Gutters divert rainwater from your roof to the ground or drain, and away from the foundation of your house. Without gutters, the water would pound along the foundation line and erode the soil. Over time, it will eventually seep down along the foundation and increase the risk of basement leaks and structural instability.
The correct installation of the gutter is essential to ensure a good water flow. An important part of this project is cutting the pieces of the gutter to length. You will need different tools depending on the material you’re working with, bet it aluminum or vinyl, but this is the general procedure for how to cut gutters:
First, measure the cut length, mark the place where you want to slice the piece, cut, and file the sharp edges.
Keep reading to find out the step-by-step instructions and some tips to tackle this project!
How to Cut Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are a popular gutter material because of their incredible durability, but cutting it requires some care and patience to safely achieve good results. Make sure to wear work gloves to protect your hand from any sharp metal edges.
There are many ways to do it, but the simplest and easiest method to cut aluminum gutters is by using pattern shears. If you’ve never come across pattern shears before, they’re tin snips with long handles and narrow cutting jaws specifically designed to reduce distortion caused to the cut end.
Tools and Supplies You’re Going to Need
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s pencil
- Combination square
- Pattern shears
- Worktable
- Fine-tooth file
- Work gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set the section of aluminum gutter you want to cut upside down on your worktable.
- Measure the length of aluminum that you need to cut and mark the place on the bottom of the gutter. If you want (and are able to), you can also hold the gutter section up to the position where it’s going to fit and place a mark where the cut needs to be made.
- With the help of a combination square, extend the cut mark around both sides of the gutter.
- Flip the aluminum section over so that the bottom lies against the surface of your worktable.
- Grab the pattern shears and cut along the marked line. We recommend that you start at the flange and then turn inward toward the opening of the gutter. Take your time so that you can achieve a straight cut.
- Switch to the other side of the piece and repeat the previous step to cut down along the remaining side of the aluminum gutter.
- Bend the gutter gently away from the cut sides to cut across the bottom.
- With a fine-tooth file, remove the sharp edges left behind by the shears.
And that’s it! You just have to repeat the same process for each aluminum gutter section
How to Cut Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl is becoming increasingly popular as a gutter material for several reasons. It’s cheap, durable, lightweight, and very easy to work with. Cleaning it is an easy task, much more so than maintaining metal gutters because you can simply use soap and water without fear of scratches or rusting.
Tools and Supplies You’re Going to Need
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s pencil or fine-tipped marker
- Combination square
- Fine-toothed hacksaw, sharp scissors, or sharp knife
- Miter box
- Utility knife
- Worktable
- Work gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the gutter section you want to cut upside down on your worktable.
- Measure the length of vinyl that you need to cut and mark the place on the bottom of the gutter. If you want (and are able to), you can also hold the gutter section up to the position where it’s going to fit and place a mark where the cut needs to be made.
- Extend the cut mark around both sides of the gutter using a combination square.
- Turn over the vinyl section so that the bottom lies against the surface of your worktable.
- Place the gutter in a miter box to ensure you follow a straight line when cutting.
- Grab your tool of voice and start cutting the gutter from the bottom.
If you’re using scissors, start at the lip on one edge instead. Work your way carefully along the marked line, making small cuts so you can control the direction better.
When working with a knife, simply score all three sides of the gutter and work the material back and forth until it breaks in half.
- Remove any burrs with a utility knife.
Conclusion
If you’re considering replacing or installing new gutters as your next DIY project, then rest assured that cutting them to measure can be a simple task!
Depending on the material of your gutters, you might need a pair of pattern shears or a hacksaw but once you’ve marked the cut, you can make quick work of each section.
However, don’t rush it. Gutter sections that don’t fit properly are completely useless and will give you more than one headache!
