Rain gutters do more than just hold water; they protect your mobile home from costly damage. Gutters keep rain off of your roof and away from the walls and foundation of your house. They also make your house look better.
Gutter installation is an easy project that can be done in one afternoon. This guide will show you how to firmly attach brackets and hang your gutters to catch the rain.
Measure the Roof
Taking the time to properly install rain gutters on your mobile home is a smart investment that helps to protect your home from water damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also important for maintaining the effectiveness of your gutter system.
To ensure a proper fit, measure the width and length of your mobile home’s roof to determine the necessary gutter size. Once you have the dimensions, mark them with a pencil or marker on the fascia board of your mobile home using a ladder that is tall enough to reach the measurement points safely.
Next, use a level to check the slope of the ground behind your mobile home. A consistent slope toward the downspouts is critical for proper gutter function and to prevent water from pooling under or around your home. If the ground is sloping too much, it could cause the lumber support frames beneath your skirting to rot. This can be a costly and time-consuming project to fix, and can even affect the structural integrity of your mobile home’s footings. If you notice any issues, make the needed repairs to the slope or connections and retest the gutter system.
Measure the Eaves
Installing rain gutters on a mobile home helps protect it from the damaging effects of water damage. This is achieved by channeling water away from the roof and foundation of the house, preventing issues like erosion, leaks and mold growth. To effectively direct water, you need to install downspouts that are properly angled. To do this, you need to know how to measure the eaves of your mobile home.
To take the measurement, you should first secure the measuring tape to a ladder using a level. This will ensure that the tape is positioned perfectly vertically to avoid any inaccuracies. Next, descend the ladder carefully while keeping a firm grip and maintaining stability.
Once you have a measurement, mark it on the ladder with a pencil for easy reference. You can then proceed to install the gutter hangers. Start at one end of the marked placement line, positioning the gutter section so that it is slightly below the mark to allow for a slight slope towards the downspout. Repeat the process for each of the downspouts.
Measure the Downspouts
A gutter system isn’t complete without downspouts to carry away the water collected. The resulting flow of rainwater will prevent erosion of the soil around your mobile home, protect your foundation from cracking and weakening, and keep your basement and crawl space dry and free from insidious moisture damage.
To figure out the correct length of downspouts needed, you’ll need to know how many square feet your roof is. This can be determined by using the formula outlined in this graphic, or by measuring your roof directly with tape or a ladder. The measurement should include the length of any elbows or bends in your downspouts as well.
Once you’ve measured your gutters, you can begin installing them. You’ll need the following tools: Gutter sections. These are sold in lengths that you’ll connect together to create a continuous line along your roof. Gutters come with brackets or hangers that you’ll use to attach them to your mobile home. A hacksaw or tin snips are useful to cut the gutters to size before you install them. Screws to secure the gutter hangers to your mobile home. Choose rust-resistant screws to ensure they can withstand weather conditions.
Measure the Gutters
While gutters are an essential component of mobile home protection, it’s important to select the right style and size to maximize their function. Gutter size depends on roof pitch, square footage, and local weather patterns, and it’s best to have a professional do the measuring to ensure accuracy.
Once you’ve determined your roof’s square footage, calculate the depth of the gutters by measuring at three points: both ends and the midpoint. The average of these measurements will provide the best overall length for your gutters.
Next, mark your gutter placement using a pencil. Position your ladder securely near one end of the marked line, and using a tape measure, determine the gutter section’s width. Remember to allow for a slight slope towards the downspouts, as this will help prevent water overflow during heavy rain. Finally, attach gutter hangers to the ends of the marked lines, using screws that are designed for gutters and are rust-resistant. You’ll also need a hacksaw or tin snips to cut your gutter sections and downspouts to size. Make sure to use a sealant to prevent leaks and moisture damage.
Install The Gutters
Gutters are a cost-effective way to protect your mobile home from water damage and maintain its value. They also keep soil from washing away from the base of the house, preventing foundation problems and erosion. However, the installation process can be a bit tricky for do-it-yourselfers, and it is best to let professionals handle the task.
Before you start the project, ensure that you have all the tools and materials needed to complete it successfully. Make sure to prioritize safety and follow all the instructions carefully. You should be able to install the gutters within a day, but it is always wise to plan ahead.
Begin by calculating the slope of the eaves and marking the gutter placement line. Subtract one-quarter inch from each measurement to allow for seams. Next, measure and mark the gutter sections, taking into account the gutter hangers you have installed. Once you have the measurements, cut the gutters to size. Attach the gutter sections to the hanging brackets, and screw them in under the eaves, following your marked line.
