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Strothers & Sons Roofing Company

What Is the Process of Gutter Installation?

Lancaster gutter contractorsInstalling new gutters on the home offers many benefits. Sometimes, gutter installation is an afterthought and it may not be part of the home when it was first built. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about a new installation or a replacement of the existing gutters, there are certain things that must take place to ensure that everything is done properly. The following are some of the factors that must be kept in mind if you want a gutter system that will work well for your home.

First of all, gutter installation is not always something that can be done by the homeowner. It may seem like a small project but you may end up spending the weekend or two installing the gutters, even if you only have a small home. That isn’t even to mention the fact that the quality may be somewhat limited if you are using DIY gutters. That is why it is so important to contact a professional contractor and have them do the installation for you. They will offer you the options that make the job just right for your property. They will also save you time, money and frustration, which are benefits we could all use.

If you do decide to tackle the project, it is important to first plan things out carefully. Evaluating the project is not something that should be underestimated. For example, you would want to carefully inspect the soffit and fascia for any signs of damage. If there is damage, don’t simply install the gutter over top of it. Make sure that any damaged areas are repaired or replaced so that you have a solid backing for the gutter system. You should also draw up a plan that includes the entire project.

After purchasing the materials, you will need to measure carefully and begin cutting the gutter. You will need to use tin snips for this purpose. Be cautious about sharp edges and make sure you’re wearing gloves. After having everything cut to length, take the time to preassembled the entire gutter prior to the time that you do the installation. It will save you a lot of time and frustration in the process.

Hang the gutter in sections and make sure that you mark things carefully so you have the proper slope. If the gutter system is not sloped properly it will end up causing additional problems. Make sure that you don’t have too much slope. Approximately 1/4 inch every 10 feet is all that is needed.

Once the gutter system is in place, you can begin adding the downspouts and the outlets. The cuts for the downspouts should have been factored in prior to the time the gutter was installed. You can then go about finishing with hangers and flashers.

Be cautious about any hidden problems and dangers that may exist. This can include anything from working on a ladder to cutting yourself with sharp edges. You may also need to buy a crimper tool to eliminate a lot of the frustrations associated with the installation project.

If you want to completely eliminate the frustrations with a gutter installation, give us a call. We have been helping people in the Lancaster area for more than three decades with gutter installation, roof repair and replacement and many other jobs that are sometimes necessary for the homeowner.