Rain Diverters

By Robert Robillard on Home Maintenance

Installing Roof Rain Diverters

Nothing is more annoying than having to walk through a waterfall coming off your roof to reach the front door every time it rains. For many people gutters is not an option.

Photo: copper rain diverter installed on roof above porch entry

Rain Diverters

On the Concord, Massachusetts house pictured here the owner felt that gutters would take away from the aesthetics of the house moldings and as a result asked me to install a copper rain diverters, sometimes called a “Yankee Gutter” above this door.

Rain Diverters

Copper rain diverters are the perfect solution when a gutter is not a practical solution, there are too many moldings or the fascia angle is not the way you would like it.

Rain Diverters

The diverter stops roof runoff from falling on the door and shoots it off to the side.

Photo: copper rain diverter on roof prevents door below from being soaked by roof runoff.

Rain Diverters

Rain Diverters

I used 16 oz. copper sheet stock and my metal brake to fabricate the rain diverters. You can also buy these pre-made at contractor building supply warehouses.

Rain Diverters

The diverter is installed under the second course of shingles and is tilted to the left or right to shed the roof water. [see photo]

Photo: 16 gauge copper rain diverters I made on a metal brake

Rain Diverters

How To Install A Rain Diverter:

1. Cut the diverter about a foot longer on each side than the area you want to keep dry. this ensures that the water will be diverted far enough away.

2. Center the diverter over the area to be covered using a plumb bob or a string with a weight attached.

3. Using a flat pry bar or putty knife, loosen the second row of shingles up from the edge of the roof where the diverter will be located.

4. Slide the diverter under the shingles.

5. Slant the diverter so that one side is slightly lower than the other to allow for runoff. A slant of 3/4″ to 1” will suffice for a 6′ long diverter.

6. Carefully lift up the shingle tabs to keep from breaking them, and nail the diverter in place with roofing nails. Position the nails so they will be covered by the shingles and are a few inches up from the bottom edge of the overlapping shingles.

7. Install silicone, roofing cement or rubber flashing on the nail heads. Press the shingles down to seal them back in place.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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