Rain gutter for shed: DIY installation & best practices

Why do sheds need gutters?

Many homeowners overlook the importance of gutters on sheds, but installing them can prevent several common problems:

Foundation Protection: Just like your home, a shed’s foundation can suffer from prolonged exposure to uncontrolled roof runoff, leading to erosion, rot, and structural damage over time.
Preventing Splashback: Water cascading off a shed roof can splash back onto its walls, promoting mold, mildew, and rot on the siding, especially at the base.
Water Harvesting: Gutters provide an excellent opportunity to collect rainwater for gardening, washing tools, or other outdoor uses, reducing your water bill and conserving resources.
Preserving Landscaping: Unmanaged runoff can create muddy pathways, erode garden beds, and damage plants around your shed.
Extended Lifespan of the Shed: By managing water effectively, gutters help protect all parts of your shed, from the roof edge to the foundation, extending its overall lifespan.

For sheds, you generally don’t need the same heavy-duty gutters as for your house, but careful selection is still key:

Size: Most sheds can effectively use smaller, 4-inch gutters (compared to the standard 5-inch for homes). This is typically sufficient given the smaller roof area. However, if your shed has a very large roof footprint or you live in an area with extremely heavy rainfall, a 5-inch gutter might be considered.
Material:
- Vinyl (PVC): A popular choice for sheds due to its low cost, lightweight nature, and ease of DIY installation. It snaps together easily and doesn’t require painting. However, it can become brittle in extreme cold and expand/contract with temperature changes.
- Aluminum: More durable than vinyl, won’t rust, and comes in various colors. It’s lightweight but requires cutting and sealing, making it slightly more involved for DIY.
- Steel: Very durable and robust but heavier, more expensive, and can rust if not properly coated. Generally overkill for a typical shed.

Shed-Specific Gutter Kits: These are often found at hardware stores and are designed for DIY installation on smaller structures. They typically include pre-cut sections of vinyl or aluminum gutter, hangers, downspouts, and end caps. They are convenient and cost-effective.
Custom Solutions: If your shed has a unique roofline, is very large, or you prefer a more durable material like seamless aluminum, a custom solution (either DIY cutting/assembling standard gutter sections or hiring a professional for seamless installation) might be better. This offers more flexibility in design and material choice.

Installing gutters on a shed is very similar to a house, just on a smaller scale:

Measure: Measure the length of your shed roofline(s) to determine the amount of gutter needed. Also, decide on the downspout location(s).
Determine Pitch: Plan for a slight downward slope (1/4 inch per 10 feet) towards your downspout location to ensure water drains effectively. Use a string line and a line level.
Attach Hangers: Install gutter hangers every 2-3 feet along the fascia board (the trim board directly below the roof edge) of your shed, following your pitch line. Use appropriate screws for wood.
Install Gutters: Snap or screw gutter sections into the hangers. Use connectors to join sections and seal all seams with exterior-grade silicone caulk. Attach end caps to the ends of the gutter runs.
Install Downspout Outlet: Cut a hole in the bottom of the gutter where your downspout will attach and install a downspout outlet.
Install Downspout: Attach the downspout elbows and the vertical downspout section. Secure it to the shed wall with downspout straps.
Add Extension/Diverter: Attach a splash block, extension, or rain barrel diverter to the bottom of the downspout.

Splash Block/Extension: The simplest method is to use a plastic or concrete splash block at the base of the downspout to direct water a few feet away from the shed. Alternatively, a flexible or rigid downspout extension can carry water further.
Rain Barrel: For water harvesting, connect the downspout directly to a rain barrel using a downspout diverter kit. This allows you to collect runoff for gardening or other uses, reducing water waste.

Regular Cleaning: Shed gutters, especially if exposed to trees, will collect leaves and debris. Clean them out at least twice a year (spring and fall), or more often if needed.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any loose hangers, leaks, or cracks, and repair as needed.
Winter Prep: In colder climates, ensure gutters are clear of debris before winter to prevent ice dams. If using a rain barrel, disconnect it and drain the diverter to prevent freezing damage.

No Pitch: Installing gutters perfectly level will lead to standing water and clogs. Always ensure a slight slope.
Not Cleaning First: Installing covers or attempting repairs on dirty gutters is ineffective.
Ignoring Downspout Discharge: Simply letting water fall at the base of the downspout will cause foundation damage. Always use an extension or collection system.
Insufficient Hangers: Too few hangers will lead to sagging gutters over time.
Using Indoor Sealants: Always use exterior-grade, waterproof silicone sealant.

Protect your shed and enhance your yard! All Gutters offers tailored solutions for shed gutter installation. Get your free estimate today!