Plastic Guttering

Replacing Damaged Gutters With Plastic Guttering And Downpipes

Fall is the ideal time to inspect your gutters, ensuring they will be ready to handle the winter and spring time water run offs. When old metal guttering is rusted, worn and damaged it’s time to upgrade to plastic guttering and downpipes. These dependable materials are a wise investment in your home.

Replacing old and damaged guttering is possible to do on your own. With a partner to help you, a solid ladder and some rope to tie off, most of the time this DIY project can be handled in an afternoon. This low maintenance replacement is a wise investment in your home.

Essential Safety

Always practice proper safety techniques when working on a ladder. Since your guttering is usually quite high and runs a long stretch, you’ll need to be especially careful. Support the base of your ladder well with a heavy sand bag, have a partner spot you on the ground and use that rope to tie yourself and your ladder off to a secure section of the roof.

Plastic gutters are lighter than metal brands, but working with such long pieces still takes some physical labor. On a windy day, even plastic pieces can be caught by a gust and pull you off of the ladder. Be extra careful.

Measurements

It’s important to check your measurements when purchasing new guttering and downpipes. All corners and changes in elevation must be accounted for. The downpipes should be calculated, including the stretch to direct water away from your house.

Record the number of angles and elbows needed. There will typically be 45 and 90 degree turns, but your house may have other specifications. Most of the measuring can be done from the ground, but double check anything you have doubts about up close.

Components

Buy enough components to properly hang your all of your guttering as well as the downpipes. All fasteners, including the hardware, and any connection sleeves or extension pieces will need to be included on the material list. Make a master list and have the building supply store double check it for you.

Removal of Old Guttering

The damaged and worn pieces will need to be gently removed and discarded. You may be able to take them to a metal recycling facility, depending on what services are offered nearby. Collect all the pieces and dispose of them together, including fasteners and any broken segments.

Underneath the old guttering you may discover damaged, rotted or scraped fascia. You will need to replace or repaint any sections that will not hold the hardware for your plastic guttering solidly. Take the time to do this properly or your new guttering will fall off during the next rain or windstorm, causing much more damage and work for you.

Be careful when handling old gutters as they can be fairly heavy. Wear gloves for protection and remember to tie yourself and the ladder off for safety. Watch where you drop the pieces, being careful not to damage your home or landscape.

Benefits of Plastic Guttering

Your plastic guttering is maintenance free and never requires painting. The myriad of custom colors available are sure to include something that coordinates well with your home. Most quality systems are colorfast to resist fading and are made to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Plastic guttering and downpipes will also never rot, meaning you can do this job once and forget about it. They will still need regular cleaning in the spring and fall to remove leaf and debris buildup. But the actual strength and structure of this product can be counted on for generations.

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