better solution
•Grade soil away from foundation if needed
•Add downspout strainer to prevent clogs

Final Inspection & Testing

•Check all joints for gaps, apply sealant as needed
•Verify hangers are tight and secure
•Run water through system with hose
•Check for leaks at all connections
•Verify water flows freely to downspouts
•Ensure proper drainage away from foundation
•Touch up paint if needed

Best Practices & Pro Tips

DO:

Use hidden hangers instead of spikes for better support
Apply sealant generously at all joints and seams
Secure hangers into rafter tails when possible
Test with water before finishing to check for leaks
Install gutter guards in heavily treed areas
Consider seamless gutters for runs over 40 feet
Use matching color fasteners and components
Direct downspouts at least 6 feet from foundation

DON'T:

Install gutters without proper slope (standing water will occur)
Space hangers too far apart (gutters will sag)
Forget sealant on joints (leaks will develop)
Attach to fascia only without hitting rafter (weak)
Make runs longer than 40 feet without downspout
Position gutters too high (won't catch water)
Use mismatched parts (different manufacturers)
Skip downspout strainers (debris will clog underground drains)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Improper Slope

Most common installation error

Even slight deviations from 1/4" per 10' causes standing water, mosquito breeding, ice formation, and premature gutter failure.

Insufficient Downspouts

Causes overflow during heavy rain

Long gutter runs need adequate downspouts. One downspout per 30-40 feet prevents overflow and ice dams.

Poor Hanger Spacing

Leads to sagging and separation

Hangers spaced too far apart allow gutters to sag under weight of water, snow, and ice, causing separation from fascia.

Inadequate Drainage

Defeats entire purpose of gutters

Downspouts ending too close to foundation cause water damage, basement flooding, and foundation issues. Extend 6+ feet away.

Maintenance & Care

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Spring & Fall (2x per year)

• Clean out all debris and leaves
• Flush gutters and downspouts with water
• Check for leaks at seams and joints
• Inspect hangers and tighten if loose
• Look for rust spots or holes

Annual Inspection

• Verify proper slope hasn't changed
• Check fascia board for rot or damage
• Ensure downspout extensions in place
• Look for signs of overflow (staining)
• Check ground near downspouts for erosion

When to Call a Professional

• Sagging gutters that can't be fixed by tightening
• Multiple leaks or separated seams throughout system
• Rust holes or significant corrosion
• Water damage to fascia board or soffit behind gutters
• Poor drainage causing foundation or basement issues
• Need to install seamless gutters (requires special equipment)
• Multi-story homes requiring significant ladder work

Tools & Materials Needed

Essential Tools

• Ladder (extension ladder for 2-story)
• Tape measure (25-foot minimum)
• Chalk line or laser level
• Tin snips or hack saw for cutting
• Drill with bits (for hangers)
• Screwdriver or rivet gun
• Caulk gun for sealant
• String line for slope
• Level (2-4 foot)
• Safety glasses and gloves

Materials Checklist

• Gutter sections (measure linear feet)
• Downspouts (measure height + 6 feet)
• Hangers/brackets (every 24-32 inches)
• End caps (count each end)
• Inside/outside corners (count each corner)
• Drop outlets (one per downspout)
• Downspout elbows (2-3 per downspout)
• Downspout brackets (every 6-8 feet)
• Gutter sealant (1 tube per 30 feet)
• Screws or rivets (for connections)
• Splash blocks or extensions