How to Connect Two Sections of Gutters

New gutters help prevent water damage and improve the appearance of your home. When you need to seam gutter sections together, as a homeowner, you have the option to either hire helping hands or complete the job yourself. Some homeowners would prefer to do it themselves. Fortunately, connecting sections of gutters is a fairly simple task.

There are two main types of gutters: vinyl and metal. In this article, we’re going to cover how to join gutters for each kind, since they require different joining techniques. We’ll provide a step-by-step process, which you can use as a guide to seam your home’s gutters together and make sure they’re placed on your roof properly.

At Legacy Service, we provide installation and replacement services for any part of your house’s exterior, and gutters are no exception. If you’re looking for a reliable company that will offer you the quality gutter service you need, look no further. We’ll seam your gutters together so that you don’t have to worry about it. Your house will look as good as new! If you’d like to learn more about gutter installation or replacement, give our Legacy Service team a call today at 215-798-9790.

How to Tell If You Need New Gutters

You might be wondering if it’s time to replace your gutters. The best way to tell is to get a consultation from an expert, but you can also check them yourself before to see if you should give them a call. Here are three signs you need new gutters:

You can see cracks or splits – The next time you give your gutters a cleaning, also take some time to look for any cracks or splits. Small cracks might not look like much, but they can grow over time, especially if you live in an area that gets very cold during the winter. If the cracks are large, get them dealt with right away.

You notice rust or orange areas – Not every type of gutter will rust, but some are likely to do so if they lose their protective coating. If you notice signs of rust or an orange coloring around any of the gutter’s areas, it’s probably time to get them replaced.

There’s water damage around the gutters – When you’re cleaning or inspecting your gutters, it’s best to wait for a sunny day. This will help you see if there’s any water damage around your gutters that you need to be aware of. Telltale signs include puddles, water stains, mildew, and rotting fascia.

Tools You’ll Need

If you’re thinking of seaming the gutters together yourself, whether you’re repairing or replacing them, you’ll need to gather certain tools and supplies before you begin. We’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need. They include:

• Metal or vinyl gutter pieces
• Ladder
• Drill
• Measuring tape
• Hacksaw
• Rivets
• Tin snips
• Sheet metal screws
• Sealant caulk or plastic cement

Most of these items can be found at your local hardware store.

How to Join Metal Gutters

As you probably already know, there are differences between seaming together metal and vinyl gutters. For example, metal gutters require overlapping two pieces and riveting them together, while vinyl gutters are designed to snap together easily but may require the use of a sealant or gaskets to ensure a waterproof connection. If your house has metal gutters, follow these steps about how to seam your gutters together:

1. Measure. First, measure the total run of the gutter length needed. For homeowners with a straight-run gable roof, measure shingle to shingle, and add a ½ inch to each of the sides for a slight overlap. Then, if you’re measuring from an outside roof edge to an inside corner, subtract 5 inches to leave room for the inside box miter. Add 4 more inches to the total length to allow for overlapping edges when joining the pieces together.
2. Cut. The first piece of the gutter will likely be its full length. That may even work for the second and third pieces, but the last piece of gutter will need to be trimmed. You can use tin snips or a hacksaw to cut the piece(s).
3. Connect. Connect the different pieces of the gutters and overlap the middle seams by 4 inches. Use the factory cut edges on the outside for the smoothest appearance.
4. Apply. Use sealant where the two pieces fit together. Make sure you use a tight seal so water doesn’t leak through.
5. Secure. Use stainless steel crews or pop rivets to secure the gutters at the sides of the joined sections. Remember that you shouldn’t put rivets at the bottom because they could cause the gutter to leak. Then, let the gutter sealant dry.

How to Join Vinyl Gutter Sections

As you may already know, the process of joining gutter sections differs depending on whether they’re vinyl or metal. For example, vinyl gutters are joined after they’re hung, while metal gutters are easier to install if they’re assembled on the ground and then hung. If your home has vinyl gutters, follow these steps about how to join gutter sections:

1. Measure. Using the same method you would for metal gutters, measure the amount of gutter you’ll need. The difference is that you don’t need to allow for overlap with vinyl gutters since the joiners will butt the edges together.
2. Install. Now, you can install the gutters. Hang the gutter sections as close you can when you get to a seam, butting the ends together.
3. Clean. Once the gutters are installed, clean the seams using a rag that’s dampened with rubbing alcohol. Also, remember to wipe down the inside of the gutter joiner.
4. Apply. Spread a generous amount of sealant or plastic cement on the inside of the gutter joiner pieces and the edges of the gutter sections.
5. Join. Position the joiner so that the seam is as close to its center as possible. Then, snap the joiner firmly in place. Repeat this step until all of the seams are joined.

Would You Prefer Help From Our Team?

Even if you know how to seam gutters together yourself, sometimes it’s easier to hire someone else or get helping hands involved. Our team at Legacy Service can certainly help with that. As licensed roofing, siding, and windows contractor, we have expertise in gutters, and we’re more than willing to help any homeowner throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

We do more than just gutter replacement and installation though. If you’re in need of replacement services regarding roofing, siding, or windows and doors, you can contact our team for assistance. We’ve been helping homeowners achieve the exterior of their dreams since 2005. In fact, we’ve worked our way up to become one of the most reputable roofing, siding, and window companies in the local areas. Through the years, we have assembled and molded a team of experts who are dedicated to perfecting their craft.

If you’re looking for a combination of the highest-rated materials at the best possible service, turn to Legacy Service. Learn more about our home exterior services by giving us a call at 215-798-9790 or contacting us here.