Rain gutters are systems that safeguard a home from various water-related damages. They collect the rainwater and channel it to the ground away from the walls, garden, and overall foundation of a given property. Installing a gutter generally demands professional assistance. Nevertheless, many homeowners insist on taking the DIY route, which may lead to problems like wrong positioning and damage. To avoid such issues, here are certain mistakes to avoid while installing rain gutters.

Choosing the wrong type of gutter

Rain gutters are available in various sizes, prices, and materials and for multiple kinds of specific requirements. Choosing the wrong type of gutter can mean homeowners can’t make the most out of them. Ideally, one must choose a gutter made of aluminum, one with a thick gauge such as 0.032, a gutter that has at least 0.019 thickness for all elbows and downspouts, a system that comes with strong and hidden hangers, a gutter that matches the color of one’s home, and a gutter that is adequately sized for the amount of water flow for a specific kind of home.

Overlooking improper hanger spacing

Gutter hangers connect it to one’s house. The spacing between these hangers is critical to the functioning of a gutter. Even when the gutter is installed at a proper slope, is made from the suitable material for a given house, and is made by a reputed manufacturer, improper hanger spacing can undermine all those positive elements of gutters. Improper spacing causes the gutters to sag, leading to water pooling in specific areas around one’s house. It can cause the gutters to detach from the space.

Ideally, hangers must be spaced no more than 2 feet apart. In colder climates, the space can be kept at less than 2 feet apart to counter the weight of snow and ice, which puts extra strain on the gutters.

Damaging gutters during installation

Gutters are supposed to be rock solid, but handling them carelessly can damage their structure. A damaged gutter already has reduced functionality, as it will leak water without homeowners even knowing it. Therefore, one must take the utmost care when installing gutters in one’s home to prolong their shelf life as much as possible.