A Strong Rain Gutter Splice Technique

A strong rain gutter splice technique is definitely needed for my new gutter. The gutter material I have chosen comes in standard lengths. My new gutter is going to be longer than that standard “off the shelf” length. So somewhere along the gutter, there will need to be a splice or two.

Close-up view of gutter splice on damaged gutter

Caution going off-topic

I could get an “off the shelf” splice bracket. If you don’t want a strong splice and you want the splice to jump out at you and say “Hey here I am” this is the part for your new gutter. I have used a splice bracket once before and I was sorry I had used it as I was hanging the gutter.  The splice was very flimsy, the gutter would almost bend at the splice while I was trying to hang the gutter. Ok ok, you’ve got the picture, I’m putting away the rant box, going back on topic.

Creating a good strong splice

Creating a strong splice in the gutter will need a special technique. The execution of this technique will leave you with a professional installation look to the gutter. It creates an almost seamless look(very low profile) and a super-strong splice.

The splicing technique demonstrated in the following video is very strong. He overlaps the two pieces of the gutter by twelve inches. Also, I like that the rivets holding the two pieces together are not visible from the ground contributing to the almost seamless look. I have used this spicing technique and it is simple, extremely strong and very easy to execute.

Safety

You will be working with a power tool spinning a blade at high speeds. Eye protection is mandatory. Leather gloves to protect the hands are also called for even though the person on the video did not use them.

Tools you will need

1. A measuring tape
2. A pencil or marker
3. Combination square
4. Angle grinder
5. Cutting blade for angle grinder
6. Other cutting tools(optional if you don’t want to use the angle grinder)
7. Pop rivet gun

Materials you will need

1. rain gutter
2. pop rivets
3. gutter sealant

Cutting the gutter

Cutting the gutter will require you to make a decision. Do you use power tools or do it with hand tools? Hand tools such as tin snips will cut the gutter but they may distort the cut so that your splice many not fully seat tightly together. The angle grinder with a cutting blade for metal will produce the best cut. It makes the cuts quickly and smoothly with no distortion of the metal. It will make cutting the notch really easy.

If you haven’t put an angle grinder into your toolbox this is a good reason to do it. If you’re thinking that it won’t get much use you couldn’t be further from the truth. The angle grinder will expand your to-do list with all the attachments that are available to use. I consider it one of the top five power tools to own because it can be used on so many projects.

Which end shows

I noticed that when he put the splice together the end he had cut appeared to be on the outside. If you’re not very good at cutting a straight line your cut is going to be visible. I would recommend that the uncut factory end be the visible piece instead to get the best-finished look. This means that you will need to notch the piece that has not been cut.

One last thing on splice location

Related Articles: Why Choose Steel Rain Gutter

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RayC.

Editor at Mybusyretiredlife.com

Trained in the mechanical arts. I have worked on anything dealing with a home from changing a light bulb to moving a load bearing wall. As for the recipes, they came about after I could not find what I was looking for and recipes that over a lifetime I have come to love and want to share with the world.

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