DIY: How to Install a Gutter Liner

Rain gutters are an important addition to a house. They collect rainwater and remove it from the roof edges which helps prevent rot and fungus from eating away at the eaves. Cracks and holes will appear from time to time and replacing gutters can be an expensive proposition and a gutter liner is a practical alternative that will save time and money. Gutter liners can also be installed over the entire length of the gutters as added protection, if desired. Installing a gutter liner is not that difficult. Here are some tips on how to install gutter liner.

Items needed when installing a gutter liner:

Ladder

Scissors

Gutter liner material

Roofing cement

Putty knife or other flat-bladed tool

Wire brush

Abrasive pad or steel wool

Knife or other cutting blade

Optional materials and tools:

Downspout adaptors, end caps and corner pieces when lining entire system or when long lengths of gutter liner are to be used when installing gutter liner

Adhesive caulk (Note: caulk is often supplied by gutter liner manufacturer)

Caulk gun

Tin snips and scrap flashing material

Steps on how to install gutter liner:

Step #1:

Clean out all areas where gutter liner will be installed. This could include the entire gutter system, which is a good idea anyway. (Keeping gutters free from leaves, dirt and other obstructions will help them work properly and will prevent corrosion that leads to holes and leaks). Remove debris by hand, by using an implement (a claw hammer or garden tool such as a small hoe or hand rake) or by using a hose to wash dirt down the spouts. When using tools, be careful not to damage the gutters by poking holes in them.

Step #2:

Dry off areas to be repaired (if installing gutter liner over the entire system, allow enough time for all gutter areas to dry).

Note: If spot-repairing leaks, clean the area with water and wire brush. Allow to dry, then scrub the area with an abrasive pad or steel wool. Apply roofing cement and feather out with flat blade. For large holes, cut a piece from scrap flashing slightly larger than hole using tin snips. Apply roofing cement, bend edges of cut flashing scrap and fit flush into hole. Feather cement around edges of scrap repair piece.

Step #3:

Cut gutter liner material to cover repaired area or for entire length of gutter (when covering entire length, feed gutter liner beneath gutter hangars). For spot repairs, apply gutter liner material and remove backing.

Step #4:

For entire gutter system, cut length of gutter liner material to fit (gutter liner material may need to be trimmed for narrow gutters). Remove backing and apply gutter liner. Cut holes in liner over downspouts to size of hole.

Step #5:

Apply caulking with caulking gun to downspout areas, gutter ends or corner. Attach adaptor pieces in these areas.