Ryerson Clark/iStock
DCL
Everyone likes gutters on the side of a house but very few people like ending up in the gutter outside of their house. The house-hugging gutters can be a great benefit to the sustainability of your home. They keep water away from the foundation, preventing water damage. They can also route water into rain barrels, cisterns or other grey water systems. Good news for you salvagers and reclaimers, most people don't take their gutters when they abandon a house.
Here's how to remove gutters from a house:
1. Obtain a ladder.
2. Start at a downspout. The downspout will most likely be held in place by rivets or screws. Unscrew screws. Use a drill to remove rivets.
3. Remove downspout elbow with drill or screwdriver. Place entire downspout aside.
4. Repeat this method for each downspout.
5. Climb ladder. Examine gutter trough.
6. The gutter will be attached to the roof with hangers, straps or screws.
7. Remove straps with a snip. Remove screws with a screwdriver or remove hangers with a pry bar.
8. Pull gutter away from the house. Make sure your ladder is steady. Get a buddy to help you.
9. Load gutters into truck.
