A Comprehensive Guide to Fitting Guttering to Your Shed

If you’ve recently purchased a shed from us, or you’re looking to upgrade your old model, guttering is a perfect way to prepare your shed for winter.

Guttering collects any rainwater from your garden, which can be diverted into a water container for storage and future use. This water can then be used for various purposes, such as gardening, laundry, cooking, etc. 

Our guide will brief you on how to fit guttering onto a shed. Browse our most popular sheds whilst you’re here.

Safety Precautions

Before beginning any laborious work, you must wear PPE, including safety goggles, a face mask, safety boots, and ear protection. This will prevent injury or reactions to chemicals. 

Ensure that any equipment you use, such as electrical tools, ladders, and materials, are in good condition beforehand. 

Avoid working in bad weather conditions to avoid slipping or electrical shock.

Materials and Tools

Materials

• Guttering section material (uPVC, aluminium, or galvanised steel)
• Gutter brackets
• End caps
• Gutter joiners and connectors
• Downpipe brackets and downpipes
• Sealant
• Screws
• Leaf guards
• Rainwater divider 

Tools

• Measuring tape
• Ladder
• Chalk line
• Spirit level
• Hacksaw or pipe cutter
• Cordless drill
• Screwdriver
• Ladder stabiliser or stand-off arms
• Workbench or sawhorse
• Caulking gun

Planning and Preparation

You must plan out how you want your guttering to look and function before beginning the process:

1. Shed layout: Examine the layout of your shed and note where the water flows off the roof to identify where it should be directed. This will prevent erosion and damage.
2. Gutter material and style: Select the appropriate material for your shed from the list above. Then, choose between traditional half-round gutters, square-line gutters, or other styles based on the structure of your shed.
3. Gutter sizing: Calculate the roof area of your shed using measuring tape to choose the appropriate gutter size.
4. Downpipe placement: Determine the number and placement of the downpipes based on the shed's size and shape. 
5. Slope and alignment: Measure the roof's slope using a spirit level to determine the required angle for the guttering. 
6. Guttering accessories: Add leaf guards and rainwater diverters if your shed is in an area with heavy foliage or if you want to collect rainwater for reuse.

Installing the Guttering

Now that you are ready to install your guttering follow these steps for a quick and easy installation: 

1. Marking and measurements: Mark the desired placement of the guttering on your shed using measuring tape and chalk. The gutter brackets should typically be placed 24-36 inches apart.
2. Install brackets: Attach the gutter brackets to the shed with screws, using a level to ensure they’re straight.
3. Attach the gutter sections: Use screws to fasten the gutter sections into the brackets. Avoid overtightening to prevent damage. 
4. Connect gutter sections: If your shed requires various lengths of guttering, use gutter joiners or connectors to securely connect the sections.
5. Install end caps: Place them on both ends of the guttering, securing them tightly to prevent water from escaping. 

Downpipes and Drainage

Now that you have installed the guttering, you can move on to setting up your downpipes and drainage. 

Installing downpipes

1. Select downpipes: Choose the appropriate size and material for your downpipes based on the size of your shed and expected rainfall. Common materials include uPVC, aluminium, and galvanised steel.
2. Placement and positioning: Place your downpipes in locations connected to the guttering configuration. The downpipes should be distributed evenly along the guttering system, positioning them to direct the water away from the shed's foundation.
3. Secure downpipe brackets: Install the downpipe brackets to the wall, using a level to ensure they’re straight.
4. Attach downpipes: Fit the downpipes securely into the brackets using screws or clips.
5. Connect to the guttering: Attach an outlet connector or a gutter outlet to the top end of the downpipe. Ensure a secure connection with a watertight seal. Then, connect the downpipe to the guttering system using downpipe adapters or connectors. 

Setting up drainage

The following steps are optional. Before you decide on an approach, remove the ground around your shed from the foundation to prevent overflow.

• Soakaway Installation

• This is used for directing rainwater away from your shed by creating a pit filled with gravel or aggregate where rainwater can be directed into the ground.
• Dig a deep hole several feet from the shed to accommodate the soakaway pit.
• Fill the hole with a layer of coarse gravel or aggregate.
• Install a perforated drainage pipe in the pit and cover it with more gravel.
• Cover the pit with a layer of topsoil to blend it with the surrounding landscape.

• Rain Barrel Installation

• If you want to collect rainwater, install a rain barrel at the base of one or more downpipes.
• Place the rain barrel on a stable, level surface.
• Cut a section out of the downpipe to direct water into the barrel.
• Fit a rain barrel diverter kit to control water flow into the barrel.

• Extending Downpipe Outlet

• Depending on your shed's layout, you may need to extend the downpipe outlet to ensure water is directed to the desired drainage point.
• Use downpipe extensions or flexible hoses to extend the reach of the downpipe as necessary.

Sealing and Testing

The last step to fitting guttering on your shed is sealing and testing. Follow the guidelines below for accuracy. 

Sealing

1. Prepare the surface: Remove any dirt, debris, or old sealant from the surface, cleaning it thoroughly. Ensure it is dry before beginning. 
2. Apply sealant to joints: Begin with the joints and connections where two gutter sections meet. Apply a medium amount of sealant along the seam with a caulking gun. Press the sections together firmly for a secure bond.
3. Seal end caps and corners: Apply sealant to the inside edges of end caps and place the end caps firmly over the open ends of the guttering. For corners or angled joints, apply a sealant to the connecting surfaces before joining the sections.
4. Smooth and cure: Use a wet finger or a sealant tool to smooth out the surface and allow it to cure for 24 to 48 hours.

Testing

1. Flush water test: Use a hose to pour water into the guttering system starting from the highest point. Check for any leaks or drips at joints, connectors, or seams and repair if necessary.
2. Check downpipes: Inspect the downpipe connections to the guttering for any signs of leaks. Fix the issue if one is identified.