Plastic gutters have many advantages over aluminum and wood gutter systems. One of the many benefits is how easily average homeowners can install the plastic guttering themselves. Plastic guttering also offers the advantage of easy maintenance when compared to aluminum or wood gutters. Plastic gutters do not rust or require oiling and painting.
Step One
Measure the eaves of your home where you need to install the plastic guttering. You should install gutters on all sections of the roof eaves where water drips during and after rains and snows. Measure these sides and record the length of each side individually. Use a compass to record the angle measurements where the gutter pieces must wrap around or into corners. Be sure to take all these measurement with you to purchase the plastic guttering as it comes pre-cut in the lengths you need when you present your measurements.
Step Two
Couple together two sides with an adjacent outward corner; the corner is where you will locate the downspouts of the gutter system. If you do not need to install gutters along two connecting sides, then do not worry about coupling sides to a corner. Either way, start at the ends where the downspouts will not be located and measure down ¼-inch from the tops of the eaves and mark with a chalk line.
Step Three
Install the brackets in which you will hang the plastic guttering. Work from the outer end of the eave toward where the downspouts will sit. Install the first bracket to sit against the top of the eave, so the drain off from the roof falls straight into the gutters. For every 10 feet of gutter, drop the brackets down ¼-inch to create a slope so the gutters drain properly. To install the brackets, drive 1½-inch screws straight into the ends of the eaves and set brackets approximately 4 feet apart.
Step Four
Set the gutter pieces into the brackets. Use the connection pieces to connect the lengths of plastic guttering. Connect corner and angle pieces with the connector pieces as well. Leave outer corner pieces off until you cut out the holes for the downspouts.
Step Five
Cut holes for the downspouts. Set the gutter sleeves into the center of the outer corner pieces and trace the sleeves so you know where to make your cuts. Drill holes in the corners of the tracing, then use a jig saw to cut out the piece. Slide the sleeves in from the top and set the corner pieces into place with the rest of the gutters.
Step Six
Install the downspout pieces of the guttering by connecting each piece of the downspout. Slide tapered ends of the downspout pieces into wider ends until you attach the final, angled piece.