A drainpipe connecting to the gutter's base is called a gutter downspout. When the gutter is full of rainwater, gravity takes over and the water drains out the downspout. That water is taken and directed away from your home via the downspout. Typically, downspouts are constructed of aluminum or other durable materials that can survive the elements. They are often fixed vertically from the gutters to the ground along the siding of homes.
Easy Process Of Connecting Gutter Downspout Pieces Together
Downspouts and rain gutters are necessary for channeling melting snow and rainfall away from your home. You'll need to know how to connect the gutter downspouts once your new rain gutters are installed. Only 23-inch downspouts are required for small roofs with an area of about 600 square feet. Larger roofs need gutters with 34-inch downspouts because they will catch more water. Four and five-inch downspouts are available for exceptionally large roofs. Downspouts should be positioned at least every 40 feet to prevent overflowing gutters.
Tools & Materials Needed
- Measuring Tape
- Straight Edge
- Marker
- Tin Snips
- Hacksaw
- Gutter Crimper Tool Or Needle-Nose Pliers
- Power Drill
- Ladder
Step 1: Attach An Elbow To The Downspout's Gutter Hole
- Two sheet metal screws are used to attach an elbow to the downspout's gutter hole. It needs to slant toward the building wall.
- Attach a second elbow to the first one. It will take the shape of a little S.
- Use a gutter bracket in the shape of a U to fasten the lower elbow to the wall.
Step 2: Place The Tape Measure On The Bottom Rim Of The Lowest Elbow
- Set the measuring device on the lowest elbow's bottom rim.
- From there, take a measurement up the lower elbow closest to the foundation.
- In order to accommodate fitting overlapping parts together, add 3 inches to this dimension.
Step 3: Mark The Location Where A Downspout Has To Be Cut
- Typically, a downspout section is 10 feet long. If the length you require is greater than ten feet, you will have to join two parts.
- Use a straight edge and a marker to mark the location where a downspout has to be cut.
- Utilizing a hacksaw and tin snips, size the part.
Step 4: Join The Top Section To The Bottom Section
- Crimp the edges of the downspout to join the top section to the bottom section.
- To perform this, you will need a special downspout crimper tool, but needle-nose pliers would work too.
- Crimp at least an inch deep all the way around the downspout.
Step 5: Tuck The Top Crimped Section Into The Lower Section
- As far as it will allow, tuck the top crimped section into the lower section.
- Two sheet metal screws are used to secure the seam.
- Into the elbow assembly below the gutter, insert the downspout.
Step 6: Secure The Connection With Sheet Metal Screws
- Use sheet metal screws to firmly fasten the connection.
- Affix the lower elbow.
- To secure the downspout, fasten more U-shaped brackets to the wall and over it.
- The lower elbow should be fitted with a downspout extension. By doing this, water will be dumped far from the foundation.