How to Install a Galvanized Steel Eve Trough

Installing a new galvanized steel eave system can add instant curb appeal to an older home. Putting a new drainage system up isn't a hard task, but there are several tips that keep it from becoming a logistical nightmare. To make the install as easy as possible, it should be done by a team of two people with two ladders, so the eaves can be assembled on ground level and lifted into place. It is much easier to do it this way, as opposed to trying to join eaves while balancing on a ladder or leaning over the edge of a roof.

Tape measure
2 ladders
Eave pieces
Slip joint connectors
Mitre pieces
Center drops
End caps
Silcone caulk
Caulk gun
Hidden hanger system
Drill with Philips head driver
Screws
Downspout pieces
Needle nose pliers
Pipe straps

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the exterior dimensions of your home and purchase the amount of galvanized steel eave necessary to complete the installation. Purchase enough downspout so there is one downspout drainage line for every 40 feet of eave.
- 2
  Connect the entire length of eave for one side of the house using slip joints. A slip joint allows the ends of the eave pieces to slip inside a sleeve to connect. Secure the pieces with silicone caulk.
- 3
  Climb the ladders while lifting the eave to its spot at the edge of the roof line. Secure one end of the eave directly to the fascia board with a screw.
- 4
  Install a hidden hanger every 24 inches. The hanger attaches to the fascia board and hooks to the front of the eave and holds it in place.
- 5
  Install mitre eave pieces at the corners of the roof to allow water to travel around the corner to a downspout. These are also attached with slip joints and caulk.
- 6
  Place center drops every 40 feet along the roof line. Usually, these are located near the corners of the home near a mitre. These are attached with slip joints. The center drop has a large hole in the bottom of it that attaches to the downspout.
- 7
  Attach the downspouts to each of the center drops. Crimp them in place with needle nose pliers and attach them to the siding of the home with pipe straps. These straps are often nailed in, but can be screwed in as well. If you are not using a straight drop, attach an elbow and cut a piece of downspout so it reaches the vertical drop point of the spout.

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