Wooden Gutter Splicing

Running Scarf

This photograph shows a running scarf joint, the joint used to splice two long pieces without changing direction. The cut is at a forty-five degree angle.

Lake Bed

Before assembling the splice, cut a lake bed inside the gutter, 1/4 of an inch back into the trough, 1/8 of an inch deep and running half way up the sides of the trough.

Assembling

This photo shows the running scarf joint together. Before joining the two pieces, we put caulking on the end grain. However, once placed together, most of the caulking squeezes out leaving only a thin film. Now fill the lake bed you created with caulk, patting it smooth in the bottom of the gutter. Now enough caulk is in the lake bed to allow the gutter to expand and contract throughout the years.

Miter for Corners

Here is an inside miter. Note, the lake bed is ready for caulking where the two pieces meet. The reverse of this joint is used for an outside miter.

We hope this description has been helpful.
For more information about the installation and care of redwood gutter
Return to the Gutter Installation page