Rain gutters are an essential part of any home’s exterior. They help to protect your home from water damage by channeling rainwater away from the roof and foundation. But before you can install rain gutters, you need to know how to measure them. Measuring rain gutters is not a difficult task, but it is important to do it accurately so that you get the right size gutters for your home.
The first step is to determine the length of your gutters. To do this, you will need to measure the length of your roofline. Once you have the length of your roofline, you can add 10% to 15% to account for overhang. This will give you the total length of gutters that you need. For example, if your roofline is 50 feet long, you will need to purchase 65 feet of gutters (50 feet + 25 percent). It is always better to buy a little extra than not enough.
The next step is to determine the width of your gutters. Gutters come in a variety of widths, so you will need to choose the width that is right for your home. The width of your gutters will depend on the size of your roof and the amount of rainfall that you typically receive. If you have a large roof or live in an area with heavy rainfall, you will need wider gutters to handle the increased water flow.
Measuring Gutter Length
1. Identify the Starting and Ending Points
To measure the length of a gutter, first locate its starting and ending points. The starting point is typically where the gutter meets the roofline, while the ending point is where the gutter discharges water into a downspout.
2. Measure the Distance with a Tape Measure
Once you have identified the starting and ending points, use a tape measure to determine the distance between them. Extend the tape measure along the gutter’s length, ensuring it follows the contours of the roofline and any curves in the gutter. Mark the distance on the tape measure and record it.
3. Calculate the Total Length
If the gutter has multiple sections or angles, measure the length of each section separately. Then, add the individual measurements together to determine the total length of the gutter.
For gutters that run straight from the starting to ending points, simply measure the distance with a tape measure and record it. The following table summarizes the steps for measuring gutter length:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the starting and ending points. |
| 2 | Measure the distance with a tape measure. |
| 3 | Calculate the total length (if multiple sections). |
Measuring Downspout Height
Measuring the downspout height is essential to ensure proper water drainage. Follow these steps to determine the optimal height:
1. Locate the Downspout Outlet
Identify the location where the downspout will discharge water, such as a storm drain, splash block, or rain barrel.
2. Determine the Drop Distance
Measure the vertical distance from the outlet to the ground. This measurement represents the “drop distance” of the downspout.
3. Consider Spout Length and Clearance
Add the length of the downspout elbow plus desired gutter clearance to the drop distance. The elbow is typically 12 inches in length, and the clearance provides space for water flow between the spout and the ground.
4. Calculate Downspout Height
The downspout height is calculated by combining the following measurements:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Drop Distance | Vertical distance from outlet to ground |
| Elbow Length | Length of downspout elbow (typically 12 inches) |
| Clearance | Recommended clearance between spout and ground |
Example: If the drop distance is 5 feet, the elbow is 1 foot long, and the desired clearance is 4 inches, the downspout height would be:
Downspout Height = Drop Distance + Elbow Length + Clearance
Downspout Height = 5 feet + 1 foot + 4 inches
Downspout Height = 6 feet 4 inches
Locating and Marking Downspouts
1. Inspect the Building’s Perimeter
Locate downspouts by inspecting the building’s exterior perimeter, where they are typically installed at corners, along walls, or near doors and windows.
2. Check the Roof’s Edge
Downspouts often connect to the roof’s edge, so scan the eaves or guttering for any visible downspout extensions.
3. Look for Gutters Connected to Downspouts
If gutters are present, follow them along the roofline to identify any connected downspouts.
4. Inspect Above-Ground Sections
Search for visible above-ground sections of downspouts, such as along walls or in corners.
5. Trace Downspouts from the Ground Up
If only the bottom portion of a downspout is visible, trace it upwards by looking for connections to gutters or rooflines.
6. Note the Number and Location of Downspouts
Count the number of downspouts on the building and note their locations relative to windows, doors, and corners.
7. Document with Photos and Measurements
Take photographs of the downspout locations and measure their distance from the ground, along with their height and width. For multiple downspouts, create a table to organize the measurements:
| Downspout Number | Height from Ground (ft) | Width (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 4 |
| 2 | 12 | 3 |
| 3 | 9 | 2 |
Cutting Gutters to Size
To cut gutters to size, you will need a hacksaw or a power saw. If using a hacksaw, use a fine-tooth blade to prevent the metal from tearing or fraying. If using a power saw, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Mark the gutter where you want to cut it.
- Secure the gutter in a vise or on a sawhorse.
- Align the hacksaw or power saw blade with the mark you made in step 1.
- Cut the gutter slowly and carefully, applying even pressure throughout the cut.
- Remove the cut piece of gutter.
Here are some tips for cutting gutters to size:
- Use a sharp hacksaw or power saw blade.
- Cut the gutter slowly and carefully.
- Apply even pressure throughout the cut.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves when using a power saw.
Helpful Tools for Cutting Gutters to Size
Here is a table of helpful tools for cutting gutters to size:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hacksaw | A handsaw with a fine-tooth blade for cutting metal. |
| Power saw | A saw powered by electricity or a battery. |
| Safety glasses | Eye protection that shields your eyes from flying debris. |
| Gloves | Hand protection that shields your hands from cuts and abrasions. |
| Vise | A tool that holds the gutter securely in place while you cut it. |
| Sawhorse | A portable support that holds the gutter off the ground while you cut it. |
How To Measure Rain Gutters
Measuring rain gutters is a quick and easy process that can be done with a few simple tools. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the right size gutters for your home.
- Determine the length of the roofline. This can be done by measuring the distance from one end of the roof to the other.
- Add 2 feet to the length of the roofline. This will allow for overhang at each end of the gutter.
- Subtract the length of any existing gutters. If you are replacing old gutters, you will need to subtract their length from the total length you calculated in step 2.
- Determine the size of the gutters. Gutters are available in a variety of sizes, so you will need to choose the size that is right for your home. The most common sizes are 5 inches, 6 inches, and 7 inches.
- Order the gutters. Once you have determined the size and length of the gutters you need, you can order them from a home improvement store or online retailer.
People Also Ask About How To Measure Rain Gutters
What is the standard size of rain gutters?
The most common sizes of rain gutters are 5 inches, 6 inches, and 7 inches.
How do I know what size gutters I need?
The size of gutters you need will depend on the size of your roof and the amount of rainfall you receive in your area.
How do I install rain gutters?
Installing rain gutters is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools.
