Stringline for Guttering Falls: When Is It Useful?

Stringline can make a gutter run easy to see, but it does not decide the required fall. Start with the gutter system instructions and project requirements, then use the line as a physical reference between established points.

Set the end points first

Determine the required positions from the installation information. Once those points are established, a taut stringline can provide a visible guide along the run for bracket positioning.

What stringline does well

It is cheap, physical and easy to see from several positions. Choose a high-visibility colour that contrasts the fascia, brickwork or background you are working against.

Where a laser can help

A laser can transfer a reference or help establish points before the stringline goes up. For a simple domestic gutter run, that may be unnecessary; a tape, appropriate level and stringline can be entirely adequate.

Do not invent a generic fall

Different systems and projects can have different requirements. Use the manufacturer's installation guidance or project specification rather than copying a universal number from a blog article.

The bottom line

Use stringline to make an already-established run visible. It is a guide between the points — not the source of the drainage design.

Read next

See Laser Levels for Guttering if you are deciding whether a laser adds anything to your setup.