How to Replace a Steel Gutter Downspout
The gutter downspout is used to help water flow out into the drainage. This needs to be installed properly and as per the required size. The steel downspout is an outlet fixed at the end of a rainwater downpipe. The rainwater downpipe runs vertically from the roof gutter to the ground. There should be a clearance between the downspout and the ground, about 15 to 50mm.There are many types of gutter downspouts made from different materials. The material used is often the same as the downpipe. As an example, a mild steel downpipe will have mild steel downspouts. In order to install a new downspout, you must first remove the existing downspout. Downspouts are prone to damage, and they might be loose, corroded or broken.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Hack saw (Or other powered cutting equipment)
- Measuring tape
- Sealant
- Elbow
- Downspout
- Metal straps
- Screw drill
- Screws
- Permanent marker
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
Step 1 – Remove the Rivets
Using a drill, remove the rivets that connect the lower elbow to the downspout. Steel cutting drill bits should be used for this job. Drill the rivet heads all the way. Rivets are found on the sides and front of downspout. Once the bottom elbow is loose, pull it away.
Step 2 – Remove Screws on Straps
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the downspout straps. Downspout straps, also known as metal brackets, connect the downspout to the walls.
Step 3 – Remove Downspout
Pull out the steel downspout from the elbow. Remove the upper elbow by drilling out the rivets that connect it to the connector at the top. Pull out the elbow.
Step 4 - Take Proper Measurements
Take the tape and measure the distance from the ground to the flat of the gutter. On the basis of the measurement that you get, to get the exact length of the downspout, deduct 5 to 7 inches from the original measurement.
Step 5 - Cut the Downspout
Take the tape and measure the measurement on the downspout with a marker on top and bottom of the downspout. Here you would need to reduce it by 2 1/2 inches and make a mark. After that subtract another 2 inches. Do the same thing on the other side of the downspout. Cut diagonally with the help of the hack saw on the marking.
Step 6 - Attach the Downspout
Take the sealant and apply all around the connector’s mouth raising it to the gutter making sure that there is no moisture or water on each of them. With the help of 6 rivet screws, secure the connector along with the gutter applying another coat of the sealant on the connecter but this time on the outside of the connector so that there is no leakage.
Step 7: Attach the Elbow
Use self tapping screws and attach the connector along with the elbow making sure that it is facing the ground. Make sure when you are doing this step, the downspout is resting on the wall. Take another elbow and attach it at the lower portion of the downspout in a sloped position. Take another elbow and attach it making sure that it points the ground.
Step 8 - Attach the End of the Spout
Make sure that the downspout is not touching the ground; attach the lower end of the downspout to the elbow, if it is touching the ground, cut it with the help of the hacksaw till the edge is off the ground.
Step 9 - Attach Metal Strips
To make sure that the downspout is secured properly, attach metal strips on equal distances throughout the downspout. Use a drill to drill the holes and secure the metal strips with screws.
Step 10 - Attach the Final Elbow
Take the last elbow and attach it to the downspout, also make sure that the elbow is facing the drainage system. Ask someone to pour some water from top to make sure that everything is fine and there is no leakage anywhere.
