A rain diverter is simply a piece of metal attached to the roof to guide water where you want it to go. Think of it like a little dam for your roof. And installing a rain diverter is much easier than you think.
How Much You Need to Invest
| How Much You Need to Invest | |
| DIY Skill Level | Low |
| Estimated Cost of Materials | $51 to $156 |
| Estimated Cost of Tools | $101 to $221 |
| Total Project Cost | $152 to $377 |
| Approximate Time | 1 hour |
Installing a rain diverter is relatively easy. As long as you know how to use a ladder safely and are comfortable working with the shingles of your roof, you can successfully install a rain diverter.
You should be able to buy a rain diverter for about $65 to $140 or make one yourself for $51 to $156. The cost depends on the material and size. If you make one yourself, the tools you have at home will also make a difference. You also need to think about whether or not you’ll paint it.
The estimated cost of DIY tools is $101 to $221. That means that the total cost of your project will be $116 to $377 if you don’t already have the tools or less if you already have some of the tools at home.
What’s a Rain Diverter?
A rain diverter is a metal strip on the roof that redirects rainwater away from certain areas. It’s commonly used to prevent water from flowing over doorways and entries, causing potential damage or creating a hazard.
Installing a rain diverter can help protect your home from water infiltration and keep your entryways dry during heavy rainfall.
Can I Install a Rain Diverter Instead of Gutters?
While a rain diverter can help redirect rainwater away from specific areas, it’s not a substitute for gutters in some cases. Gutters collect and channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation. This helps to prevent water damage and erosion. Gutters help drain rainwater properly and don’t extensively damage your home.
However, rain diverters are ideal where gutters aren’t necessary, feasible, or appealing. That could be in the case of a dormer or a porticoed entryway. However, it’s important to note that rain diverters may not look particularly attractive either, as they break up a roof’s structure.
Nevertheless, it’s true that rain diverters are easier and cheaper to install than gutters. This table highlights the differences between rain diverters and gutters:
| Features | Rain Diverters | Gutters |
| More effective protection from water damage | x | |
| Handle a lot of water | x | |
| Less likely to form ice dams | x | |
| More affordable | x | |
| Easier to maintain | x |
The Best Rain Diverter Materials
Your material of choice will affect the price and quality of your rain diverter. There are different materials to choose from. Below are some of the most popular ones.
Steel
Steel rain diverters are durable and can withstand pressure. However, they’re prone to rust and corrosion over time. Stainless steel diverters will be more rust- and corrosion-resistant, but not completely immune. They’re also pricier.
Copper
Copper easily resists rust and corrosion and may be desirable for its aesthetic appeal. Plus, it’s also long-lasting. But similarly to stainless steel, be prepared to pay more if you want your rain diverters to be made of this material.
PVC
You could also have PVC diverters if you want to save some buck and avoid rust and corrosion. But be careful, because too much pressure can easily bend this material. It’s not one to endure heavy impacts.
How Much Does a Rain Diverter Cost?
Depending on the material and size, you should be able to get a rain diverter at your local home improvement store for between $65 and $140.
However, you could also make a rain diverter yourself. It might be slightly cheaper and fit your home better.
Here are the materials you’ll need to make your own rain diverter:
| DIY Tools and Materials | Estimated Cost |
| Sheet Metal | $10 to $80 (depending on material, size, and where you get it) |
| Utility Knife or Scissors | $3 |
| Framing Square | $7 |
| Vice or Wood Pieces | $24 (or less if you use wood) |
| Rubber Mallet | $7 |
| Sandpaper (if desired) | $5 |
| Paint (if desired) | $15 to $30 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $51 to $156 |
To make your rain diverter, follow these steps:
- Measure out how big you want your rain diverters to be, then cut your metal.
- Place your metal between your vice or wood pieces. Leave two inches of protrusions for later.
- Use your hand or a rubber mallet to bend the metal.
- If you want to paint the metal, sand down its edges, spray, and let dry.
- Install your diverter on your roof (see below).
How to Install Your Rain Diverter
Now that you have your rain diverter ready, it’s time to install it. You don’t really need expert skills to do that, but you should know how to work safely with a ladder. You’ll also need to work with your roof, so if you’re not sure it can handle it, call a pro.
To install your rain diverter, you’ll need:
| DIY Tools | Estimated Cost |
| Suitable Ladder | $80 to $200 (based on size) |
| Pry | $8 |
| Hammer | $7 |
| Nails | $3 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $101 to $221 |
Here are the steps to install your rain diverter:
- Set up your ladder using a good technique.
- Loosen up the tabs by gently prying beneath each tab. Carefully lift them away from your roof to break their bond. You may need to apply more force with a hammer if it’s asphalt sealant that doesn’t release easily. Make sure you only release the third course of shingles around your entranceway. Don’t release other parts of your roof further away.
- Now that your roof is ready, you can install your rain diverter. Apply a quarter-inch bead of caulk on the underside of your drip edge, sliding it beneath the tabs. Push one end up tight next to the bottom part of the shingle tab. Be sure to leave about an inch’s worth of exposure for drainage slanting on the other side.
- To finish up the job, secure your project with roofing nails underneath the shingle tabs. Install them every two feet, then caulk them up with silicone. For extra protection, apply a little silicone caulk to the slots and around the edges.
We’ve got something for visual learners, too. Check out this video tutorial:
FAQ
A rain diverter is not to be confused with a rain barrel diverter. A rain barrel diverter is a device that redirects rainwater from a downspout into a rain barrel. The water will then sit there for storage and later use. Therefore, using a rain barrel helps to conserve water and reduce runoff.
Once again, a rain diverter and a downspout diverter are two different things. A downspout diverter is a device that redirects rainwater from a downspout away from a building. This prevents water damage to the home’s foundation.
No, a rain diverter shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a gutter because it can’t handle as much rain. It’s simply not as effective. However, a rain diverter may be more suitable for an area where you can’t install a gutter. It’s also cheaper and easier to install. Check out the differences between rain diverters and gutters above.
Your rain diverters can eventually run into various problems, like corrosion or rust. You’re less likely to experience these specific issues with PVC than with metals. However, PVC diverters may have problems of their own, being prone to denting.
Keep The Rain Away From Your Home
Directing water away from your roof and siding is essential to protecting your home from water damage. Neglecting this can cause various issues.
When you can’t install gutters, rain diverters are a great option for redirecting rainwater. And it can be done pretty easily.
However, working on a ladder is no easy task, and damage to your roof can be costly to repair. If you don’t feel up to installing rain diverters on your own, or if you need any other help regarding water damage prevention, get in touch with a gutter pro.
Main Image Credit: Lex20 / Canva Pro / License
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