If you’re looking to install gutters on your house, there are a few different ways that you can do it.
Some people prefer the traditional method of installing them with fascia boards and other people find it easier to install them without fascia boards.
In this article we will discuss how to install gutters without fascia boards so that you’ll have an idea of what’s involved if you want to try that option.
What is a Gutter?
A gutter is a channel, trough or pipe for carrying rainwater from the eaves of a roof generally along the sides of a building.
Gutters are made in many different materials including aluminum, steel, cast iron and copper all with different properties to better suit their respective applications.
Installing gutters on your home is an important part of protecting your property and landscaping.
Why Should you Use Gutters?
Gutters are most commonly used on homes with certain roofing materials including; tiles, slate or galvanized iron roofs.
Installing gutters is very important for your home as it can help prevent many problems associated with water damage like water-seepage, mold and mildew, wood rot and foundation erosion.
What is a Fascia Board?
A fascia board is a horizontal board placed at the edge of a roof which is most often made from wood.
The purpose of the fascia board is to cover the ends of the roofing materials so that water does not drip in between these two areas.
How to Install Gutters Without Fascia Board
Gutters can be installed using a variety of methods including custom-built gutter systems that attach to the fascia board.
If you need to install a gutter system but don’t have access to your fascia board, read on as we show you how to install a gutter along the side of your house without a fascia board.
Step 1 – Plan your Layout
To figure out where you will need to cut into the trim, take a 2 foot level and place it on top of one end-section of straight gutter.
If the bubble is centered, this should be exactly where you need to cut the gutter. If not, adjust accordingly and mark an ‘X’ on both sides of the gutter at the top.
Repeat this process for all straight sections of gutter you will be installing along your house.
Step 2 – Cut Gutter Sections
Now take a hacksaw with a fine-tooth blade (24tpi or more) and make a vertical cut, following your mark.
Step 3 – Attach Gutters
To attach the gutter sections to your house, use galvanized nails designed for metal roofing (or if you’re using aluminum, use aluminum nails).
Just slide the back end of one gutter section into the front end of another, push the two together firmly and nail in place through the holes which are located on top of each gutter.
Repeat this for all gutter sections you have cut along your house side.
Step 4 – Install Gutter Brace
To keep water flowing directly down the gutters instead of spilling over the sides, install a telescoping gutter brace.
Slide the base of your gutter brace into the mouth of one end-section of gutter, then slide the top section in.
You will have to adjust it to fit your house, so just go slowly and keep checking that the top is a tight fit against a rafter or whatever is in front of it.
Step 5 – Trim Gutter Brace
To keep water in the gutter, you need to trim off the excess brace.
Put on gloves, safety goggles and use a screwdriver or metal snips to cut through each end-section of the brace where it enters your gutters.
You’ll want about 6″ sticking out past the gutter’s mouth.
Step 6 – Finish the Job
Your gutter installation is now complete! You should have a straight line of gutters along one side of your house with a telescoping brace at each end.
Keep an eye on them and note if they need tightening or adjustment, but otherwise you’re done!
What are some Options for Installing Gutter Systems without Fascia Board?
There are a few options for installing gutters without the use of a fascia board depending on factors such as roof pitch and material, roof type and whether you have existing gutters.
- L Shaped Gutter System
Installing gutter along the house side is possible with the L shaped system.
The starting point of this system would be to attach a piece of fascia board to your existing gutters.
If you do not have any, then it can be done without them as well by following the steps outlined above.
This system will extend your existing gutters around 90 degrees to cover the entire width of your house.
The best part about this system is that it does not require any additional tools or materials.
- Straight Line Gutter System
This system can be used on gable ends and rakes to extend gutters along a straight line.
The starting point would again be attaching the fascia board to the existing gutters (if any). You will then attach a piece of flashing that is cut to match the length needed.
Once you’ve attached flashing, you will need to install one end of a rubber gutter section and allow it to rest on top of the flashing and come down along the side of your house.
Finally, you would install the second gutter section on the other side of the house.
If you have full gutters installed this may not be possible so check with your local hardware store for an alternative solution.
- Complete Gutter System
This system is best suited to extend full length gutters around corners or down a slope. The first step would be to attach the fascia board to the existing gutters (if any).
You’ll then need an elbow section, rubber gutter sections and two end caps.
The type of elbow section will depend on how far it needs to bend around. Make sure you check the material your gutters are made of before buying your elbows.
Once all the pieces have been attached, you need to install a stem support on the exterior wall and then attach the elbows, gutter sections and end caps.
- A Frames Gutter System
This system is best suited to be used on an A-frame roof, but can also be installed if your gutters are full.
One end will install a piece of fascia board and the other will use a gutter brace as described above.
After installing the ends, you’ll need to cut a piece of flashing that matches the length needed.
After installing the flashing, you’ll need to install rubber gutter sections and end caps.
This system is a bit more complex as you’re working around corners with a slope but it’s still an option if your gutters are in good condition.
- Angled Gutter Systems
Angled gutters come in all different shapes and sizes. They are generally installed on gable ends, but some models can be used for abutting roofs as well.
The best way to install them is by attaching a piece of fascia board at the appropriate distance from the existing gutter.
After that, you’ll need offset brackets every few feet.
The rubber gutter sections will fit over the brackets and be held in place by them. You can then attach end caps to finish.
- A Combination of the Above Methods
Some people choose to use a combination of the above methods depending on what will work in their area.
For example, you may choose to use gutters only around the front and sides of your house but install L shaped gutter sections along the back.
