How to Install Gutters on a Wood Frame Roof

Measure the length of the roof edge for gutters with a tape measure, identifying downspout locations and drainage routes away from the foundation. Buy guttering to fit; try to buy sections long enough to cover a roof span or get appropriate connectors if more than one length will be required. Get all the hangers, end caps and downspout openings and any pieces needed to attach those.

Mark the gutter line, starting from the point farthest away from the downspout. Get on a ladder and measure down 1 inch on the wood fascia or facing board and mark a point. Move to the downspout location and mark a lower point, at least 1/4-inch down for every 10 feet of gutter. Snap a chalk line between those two points as a guide for the guttering. Get a helper or fasten one end of the chalk line to a nail in the fascia.

Install downspout outlets and end pieces with screws or according to directions with the guttering; specific installation methods will vary with the type of gutter and manufacturer. Align the tops with the chalk line. Mark rafter tails from the roof along the chalk line and install gutter hangers at every point. These typically are screwed into place with screws and a screw gun, but specifics vary with the type and style of gutter; some may use nails with a hammer.

Put the first piece of guttering into the short space between the downspout and the roof end. Cut it to fit if necessary with a hacksaw; some guttering may provide short sections to fit such spaces. Add other gutter runs between the downspout and the other end cap. Join sections if necessary according to manufacturer's directions; some PVC is secured with snap-on connectors; metal sections typically are overlapped and fastened with sheet metal screws.

Connect an elbow to the bottom of the downspout outlet to direct the downspout toward the house. Put a downspout pipe into that elbow and fasten it to the house wall with straps that overlap the spout and are nailed or screwed to the wall on each side. Put a second elbow at the bottom of the downspout, usually a foot or so above the ground, to turn water away from the house. Finish that with an extension tube if necessary to force water away from the house and into a drainage area.