Are you wondering how to install guttering on a shed? Adding guttering is an important step because it protects your shed from excess rain and the rot it can cause. Considering the amount of rain in the UK, it becomes very clear how important this step is! The good news is that installing guttering is quite straightforward and does not take too long. We’ve found that attaching a gutter to a small shed, just like the one in the photos below, takes about 15-20 minutes.

In the photo above: installing guttering on a pent roof shed

Different types of guttering

The first thing to know is that guttering comes in different materials.

There are two main types of guttering you can choose from:

• Metal
• Plastic (PVC or vinyl guttering)

Metal guttering

Metal guttering is more durable, but will also make a bigger dent in your bank account. Metal guttering can be made of many different materials like copper, aluminium, steel and zinc.

Aluminium is one of the most popular materials for gutters. Because aluminium doesn’t rust or thin over time, they last about 20 years. They’re also relatively easy to install thanks to their light weight. Aluminium gutters are available in a range of different colours and styles.

Galvanized steel is a great option, though costly. With proper maintenance galvanized steel gutters can last up to 50 years. They are prone to rust, another con is their heavy weight.

Copper guttering is a beautiful long-lasting choice for traditional homes, but it is the most expensive option. Due to its heavy weight, it may also come loose more easily.

Zinc guttering is a popular and versatile choice. Zinc matches steel in durability, however, it is expensive.

Plastic Guttering

Plastic guttering is much more affordable, but will not last as long as metal guttering. Plastic is susceptible to UV damage, so if your shed is located in an area that gets a lot of sun, it may become brittle faster compared to being positioned in a shaded area. Another pro of PVC guttering is that it’s lightweight and easy to install. Plastic guttering is a popular choice for sheds.

In our guide, we will look at how to install PVC guttering. The product used in the images is the GAMRAT PVC gutter system, which comes with Summerhouse24 sheds.

How to install rain gutters on a shed?

Let’s break down how to install shed guttering. We’ll first look at what kind of tools you’ll need and then follow a step-by-step guide. Finally, we’ll top it off with some helpful tips and advice.

Tools and components you’ll need:

• Gutter and all necessary components like brackets, downpipe and other fittings
• Chalk line, a long piece of timber, a long ruler or anything else you can use for marking
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Hacksaw
• Vaseline or lubricant provided by the manufacturer
• Cordless drill
• Wood screws

Get your tools and equipment ready

First, you’ll want to gather your tools and lay out the guttering and other components. 

Decide on a place for the outlet

The downspout of the drain, which is where the water comes out, should be directed at land that is sloping away from the shed. This is so that the water runs downhill and away from the shed. Otherwise, the water can go under the shed and cause water damage from below. The water also shouldn’t be draining towards any other buildings.

You can also direct the downspout into an existing drain or a rain barrel. Collecting rainwater can be an excellent idea, as it can be used to water plants or grass, to wash your car or clean other items.

Mind the slope

Consider which way the water will fall in the gutter – which direction will it run towards? You’ll need to install the gutter slightly tilted towards that direction. The tilt should be about 3cm for every 10 metres. You’ll need to mark the fascia board – the thin board on the lower outer edge of your roof also called the roofline – accordingly, taking into account the tilt and position of your gutter and where your outlet will sit.

Ready, set, mark

After you’ve found the position for your gutter, you need to find and mark the position of the first bracket for the drop outlet on the fascia board. First measure about 15 cm from the edge of the fascia board horizontally. Then find the position for the hanger you’ll be using. Make two markings. First, a vertical mark to position the edge of the bracket, using a level and pencil. The second small horizontal mark is needed to connect a straight line to the other end with a chalk line or board later. Measure the distance of the vertical mark from the top of the fascia board.

Next, mark the position of the furthest bracket on the other side of the fascia board. When measuring the distance down from the edge of the fascia board, remember to calculate the necessary length for the tilt (about 3cm per 10m) – the second mark should be higher than the first.

Once you’ve made the horizontal marks on both ends, connect them by using a pencil and a long ruler, board or chalk line. You’ll use the horizontal line to guide the placement of the brackets.

Place the brackets

Attach two brackets to where the outlet will be placed. These should be about 15cm on either side of the outlet or how the manufacturer has specified. Next is the bracket that is located furthest from the outlet. Then attach the middle bracket and continue adding the rest. Leave about 60cm between the brackets or as much as is recommended for your gutter system. 

For GAMRAT PVC guttering used in the photo, it’s recommended to use three screws sized 4x35mm per bracket to attach them.

Measure twice, cut once

Plan the positions of the connectors and corners. Measure your gutters and cut them to size with the hacksaw. Remember to leave a bit of extra room to connect the pieces to each other.

If you don’t have an outlet and need to cut a hole for the downspout, first place the gutter in the brackets. Use the downspout to find the place it will be located at and mark the area. After cutting the hole, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to connect it.

Join all the parts 

Apply lubricant to all the parts – outlets, corners, joiners – but not to the caps. This makes installation smoother and ensures no parts get damaged. Start joining all the pieces together and install the caps to the ends of the gutter.

Attach gutter to brackets

Attach your gutter to the brackets following the guide for your model. When you’re using the gutter system that comes with Summerhouse24 garden sheds you’ll use the front edge fold of the gutter and place it on the front nibs of the hangers. You’ll then push the gutter in the direction of the fascia board until it snaps into place on the rear hanger clip.

Add the downspout

Connect the downspout to your outlet and secure it to the wall every couple of metres. Leave a little wiggle room for the GAMRAT gutters (about 6 mm) when you’re joining sections.

The final step is to add an elbow as a downspout shoe. You’ll need to add a fixing band here, just below the joint of the connector. Optionally, you can also add some eaves strips to your fascia board for extra protection.

Pour yourself a cuppa

It’s done! After 20 minutes of ‘hard work’, it’s time to put on the kettle and enjoy the beautiful sight of your handiwork!

Tips for shed gutter installation

Here are a few tips that make installing a gutter easier.

• Are you installing your gutter in the winter? In that case, make sure that the temperature is over 5°C.
• Do you have a steep roof? It’s a good idea to consider getting snow barriers. This is to stop any surprise snow slides.
• If there is a shiny metal under your gutters, paint it to reduce heat reflection. The heat will otherwise unnecessarily damage the PVC, reducing its lifespan.
• Use parts from one brand. Mix and match might work for your wardrobe, but it will not help your gutters!

Maintaining your shed gutter

Maintain your gutters once or twice a year to ensure they last you for a while and do their job properly. The end of Spring and Autumn are the perfect times to check your gutters – all you need to do is clean out debris and fix any leaks.

To keep your shed in overall good condition make sure to paint your shed now and then. Ventilating your shed is also important, sufficient airflow keeps things crisp and fresh! 

If you have any questions about our garden sheds and the guttering system we use, you can contact us by calling 020 3807 0369 or emailing info@summerhouse24.co.uk