Metal building gutters are a smart addition to a metal structures, like a carport or garage. Gutters protect building foundations, control drainage around it, and prevent pooling water. Without that line of defense, the foundation of your metal building is at risk.
Installing metal gutters costs between $9.44 to $14.08 per linear square foot. We’ll explain all the benefits of new metal building gutters. You’ll also learn how to install gutters on a metal building, in case you plan to go install them yourself.
Top 5 Reasons to Add Gutters to Your Metal Building
No one likes to walk through a waterfall to get into their detached garage when it’s raining. Besides convenience, there are a few other reasons why gutters are important when it comes to making sure your metal building stands the test of time.
1. Keep Your Family Dry
Gutters stop water from flowing off the roof of a building and soaking you as you walk underneath. Whether you’re walking to your car or just heading to the garage to grab something quickly, you’d like to be able to do it without going for a swim.
Gutters control flowing water and direct it from the roof of your metal building to the ground.
2. Reduce Roof Leaks
Whether you have a metal garage or an alternative structure, it won’t do you much good if your interior and storage is always wet after a storm. Gutters protect your valuables and metal building paneling by routing drain water away from entry points.
3. Avoid Excessive Landscaping Damage
If you have any vegetation planted near your garage or carport, the force of water running off the roof can injure your plants or even uproot them. The same is true for any mulch beds or gravel, including walkways, that might be nearby—they can be washed away without controlled drainage via gutters.
Even if you have a gutter or plan to install one, make sure the downspouts stay clear of any landscaping. Pooling water from the gutters can still damage your landscaping.
4. Extend the Life of Your Foundation
Many metal buildings are constructed with solid foundations to maximize their life span. If you don’t add gutters to a metal building, rain can pool at the foundation and damage its structural integrity. Water can seep underneath your building’s foundation and lead it to sink or crack.
Even anchored carports without a foundation can benefit from gutters. They’ll protect what’s underneath and ensure water doesn’t pool on the gravel, concrete, or asphalt.
5. Prevent Unwanted and Costly Repairs
All of the above are great reasons to get gutters—but most importantly, roof leaks lead to money leaking from your wallet. It costs between $900 to more than $5,000 to protect a metal building with gutters, which isn’t cheap.
Long-term, gutters might help you avoid other costly repairs.
How to Install Gutters on a Metal Building
So you’re ready to go—you’ve either decided to get new gutters for your metal building, or you want to get started with the materials you already have. Here’s how to install gutters on the roof of a metal building.
| Materials: (purchase after step 1) | Tools: |
| • Gutters • Downspouts • Gutter supports • Gutter brackets • Screws • Bolts | • Pencil • Tape measure • Drill • Drill bits • Tin snips (or other cutting tool) • Ladder |
1. Measure Your Roof
Measure the overhang, or eaves, of your roof where the gutters will hang. Include any garage extensions and leave a little extra space at the corners where rainwater sometimes collects.
You’ll also want to plan for gutter pitch. Angle your gutter downward to maintain a consistent flow and improve drainage. Professional contractors recommend ¼-½ inch slope for every 10 feet of gutter.
Pro tip: Plan to install your gutters a few inches lower than the roof to prevent rainwater from backing up on the roof.
2. Install Gutter Supports
These attach with screws at each end of your gutter once the gutter goes up. You may also need to install supports in the middle to support longer gutters (for example, on a 40×80 metal building). Depending on the building’s wall thickness, you may need large metal screws for this step.
3. Trim Your Gutters
Now, it’s time to size the gutters for your metal building. Cut the gutters to a pre-measured length from step 1. You can use tin snips, a saw, or other cutting power tools on hand.
Don’t forget your allowance for the gutter corners.
4. Drill Pilot Holes for Attachments
Next, prepare your gutters for installation. You’ll secure them with screws or bolts, so measure where your fasteners will go and get ready to drill.
Some gutters come pre-drilled for brackets. Otherwise, you’ll need to mark and drill pilot holes to attach the gutter with bolts or screws.
Depending on your gutter and environment, you should space brackets 18-24 inches apart. Wetter climates with snow and heavy rain shouldn’t exceed 18 inches.
5. Attach Gutter Brackets
Gutter brackets help keep the gutter attached to the side of your building. Without these guiding brackets, wind may damage your gutters or shake them loose when water runs through them.
You’ll fasten these into the fascia board that lines most buildings’ roofs. However, your metal garage might not have fascia. In that case, you’ll need roof straps to connect the gutters to the roof.
6. Install Metal Gutters
You’re ready for any rainstorm that comes your way. Be sure to tighten bolts and screws to ensure you’re protected from leaks or weak spots.
If you’re not confident that you can install gutters yourself, don’t worry—you won’t have to weather the rain. You can contact a gutter installation company to size up your metal structure and install a gutter for you.
Opt for Gutters to Protect Your Metal Building
A properly maintained gutter system directs water away from your garage, carport, or shed and protects your metal structure stays protected from rain damage for years to come.
Alan’s Factory Outlet does not sell gutters to outfit metal buildings. Our vertical roof may work best when adding gutters, but we recommend you speak to a local gutter installation expert in your area to discuss details, pricing and timelines.
If you’re in the market for a new metal building and are planning ahead for gutters, head over to our 3D garage and carport builder to customize and envision your new structure.
