Installing a Rain Diverter Above a Door: A Roofer’s Guide

Hey there, folks! I’m Ernie, and I’ve been in the roofing business since 1978. My family has been in the contracting game for three generations, so you could say I’ve got roofing in my blood. Today, I want to share some valuable insights into a simple yet effective solution for dealing with rain runoff above your door—installing a rain diverter.

What’s a Rain Diverter, Anyway?

So, you’ve got a situation where water runoff from your roof is wreaking havoc over your back door, and you don’t want to go all out with seamless gutters on your entire house. Enter the rain diverter, a handy piece of bent metal that can save the day. It’s about 10 feet long, and you’ll need to cut it to a length slightly longer than the area you want to protect.

Steps for Installation Rain Diverter

Let’s break down the installation process:

1. Measurement and Cutting

Measure the area you want to protect, typically a door, and cut the rain diverter to a size that’s a few feet longer. For instance, if you’re protecting a 6-foot door, cut it to around 8 feet.

2. Slipping It In

Slide the rain diverter up under the shingles, positioning it about two or three courses up from the lower edge of the roof. To do this, you might need to break the seal underneath a row of shingles using a thin pry box. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds!

3. Pitch It Right

Ensure that the rain diverter is positioned to direct water away from the door area. You don’t want it running onto your patio. A slight pitch in the direction you desire should do the trick.

4. Securing It in Place

To keep the rain diverter in place, use 7/8-inch roofing nails to tack it down. Make sure to secure it firmly, so it doesn’t budge during heavy rain or wind.

5. Seal the Deal

To prevent any potential water seepage and to further secure the shingles, apply a generous amount of roofing cement on top of the rain diverter. This creates a watertight seal and keeps everything in place.

Why Use a Rain Diverter?

Rain diverters offer several advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Installing a rain diverter is much more affordable than a full seamless gutter system.

• Protects Your Door: It effectively redirects rainwater away from your door, preventing water damage and slippery surfaces.

• Easy Installation: With the right tools and a bit of DIY spirit, you can install a rain diverter without much hassle.

• Maintains Aesthetics: Unlike gutters that cover the entire house, rain diverters are discreet and won’t alter the appearance of your home.

Tips and Examples

To give you a better idea of how a rain diverter works, let’s consider a real-life scenario. Imagine you have a beautiful back door, and every time it rains, water pours down, soaking the area and potentially causing damage. A seamless gutter installation would be overkill in this situation. Instead, you can follow the steps I outlined above to install a rain diverter.

The rain diverter, once in place, will ensure that rainwater flows away from your door, keeping the area dry and safe. Plus, it won’t detract from the aesthetics of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to install a rain diverter?

The installation process is relatively quick and can usually be completed in a few hours, depending on your familiarity with roofing tasks.

2. Can I install a rain diverter on my own, or should I hire a professional?

If you’re comfortable with basic roofing tasks and have the necessary tools, you can certainly DIY it. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional roofer.

3. Will a rain diverter work for all door sizes?

Yes, you can customize the length of the rain diverter to suit the size of your door or the area you want to protect.

4. What’s the maintenance like for a rain diverter?

Maintenance is minimal. Periodically check for any damage or debris accumulation and make repairs as needed.

5. Can a rain diverter handle heavy rainfall?

Rain diverters are designed to handle typical rainfall. However, in regions with exceptionally heavy rainfall, it may be necessary to consider a more robust gutter system.

6. Will a rain diverter affect the appearance of my home?

No, rain diverters are discreet and won’t significantly alter the look of your home.

7. Is it possible to remove a rain diverter if I change my mind?

Yes, rain diverters can be removed if you decide to go with a different solution in the future.

8. Can I use a rain diverter for other areas of my home?

Absolutely! Rain diverters are versatile and can be used wherever you need to redirect rainwater away from a specific area.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a Rain Diverter cost-effective way to protect your door area from rain runoff without the need for seamless gutters, installing a rain diverter is a fantastic option. It’s a straightforward DIY project that can save you time and money while ensuring the safety and aesthetics of your home. If you have any further questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local roofing experts, like Ernie’s Roofing in Denver. We’re here to help!

Feel free to give us a call at 720-346-ROOF or visit our website at ErniesRoofing.com