Do it Yourself Rain Gutters

Over time, your home's rain gutters may have to be replaced because of damaged caused by termites, extreme weather or even a fallen tree branch. Making do-it-yourself gutters is a relatively easy project because the rain gutters can be replaced in sections. You need only to repair the part that has been damaged.

Removing the Old Gutters

Clean out any debris in the old rain gutters with a garden trowel. Place pieces of scrap 2-by-4 inch lumber into the gutter so it retains its shape while you are removing it. With a pry bar and a hammer, remove the spikes that hold the gutter in place, being careful not to damage the side of the house. Check the fascia boards that were under the old rain gutter. If you see signs of water damage or termite infestation, use your pry bar to remove the boards. Cut new boards to match the size and shape of the old fascia boards. These will be installed when you attach the new rain gutters to the house.

Choosing and Cutting the New Rain Gutters

Decide which type of rain gutter you will be installing. Vinyl gutters are the least expensive and easiest to cut yourself, but they will not last as long as a sturdier material. They do have an advantage over metal gutters because they are impervious to rust. Aluminum gutters are durable, but may rust and can be bent if hit by tree branches or other large items. Steel rain gutters are very durable, but cost more and are still susceptible to rust--unless they are made from stainless steel. Before throwing out your old rain gutter, measure it so you know how long the new gutter needs to be. If you are using vinyl or aluminum rain gutters, you can cut them yourself with a hacksaw. Steel gutters are usually ordered pre-cut and pre-drilled to your specifications. With an electric drill, make several 1/4-inch holes on the inside edge of the gutter, spaced two feet apart.

Installing the New Rain Gutters

Lay out your new rain gutters and connect any corners. Use silicone caulk to seal the corner joints, making sure the caulk is dry before you attach the gutter to the house. If you had to replace any fascia boards in the earlier step, attach them to the home with galvanized wood screws. Drive a gutter spike through each of the holes drilled into the inside edge. Run the gutters so there is a slight downward slope to them, leading into the downspout. You want the water to flow freely out of the gutter, instead of pooling up and overflowing.