We get this a lot: “can I install my own gutters?” Technically, a handy homeowner can hang a length of gutter. But in Queensland, gutters form part of your roof drainage system and must meet the National Construction Code and AS/NZS 3500.3. Poor fall, the wrong fixings or missed overflow provisions can cause leaks, timber rot and internal damage—problems that cost far more than a professional install. As Manchester Roofing, our clear advice is: don’t DIY your gutters.
Safety first: working at height isn’t “just a ladder job”
Falls from ladders are one of Australia’s leading causes of serious injury. Queensland’s WHS laws and codes set strict controls for work at heights, including when ladders may be used and how. What looks like a quick afternoon task can turn risky fast—especially around roof edges, wet decks and uneven ground. Leave the heights to trained crews with the right gear and rescue plans.
Compliance isn’t optional (and it’s easy to get wrong)
Gutters and downpipes must be designed and constructed in line with the NCC, which points to AS/NZS 3500.3 (Stormwater drainage) for acceptable performance. That covers things like gutter capacity, minimum falls, locations and sizes of outlets, overflow paths, compatible materials and fixings, and how downpipes connect to the system. A “near enough” DIY job can look neat on day one and still fail the first summer storm.
Licensing and accountability
In Queensland, guttering is a defined trade: Metal Fascias and Gutters sits within the QBCC licensing framework, and roof and wall cladding is also licensed work. Engaging licensed contractors protects you with consumer law obligations, documented scope, and a paper trail that insurers and future buyers understand. DIY gives you none of that—and if something goes wrong, you carry the risk.
Why DIY gutter installs so often cause issues
- Incorrect fall and outlet placement. Too little fall or too few outlets and water ponds; too much, and joins stress and leak. Overflow provisions (slots, spreaders, sumps) must be matched to rainfall and roof area under AS/NZS 3500.3.
- Mixed or incompatible materials. Pairing the wrong fasteners with Colorbond®, Zincalume® or copper invites galvanic corrosion.
- Fixings and brackets. Bracket spacing changes with profile, span and wind loads; the wrong layout can deform the gutter during a downpour.
- Penetrations and sealing. Poorly sealed stop-ends, corners and outlet cuts leak behind the fascia and into framing—you often won’t see the damage until it’s expensive.
What a professional installation includes (our process)
At Manchester Roofing we don’t just “hang gutter”; we deliver a compliant drainage system built for Brisbane weather.
- Measure & design — We size gutters/outlets and set falls to suit your roof catchment, local rainfall and site constraints, in line with NCC/AS 3500.3.
- Safe access & removal — We establish compliant height safety and remove old gutters without damaging fascias or eaves.
- Supply & install — We install quality profiles and compatible fixings in Colorbond®, Zincalume®, galvanised, aluminium, copper or stainless to match your home and environment.
- Test & finish — We water-test outlets/overflow paths, seal joins correctly, and leave downpipes ready for your stormwater plan.
With 30+ years in Brisbane roofing, we handle gutter replacements, roof works and complex details end-to-end, so you’re not coordinating multiple trades or gambling on compliance.
When DIY might be okay (and when it isn’t)
- Okay: basic maintenance—cleaning leaf litter from accessible gutters from the ground using tools or with proper safety controls in place.
- Not okay: installing new gutters, altering outlet positions, cutting penetrations, working near live electricals, or anything that affects roof drainage performance. Those jobs trigger standards, licensing and height-safety requirements.
Choosing the right gutter for Brisbane conditions
Beyond colour and profile, we help you choose materials that stand up to coastal air and summer downpours, specify correct bracket spacing and fasteners for wind zones, and plan overflow so water goes away from walls and subfloor. It’s the detail that protects paint, plaster and landscaping for years to come.
The bottom line
If you’re Googling “can I install my own gutters”, you’re also accepting the risk if something leaks or a fall occurs. Gutters are a safety- and compliance-critical part of your home. Our recommendation is simple: don’t DIY—use licensed roofers who install to the NCC and AS/NZS 3500.3 and follow Queensland height-safety rules. It’s safer, fully compliant and cost-effective over the life of your roof.
Need new gutters or a straight answer on repair vs replace? Talk to Manchester Roofing—Brisbane’s trusted team for gutter installation and replacement in long-lasting materials, installed safely and to standard.
