Many homeowners live their whole lives without having to worry about their aluminum gutters. If you do find yourself in a situation where your aluminum downspout needs to be replaced or repaired, it is important to learn how to reduce it.
While you may be nervous or uneasy about tackling this project yourself, try not to worry. This simple guide will put you at ease and you’ll soon be an expert at cutting down your water consumption.
What Youll Need
Fortunately, this is a job that doesnt require a lot of tools. With just a few tools, you can complete the task quickly and efficiently.
- Aluminum downspout
- Ladder
- Tin snips, or a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade
- Downspout crimper
- Downspout straps
- Drill
- Self-tapping screws
- Carpenters pencil
Step I: Measuring
Your first order of business will be to measure for your project. Once you have determined the size of the downspout you require, you can measure the downspout using a pencil from a carpenter.
If you are replacing a damaged downspout and only need to do so, it is possible to remove the damaged one from the downspout and use it as a template.
Their guide may be able help you if you are unsure how much downspout is needed or if you’re tackling gutter work along with the downspouts.
Step II: Cutting The Downspout
Now, well cover how to cut downspout. Cutting downspout is easy, and you can handle all the cutting with a simple pair of tin snips. Or, if you have a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade handy, you can get a perfectly clean cut with the jigsaw.
If youre using tin snips, youll want to use one of shears to poke a hole in the downspout along the line youve marked when you measured. Next, use the tin scissors to cut the downspout.
This method doesnt produce the cleanest results. However, because your cut downspout will go into a prefabricated elbow you’ll be able hide any jagged edges within the elbow. So, you wont have to worry about your finished product looking less clean.
Your other option for cutting the downspout is to use a jigsaw outfitted with a metal cutting blade. This method is the best because it produces the most precise cut. In a pinch, a hacksaw or copingsaw can also be used.
Always wear gloves and safety glasses before using any power tools. You may also want to consider hearing protection. Whenever Im cutting metal, I wear long sleeves and pants, so I dont have to worry about getting any metal splinters.
Whenever Im cutting a downspout with a jigsaw, I like to position the downspout over two sawhorses. Then, Ill have a helper hold the downspout steady while Im cutting. This will ensure that the downspout is completely removed after the cut is complete.
Step 3: Crimp The Downspout
To make your downspout fit nicely inside the elbow, youll want to invest in (or borrow) a crimping tool. Without a crimper, youll end up crushing or deforming the end of your downspout to get it to fit. You will get a polished final product with the crimper.
Step IV: Attaching The Downspout
Next, attach the downspout at the elbow that extends from your gutter.
The ladder can be used to work the downspout towards the elbow. Once youve completely secured the downspout inside the elbow, secure the downspout and elbow by driving a self-tapping screw through both the elbow and downspout on either side.
For proper drainage, you will need an elbow installed at the bottom. Fit this elbow into the bottom of the downspout and secure it with self-tapping screws, as you did with the top elbow.
Secure the downspout to the exterior of the house using downspout straps. Youll be able to pick these up online or at any local hardware store. One strap should be used every eight feet.
Depending on the material the exterior of your home is made from, the protocol for attaching the downspout straps will vary. If you are unsure how to attach the straps to your home, consult a professional at your hardware store.
After the straps have been attached, wrap them around the downspout. Then drive a self-tapping bolt through the straps to the downspout.
The Final Word
If you were unsure of how to cut downspout before today, you aren’t alone. This is a common DIY project that most DIYers have never attempted. It is simple to cut down your gutters. You should now be able to do this job like a pro.
