The installation of gutters is a very important part of any home. Gutters are designed to divert rainwater away from the foundation and house, preventing damage to the structure.
Gutters sit on fascia boards, which keep them in place on most roofs. Fascia boards give a solid and readily accessible surface for attaching the gutters. When you need to make any adjustments to your gutters, they’re also simple to get to and work with.
However, some houses do not have a fascia board, but they still need gutters. So, how do we go about this?
Fortunately, you may install gutters without fascia boards by simply using roof straps. This article will explain how to install gutters without fascia boards and how to use roof straps.
Roof straps are basically metal or other equivalent materials attached to one end of the gutter and the roof. With roof straps, you can easily install gutters without a fascia board. In this manner, the roof can directly support the gutter weight.
Things You Will Need
There are a few basic things you will need to do before installing your gutters without fascia boards, such as the pop rivet gun, ladder, cordless drill, offset tin snips, duckbill tin snips, crimper, measuring tape, and hex head driver.
Moreover, the following are the important things required to make the installation possible:
– Roof straps: These are the metal or equivalent materials that attach the gutter to the roof. You must select a strap specifically designed for gutters, as this will provide the necessary strength and support.
– Gutter: You will need to purchase gutters that are the same length as your roof.
– Gutter flashing: This is the metal material that will be used to create a seal between your gutters and roof.
– Gutter sealant: This is the glue-like material that will be used to seal your gutter joints.
– Gutter hanging strap: This is the strap used to hang your gutters.
– Elbows: This is the part of your gutter that will attach to the downspout.
– Downspouts: These are the pipes that will carry water away from your house.
– Rivets: This is the metal material that will be used to connect all of your gutter pieces and parts. You may purchase 1/8-inch medium-length rivets for this project.
– Hex head screws: This will be used to connect the elbow joints. It is recommended to purchase the 1/4-inch size of hex head screws.
– Self-tapping head screws: This is the type of screw that will be used to attach your roof strap to the roof, and it is necessary to use the 1 and 1/4-inch size for this.
Installation Instructions: How to install gutters without fascia
Now that you have all of the materials you need, it’s time to start the installation. The following are the steps that you will need to take:
Begin by measuring the size of the home and noting any downspouts and other sections that may need attention.
Once you have the measurements, cut the gutters to the desired length. Make a cut along both front and rear sides with tin snips. Then, bend and trim the gutter as needed.
The next step is to notch the gutter using tin snips to join the section with a corner piece down the line.
With your gutter prepped, snap the pieces together by laying gutter sealing along the edge, about 1-1/2 inches from each end. You also have to hook the front lip of the corner to the notched area of the gutter, then snap it over the gutter.
Next is to rivet the sections together. Drill a hole that can fit the rivet at the gutter’s front, then put the rivet through. Follow up with a rivet gun and snap on your top gutter piece. Do this until you have all the rivets attached?
When you are finished attaching the pieces, use the gutter sealant to caulk the seams of the gutter and around each rivet to secure them in place.
Once the caulk has dried, it’s time for you to hang the gutters. However, assemble the gutters first while on the ground to avoid any accidents.
Use a ladder to reach the roof and then mark the downspout positions with a pencil. Cut about 1/16-inch from the outside line of the outlet hole using the offset tin snips.
After that, drill about 1/8-inch holes using a rivet gun. Insert the rivets and then snap on the outlet.
The next is to measure the roof’s slope using a measuring tape, then mark it under the roofing material.
You are ready to attach the roof straps at this point. Align the strap with the mark and attach the gutters on the roof straps.
Install the gutter flashing under the shingles to avoid water from accumulating behind your gutters.
Last but not least, attach the elbows to your downspouts. Make sure that the downspouts are pointing in the right direction before you finish up.
Final Word
It is always a good idea to have gutters installed on your house, even if you do not have fascia. This is extremely important as it allows us to channel the water that falls from the roof, thus avoiding damage to the structure. Anyone can do this project, as it does not require any special skills.
Just make sure you have all the materials ready before you start and follow the instructions carefully. This will ensure your success in the project.
Now that you know how to install gutters without fascia, be sure to do it soon.
