Welcome to our guide about how to install guttering on a shed. If you are looking for a smart investment, installing gutters on a shed is a surefire winner. Placing gutters around your shed roof edges maintains the condition and extends the life of your garden shed or other garden building. Many homeowners are put off DIY projects, but putting gutters on a shed is a manageable project for a newcomer to master.
Our guide walks you through all the essential steps to install guttering on a shed. We take you from choosing the right materials, tools & equipment and consumables right through to post-inspection checks. So, what are you waiting for? Read our guide now and you will be installing shed guttering in no time at all!
Editor’s Note [29.07.24]:
Our guide, “How to install guttering on a shed” was first published on December 15, 2017. Today’s update has seen extensive updates throughout the article, with the “Why you should be putting gutters on a shed” and “Shed guttering tips” having major rewrites, along with a new “Step-by–step - How to install guttering on a shed” section.
Why you should be putting gutters on a shed?
There are many reasons for installing gutters on a shed, we provide seven of the main reasons below:
Fundamental reason
Prevents water damage
Undoubtedly preventing water damage is the over-arching reason. All the following reasons to some degree inter-relate to this fundamental reason. Preventing water damage reduces wood rot, rust, and other water-related damage.
Other reasons
Controls moisture levels
High moisture levels around the shed will lead to dampness and its related consequences inside the shed. Guttering reduces moisture from water and so, keeps the shed interior dry, helping to prevent interior mould, rot and mildew.
Enables rainwater collection
When guttering installation is integrated with a water butt or other collection system, it enables the harvesting of rainwater. This is an eco-friendly practice, that also saves some homeowners money on water bills and is also a sustainable source of water for gardening use.
Improved aesthetic appeal
Efficient guttering enhances the aesthetic appeal of the shed, as it will look cleaner and better maintained. This has a corresponding knock-on effect in increasing the curb appeal and value of your property.
Longer roof lifespan
We all know that shed roofs cost a lot of money to fix. Well, prevention is better than cure. So, preventing water pooling through efficient shed guttering has massive payback and ROI. Extend the lifespan of your shed through installing gutters on a shed.
Prevents mud and dirt splashes
Rainwater which falls from the roof can cause splashes of mud and dirt accumulating against shed walls. Guttering will aid in keeping shed exterior walls clean and will also benefit you in reduced cleaning in maintenance.
Reduces soil erosion
Gradually water damage due to ineffective guttering drips off roof edges and erodes the soil around the shed base. Guttering channels water flow, preserving the soil, foundation stability, and the surrounding landscape.
Step-by–step guide - How to install guttering on a shed
Below we detail the ten steps for installing gutters on a shed.
Step 1: Pre-installation and preparation tasks
Before installing guttering on your shed, it is essential to decide where the rainwater should be directed. If there are no established drainage systems nearby, consider channelling the rainwater into a water butt or allowing it to flow onto ground that slopes away from the shed and any adjacent structures. If these options are not viable, make sure the downspout extends about a meter away from the shed after installation to avoid the pooling of surface water.
As a part of the preparation, ensure materials, tools & equipment, PPE and consumables are gathered. This will save much time later:
- Guttering materials - downpipe, downpipe brackets, downpipe offset bends, fascia boards, gutter brackets, gutter sections and stop ends
- Tools and equipment - bucket (for mixing sealant if needed), cloth or sponge (for cleanup), drill (and drill bits), file (for smoothing cut edges), hacksaw or (PVC cutter), ladder, measuring jug (for measuring and mixing sealant), pencil or marker, rivet gun (where applicable), screwdriver, spirit level, string line, tape measure and water level or hose level (optional for precision)
- PPE (some of these might not be needed, it depends on your guttering project) - dust mask (or respirator), ear protection (if using power tools), knee pads, non-slip work boots, safety goggles, safety helmet and work gloves
- Consumables - lubricant, nails (if using fascia boards), rivets (if applicable), screws (an assortment) and sealant (or silicone caulk)
Step 2: Identifying water flow direction and attachment method
Again, before installing guttering, it is necessary to determine the natural fall of the shed's roof. Water flows downhill, so you will need to understand the gradient of your outdoor space and set guttering to efficiently collect water runoff. The degree of slope should be measured using a spirit level, along the shed sides. The level determines where the shed tilts, enabling you to strategically plan your guttering system.
Now the water flow direction is understood the attachment method needs to be chosen. There are usually two options:
- Attach directly to a wall - provided the structural integrity of the wall is sufficient
- Install a fascia board - install this around the edge of the shed roof. This provides a strong and stable framework to which the guttering can be securely fixed and is generally the preferred option
Step 3: Establishing the guttering layout
Begin by taking a length of string to outline the placement of the gutter along the shed. It is essential to incorporate a subtle slope towards the location of the downpipe to ensure efficient water flow. Securely fasten the string to the fascia or wall, marking the points for the gutter brackets. These should be spaced no more than three feet apart to provide adequate support and maintain the integrity of the guttering system.
Step 4: Setting up the drain outlet
The next step involves the installation of the drain outlet, which serves as the junction for the downpipe. Begin by identifying and marking the precise positions for the screws on the drain outlet or its supporting brackets. Once marked, drill pilot holes at these points to enable easier and more accurate installation. Securely fasten the drain outlet to the shed’s fascia or wall, ensuring it is properly aligned to effectively channel water into the downpipe.
Step 5: Mounting the gutter brackets
Following the installation of the drain outlet, proceed with setting up the support gutter brackets along the remaining sections of the guttering. Place joint brackets at the intersections where two gutter pieces converge to ensure a seamless and watertight connection. Additional support brackets may be necessary to maintain the stability and levelness of the gutter. These should be positioned at the 3-foot intervals you previously marked.
When you install gutter brackets, accurately mark where the screws will go, pre-drill these locations to simplify the mounting process, and then secure the brackets firmly in place.
Step 6: Securing the stop end
Proceed to attach the stop end to the guttering bracket situated at the end furthest from the downpipe outlet. The stop end, which is essentially a capped segment of the gutter, serves a critical function: it seals the gutter system to prevent water from escaping at the end opposite the downpipe. This ensures that all collected water is efficiently directed towards the designated drainage point.
Step 7: Applying lubricant to gutter connections
Before assembling the sections, verify that the guttering has been accurately cut to the desired lengths. For installations involving PVC guttering, it is advisable to apply a suitable lubricant to the cut ends. This lubrication facilitates a smoother and more efficient assembly process, significantly easing the joining of guttering sections and ensuring a seamless fit.
Step 8: Attaching guttering sections to brackets
After preparing the sections, slide each piece of guttering into the previously installed brackets. They are designed to snap securely into place with a simple push. Double-check to make sure that all sections of the guttering are firmly engaged within the brackets, ensuring a stable and robust installation throughout the system.
Step 9: Installing the downpipe
Once all gutter sections are securely in place, the next task is to install the downpipe. Start by attaching the upper end of the downpipe to the drain outlet. If your setup requires it, incorporate offset bends to guide the water flow away from the shed’s foundation or into a drainage system or water butt.
Position and secure the downpipe using brackets fixed to the shed wall. These brackets should be spaced approximately every three feet to provide adequate support and stability to the downpipe. The lowest bracket should be installed about 1.5 feet above ground level to ensure optimal functionality and prevent any potential water damage to the shed’s base.
Step 10: Checks and inspections
Once the gutter system is fully installed, it is wise to check for any leaks or misalignments. This can be done by running water through the gutters and observing if there are any overflows or drips.
Conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is securely attached and correctly aligned to ensure optimal function and to prevent future issues.
Shed guttering tips
When thinking about collecting rainwater from your shed roof, remember:
- Guttering needs to slope slightly - towards your water butt.
- Clear leaves and debris - the guttering needs to be cleared of leaves and general debris. If the area has issues with leaves or debris, consider installing gutter guards to prevent blockages.
- Butt positioning - a water butt is heavy when even half full so get things in their final positions from the start.
- Use a rolled-up ball of chicken wire or similar - at the top of the downpipe to stop any errant leaves from getting into your butt and causing problems (stop sniggering - we’ve gone through most of this blog without any childish smirking at the word butt, so let’s keep going).
- Butt height - get your butt high enough so a watering can comfortably fits beneath the tap (I said stop it).
- Connect two or more butts together - as things can quickly overflow (OK, that’s enough).
- Regular maintenance - this is important to ensure gutters remain free from debris and functional for long-term use.
Conclusion – installing gutters on a shed roof
We started by discussing why you need shed guttering, which is essential to understand before you start the project. Once you understand this, it is time to install the guttering and our ten-step process for “How to install guttering on a shed” will prove invaluable.
Follow each of these ten steps and you will have great guttering, but we also provide some shed guttering tips for good measure!
Contact Shedstore
Well, now you have learned how to install guttering on a shed. We hope this post helps, but if you do need to speak to one of our team about buying our products for installing gutters on a shed, we are here to help.
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- Phone - 0333 003 0518
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