How to Install a Rain Diverter

Repairs and Installation, Roofing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini

Gutters are a common way to handle rain running off a roof, but if your house doesn’t have gutters, you can still keep rainwater away from doors by installing a rain diverter.

A rain diverter is a specially made piece of metal flashing available at home improvement centers that is used to divert rainwater away from a doorway. This not only keeps you from getting wet but prevents the door from deteriorating as well.

Start by cutting the flashing with tin snips about 2-3 feet longer than the doorway you want to protect.

Next, carefully break the seal on a row of shingles above the doorway with a flat pry bar or putty knife.

Slide the diverter under the row of loosened shingles.

Tilt the rain diverter in the direction you would like the water to flow by angling one side down slightly.

Lift the shingles up and tack the rain diverter down in several places using roofing nails.

Finish up by putting a dab of roofing cement on each nail head to seal out water and help hold the shingles down.

Further Information

For more information on rain diverters, see our articles on:

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3 Comments on “How to Install a Rain Diverter”

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  1. steve Says:
    February 21st, 2009 at 16:13

    thats a ice dam waiting to happen use a short gutter (dont use spikes use the screw in gutter hangers)

  2. E Earl Says:
    June 18th, 2010 at 07:07

    May I send you a picture of a “diaverter” that was applied to my new guttering? I am no t pleased with the looks of it. Your input is appreciated.
    Thanks

  3. Official Comment:

    Ben Erickson Says:
    June 18th, 2010 at 10:59

    Hi Earl,
    You can send a picture of your diverter to ben@dannylipford.com

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