How to Remove Gutters for a Fresh Start
Bring down the gutters without bringing down the house with this guide
- Heavy-duty, adjustable-height ladder
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Caulk
- Wood putty
- Paint
Do your gutters need to go? If you're thinking of upgrading your gutters, you may be hoping to save some money on gutter replacement cost by handling removal on your own. While this task can be doable for those who don't mind getting up on a ladder, it's important to remember that improper gutter removal can damage your fascia or roof. That's why most people trust gutter removal to the same contractor they've hired to install a new gutter design. Here's a guide covering what it takes to remove your own gutters.
Preparing to Remove Gutters
While gutters may seem easy to remove when you're looking at them from the ground, the stakes become higher once height is involved. Make a sketch of your gutters that identifies where all of the downspouts are located.
Following the steps below, you'll be able to map out a step-by-step plan for tearing off gutters. Here are some big considerations to settle before you begin this project:
Make sure a second person is around to keep your ladder steady.
Have a cordless drill available to avoid getting wires tangled around your ladder's legs.
Create a two-person plan for gently easing larger gutter pieces down to the ground instead of allowing them to fall.
Remove Any Screws, Nails, or Rivets From the Gutters
Conduct a close examination of your gutter system to look for any screws, nails, or rivets. A hammer or pry bar should be fine for pulling out nails. If your system contains screws, a screwdriver will be needed to drive them out. Finally, rivets should be removed with a drill.
This portion of the project can be arduous because you'll need to move your ladder inch by inch as you inspect each section of your gutter. You will also be using different tools to carefully and gently remove each section one at a time. Gutter sections are usually sold in standard lengths, such as 10 feet, 20 feet, or even longer.
Disconnect the Downspout
Photo: Artem Bruk / Adobe StockRemoving downspouts is important for preventing the weight of these pieces from dragging on your gutters once they've been detached from your home. A downspout needs to be disconnected from the elbow beneath the gutter drop outlet.
Pull the Downspout Away From the House
Start by loosening your downspout wall straps. This should make it easier to carefully and slowly pull the downspouts away from your home.
Remove the Gutter Mounting Hardware
This step may be slightly different based on the type of hardware holding your gutters against your roof. While roof installers use a variety of different options, most attachment systems are designed similarly. Bracket-style hardware is the most common choice.
You'll generally need to use a screwdriver or hammer to disconnect mounting hardware. This is one portion of the project where having a partner is extremely helpful. If possible, ask another person to hold each piece steady while you work on getting the hardware off. Your partner can also help you to ease your loosened gutters down to the ground.
Fill Any Holes Left Behind
It's very likely that you'll see holes in the places where hardware has just been removed. Ignoring these holes can lead to water getting into your home. Fixing holes left behind by gutter hardware can be done in two different ways.
If you're fixing holes in a vinyl surface, use a caulk gun to fill the holes with caulk. Gently smooth over the caulk with your fingers to ensure an even surface. If you're fixing holes in a wood surface, use a putty knife to fill holes with wood putty.
Paint Over Any Patched Area
While this last step is optional, most people prefer to clean up the look of their roof by painting over freshly patched areas.
DIY Gutter Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
While it's realistic for an ambitious homeowner to handle gutter removal, it's important to remember that familiarity with roofs and gutter systems can help professionals to avoid causing damage. Any mistakes made during this project could cause leaks and roof damage down the road. You may not realize that you caused damage until it's too late.
Many homeowners are understandably apprehensive to climb up on a ladder to handle heavy gutters. In addition, the gear needed to get this project done safely can often cost just as much as hiring a professional.
If you're looking for solutions for how to fix sagging gutters, roofing pros offering local gutter repair services may be able to offer repair options that skip the need to bring down the entire gutter system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homes will sustain water damage without gutters. When a home doesn't have gutters, water that runs off the roof will splash down to the ground to create foundation damage, rotting trim, rotting fascia, and soil erosion. A broken or compromised gutter system can be just as damaging as having no gutters. That's why it's essential to talk to roofing pros about how to fix gutters pulling away from house as soon as you notice an issue.
While a standard gutter system is considered the best way to prevent water damage, some gutter alternatives include rain chains, drip edges, French drains, drip paths, and rain dispersal systems.
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