1. When installing any type of gutter brackets, the first thing you need to determine is the type of gutter you are installing. The size, shape and material of the gutter is important. Most metal gutter brackets are used for installing half round PVC or half round Cast Iron guttering, although other shapes are available. It is also important to look carefully at the wall you are installing gutter against.
Many modern houses have a piece of timber boarding (known as fascia board) below the eaves, against the wall. Guttering can be fixed straight to this board with a fascia bracket. If there is no fascia board, brackets need to be fixed straight into brickwork or stonework. There are several types of metal gutter bracket that can be considered for this job. Drive in metal gutter brackets can be set into the wall and have a supportive arm underneath. Rise and fall gutter brackets are adjustable to help set the fall of the guttering. Fully adjustable metal gutter brackets are available from at least one manufacturer. These brackets not only help when it comes to setting the height of the gutter, but also the distance of the gutter from the wall. This can be particularly useful if a wall is uneven or not straight.
2. Once you have chosen your metal gutter brackets it is time to mark out where the brackets will go. Remember, gutter is not meant to be exactly level; it needs a small amount of fall to help it flow. It is wise to use a string line and spirit level to help when marking where you intend to put the brackets. If there is no fascia board and you are fixing directly to brick or stone, it can be tricky to get the brackets aligned and in a suitable gap/joint for drilling and fixing.
3. Before fixing the gutter, you should think carefully about where to place downpipes in order to get rainwater into drains. Make sure you avoid any ‘obstacles’ such as windows, vents, passett plates etc. Metal gutter brackets are more tricky to move than if using a fascia so be sure before fixing them to the property.
4. The security of the gutter relies solely on the brackets, so ensure they have a strong fix. It is recommended that metal gutter brackets should be installed with a two-part polyester resin for strength; drill a hole and then resin the bracket into it. If you are using fascia brackets us the longest screws possible (depending on the size of the fascia board) and use a screw in every available hole in the bracket.
5. Once installed, it is always a good idea to ‘test’ your gutter and check that all rainwater is carried safely away from the walls of your home. The best way to do this is probably to wait for a downpour and then to have a good look around the installation to check everything is flowing well and there are no leaks. Remember it is easier to correct any problems now than it is to wait and correct problems with a damp home. Gutters should be regularly maintained in order to keep your house in good order; a little bit of maintenance can save a lot of money in the longterm.