How to Replace Gutters With Roof Trim

Place a step ladder under the elbow connection between the downspouts and the gutter. Remove the sheet metal screws securing the downspout elbow to the gutter, using a Phillips screwdriver. Repeat for all downspout elbow connections.

Remove the screws securing the downspout straps to the side of the wall with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the downspouts away from the wall and remove all straps from the wall. Repeat for each downspout.

Check the screws or nails that secure the gutter to the fascia board. The fascia board is the board that attaches to the end of the rafter tails and provides a mounting surface for the gutters. Some gutters nail into the fascia board while others use screws.

Remove the fasteners securing the gutters, using a Phillips screwdriver if your gutter uses screws. If you have nails securing the gutter, pry the gutter near the nails with a small flat pry bar. Remove all gutters from each side of the building.

Measure the length of the roof eave with a tape measure. Add 12 inches to the measurement. This is the length of drip edge necessary for the roof eave. Most often, it is necessary to use a couple of pieces of drip edge to equal your overall length. The additional 12 inches is for overlapping pieces and having some of the drip edge extend past the building. Cut drip edge to size with a pair of tin snips.

Insert the drip edge under the first row of shingles with the short angle pointing up and the drip edge extending past the end of the roof by 3 inches. Space the drip edge so that the end of the shingles is about 1 inch from the angle of the drip edge.

Lift up the ends of the shingles and drive roofing nails through the drip edge and into the roof with a hammer. Drive nails every 12 inches down the length of the drip edge.

Place the second piece of drip edge onto the roof, if necessary. Allow one end to extend past the end of the roof by 3 inches with the other end overlapping the first piece of drip edge. Nail the second piece of drip edge to the roof just as you did the first.

Apply silicone caulk to the seam between the two pieces of drip edge with a caulk gun, if you require two pieces to cover a length of roof. Add a dab of caulk over each roofing nail securing the drip edge, as well, to prevent leaks during hard rains.