Rain gutters are an essential part of any home's exterior, but they can be prone to clogging and damage if not properly installed or maintained.
A key component of a well-designed gutter system is the angled fascia, which helps direct water away from the foundation of your home.
The angled fascia is typically installed at a 45-degree angle, which allows water to flow freely and reduces the risk of clogging.
This angle also helps to prevent water from seeping behind the gutter and causing damage to the surrounding structure.
Prepare
Preparing your angled fascia for gutter installation is a crucial step that can make all the difference in the long run. A clean and smooth surface is essential for the gutter mounting brackets to attach securely.
Start by cleaning the fascia surface, removing any dirt, debris, or old paint. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any loose particles.
Inspect the fascia for any signs of damage or rot, and replace any damaged sections before proceeding with the installation. This will help ensure the longevity and performance of your gutters.
A layer of primer should be applied to the fascia to create a better adhesive surface for the gutter mounting brackets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific primer you're using and allow it to dry fully.
If necessary, paint the fascia to match the exterior of your home, using a high-quality exterior paint that is resistant to moisture and UV rays. Apply the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.
Taking the time to properly prepare your angled fascia will provide a solid foundation for the gutter installation and ensure a secure and long-lasting fit.
How to Install
To install gutters on angled fascia, it's essential to check your fascia for signs of rot first. If your fascia shows damage, you'll need to repair it before proceeding.
You'll need to use a flexible gutter material that can easily conform to the slope of the fascia. This is especially important for angled fascia, where standard gutter materials may not be suitable.
For another approach, see: How to Know If Gutters Need Cleaning?
Mark the locations where the gutter mounting brackets will be installed, using a pencil or marker to make small marks along the fascia. Evenly space them according to the manufacturer's guidelines, taking into account any downspout locations or corners.
For angled fascia, you may need to use adjustable brackets to accommodate the slope. These brackets allow you to adjust the gutter's angle and maintain proper drainage.
Install the gutter mounting brackets by aligning them with the marks and using a power drill to screw them into place. Ensure that the brackets are level, as this will impact the proper drainage of the gutters.
Use longer screws to secure the gutter brackets to the fascia, ensuring a secure installation. This is especially important for angled fascia, where the gutters may be subject to more stress.
Attach the gutters themselves by positioning the first gutter section at one end of the fascia, aligning it with the first bracket. Gently slide the gutter into the bracket, making sure it is securely seated.
Secure the gutters to the brackets using gutter screws, following the manufacturer's instructions. Continue attaching the rest of the gutter sections, overlapping them slightly as you go along.
Connect the downspouts by measuring and cutting the downspout sections to the desired length. Use a hacksaw or tin snips to make clean and precise cuts, ensuring a snug fit between the downspout and the gutter outlet.
Secure the downspout to the brackets using screws, making sure it is firmly attached and properly aligned. Test the stability by gently tugging on the downspout to ensure it is securely fastened.
Roof Connection
A roof connection is how the roof meets the wall, and it's a crucial part of a rain gutter angled fascia system.
The roof connection is typically made at a 45-degree angle, which is the same angle used for the angled fascia board.
This angle helps water to flow smoothly into the gutter system, reducing the risk of water accumulation.
The fascia board is usually made of a durable material such as vinyl or aluminum, which can withstand various weather conditions.
Check this out: Rain Gutter Parts List
In a well-designed roof connection, the fascia board is sloped to allow water to run off, preventing it from seeping behind the gutter.
A gap of about 1/8 inch is left between the roof and the fascia board to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
This gap also helps to prevent water from seeping behind the gutter and into the wall.
Roof Straps and Wedges
Roof straps are a viable option when gutter wedges can't be used due to a stepped fascia board or excessive angle.
In such cases, roof straps must be attached to the roofing underlayment and painted to match the house's color to ensure a seamless look. Never nail them into a roof shingle, as this will create a leak.
The straps are used to provide additional support and stability to the gutter, especially on homes with complex roof designs.
What Are Wedges For?
Wedges are used to support and stabilize the back of the gutter, which is crucial to hanging gutters on an angled fascia. This is especially true for homeowners living in newer homes with angled fascia.
Gutter wedges, also known as gutter shims, are designed to help professionals install gutters on an angled fascia. Installing gutters on an angled fascia can be tricky, but the right type of wedge can make all the difference.
Some common types of gutter wedges include 5” and 6” wedges, 3-12 to 4-12 pitch wedges, and 20-45-degree sloping wedges. These different types of wedges are designed to accommodate various angles and pitches.
Using the wrong type of wedge can cause water damage, premature replacement, and a system that doesn’t perform correctly. This can lead to costly repairs and even impact insurance claims.
Here are some common types of gutter wedges:
Roof Straps
Roof straps are a crucial component for certain gutter installations. They're used when a home has a stepped fascia board or an angle that's too much for a gutter wedge.
In these cases, roof straps must be attached to the roofing underlayment. This is essential to avoid creating a leak.
Roof straps should be painted to match the house's color, ensuring a seamless look.
Sources
- How to place a gutter on a sloping roof edge (autodesk.com)
- Installing Hanging Gutters on Angled Fascia (guttrdone.com)
- Gutter Positioning – Angled Fascia, & Slates (finehomebuilding.com)
- http://www.bergerbros.com/products_halfround.html (bergerbros.com)
- Share on Pinterest (pinterest.com)
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