Omar Khalid
Gutter guards are an excellent way to protect your gutters, roof, and home from debris, leaves, twigs, and even unwanted creatures. Installing plastic gutter guards is a simple and affordable DIY project that can extend the longevity of your home's exterior structures. Before installing gutter guards, it is essential to clean and repair your gutters, ensuring they are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris. You can use a leaf blower or a gutter scoop to remove loose debris and check the downspouts for any blockages. Once your gutters are clean, you can install mesh gutter guards that fit your gutter size by snapping them into place or following the manufacturer's instructions for specific gutter guard types.
Characteristics and Values Table for Plastic Gutter Guard Installation
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect gutters from debris, leaves, twigs, embers, and unwanted creatures |
| Benefits | Extends the longevity of exterior structures, prevents clogging, and reduces damage to siding and foundation |
| Materials | Plastic, aluminium, or fine mesh |
| Installation Type | DIY or professional installation |
| Preparation | Clean and repair gutters, measure each gutter's width, depth, and length, consider roof pitch and snow/ice buildup if applicable |
| Installation Process | Snap gutter guards into place, clip screen lip to the front, slide backside under shingles |
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What You'll Learn
- Measure gutters and roof pitch to select the right product
- Clean and repair gutters before installing gutter guards
- Choose between gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards or gutter fillers
- Install gutter guards by clipping screen lip and sliding under shingles
- Maintain gutter guards by removing debris with a leaf blower or gutter scoop
Measure gutters and roof pitch to select the right product
Before installing a plastic gutter guard, it is important to measure your gutters and roof pitch to select the most suitable product. Gutter guards come in various sizes, and the type of gutter guard you plan to install will influence how you measure your gutters.
The most common style of gutter is the K-style gutter, identified by measuring from the back of the gutter to the outermost tip. Most K-style gutters are 5 inches and take a 5-inch gutter guard, but 6-inch K-style gutters are also available and take a 6-inch gutter guard.
If you have fascia-style rain gutters, you would measure from the outer edge of the gutter to the closest edge of the roofing and add a few inches for underlap. You should measure at the lowest and highest points of the gutter, as the height of the gutter on the fascia and the slope of the roof will influence the measurement.
For PEB gutters, you would measure from the back of the gutter to the outermost portion at the crease or outward bend.
To calculate your roof pitch, you need to determine the total roof area by multiplying the length and width of your roof. You can then adjust for roof pitch, as roofs with steeper pitches will collect more water. For example, a 2000 sq. ft. roof with a 6/12 pitch would be adjusted to 2600 sq. ft. by multiplying it by 1.3.
You can also measure your roof pitch with a 2-foot level and a tape measure. Hold one end of the level against the roof and measure the distance between the roof and the underside of the level at its midpoint, which gives you a 12-inch run. A 5-inch gap, for instance, is a 5-in-12 pitch.
Once you have these measurements, you can refer to a gutter sizing guide to determine the best gutter size for your roof.
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Clean and repair gutters before installing gutter guards
Gutters are designed to carry water away from the edges of your roof so that it doesn't erode the soil around your home's foundation. When clogged with leaves, twigs, branches, or storm debris, they can fail and dump water where it shouldn't be. Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the chances of a clog, but they don't eliminate the need for occasional cleaning.
Before installing gutter guards, it is important to clean and repair your gutters. Start by assessing your gutter situation. Grab a ladder and check for any debris that may be blocking the flow of water. Be sure to select a stable ladder and consider bringing a friend or family member to help stabilise the ladder and watch your safety. For a two-story home, you may need an extension ladder.
Loose leaf debris can be removed with a leaf blower or by hand with a gutter scoop. Check the downspouts to ensure there are no larger items blocking the flow of water. Solid or soggy debris can be removed with a gutter scoop or by hand. You can also spray gutters clean with a hose. If your gutter guards are old and battered, consider replacing them to prevent water damage around your house.
Once the gutters are clean, inspect them for any damage. Run water through the system and watch out for any fissures or trickles. Take note of any sections that require urgent repair or replacement. If you notice any damage, repair or replace the affected sections before installing the gutter guards.
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Choose between gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards or gutter fillers
Gutter protection is essential to prevent clogging and reduce the need for maintenance. There are several options available, including gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards, and gutter fillers.
Gutter screens are a popular and inexpensive choice, made from metal or vinyl/plastic. They consist of long perforated strips that cover the gutters, blocking out small debris while allowing rainwater to enter. Metal screens, especially aluminium ones, are more durable than vinyl or plastic screens. Gutter screens are easy to install and maintain, but proper installation is crucial to prevent debris from sliding into the gutters.
Gutter covers, also known as gutter guards, completely cover the gutters to block debris. They have a reverse-curve design that uses surface tension to pull water into the gutter while allowing debris to slide off. Gutter covers are effective in preventing clogs and reducing maintenance costs. However, they may not be suitable for areas with heavy rainfall as the water's momentum can damage the basement or foundation.
Leaf guards are designed to keep gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. They can be made from foam, fitting inside the gutters to block debris while letting water pass through, or they can be a curved hood integrated into the gutter design to deflect debris. Leaf guards are effective in reducing maintenance, but they may require occasional cleaning.
Gutter fillers are another option, but they have the flaw of allowing small debris to enter the gutter over time.
Micro-mesh gutter guards are a unique and versatile solution, acting as a cross between screens and covers. They have hundreds of micro-perforations that direct water into the gutters while keeping out even small debris. Micro-mesh systems are durable, economical, easy to install, and perform well in extreme weather conditions.
When choosing between these options, consider factors such as cost, ease of installation, durability, and the level of protection needed for your gutters.
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Install gutter guards by clipping screen lip and sliding under shingles
Installing gutter guards is a great way to extend the longevity of your home's exterior structures. Gutter guards, also known as leaf guards, are a type of cover that goes over or inside your gutters to keep out debris, deter nesting animals, and keep rainwater flowing smoothly. Before installing gutter guards, it is important to clean and repair your gutters, and select the appropriate product for your roof type and budget.
This guide will focus on installing gutter guards by clipping the screen lip and sliding under shingles. Firstly, measure each gutter separately (width x depth x length) and consider the pitch (angle) of your roof. Gutters on higher-pitched roofs may need to be deeper to catch runoff during heavy rain or snow.
Next, climb up a ladder and start at one end of your gutter. Clip the screen lip of the gutter guard to the front edge of the gutter. Then, slide the backside of the gutter guard under the shingles. Continue down the length of the gutter, clipping the lip and sliding the guard under the shingles as you go.
Depending on the style of your gutter guard, it may have a lip that fits snugly without needing to be screwed down. If your gutter guard does not have a lip, you may need to screw it into the gutter lip. When you reach the other end of the gutter, cut the last piece of the guard to fit.
By installing gutter guards in this way, you can effectively protect your gutters from debris and ensure rainwater flows smoothly, all while maintaining the integrity of your shingles.
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Maintain gutter guards by removing debris with a leaf blower or gutter scoop
Gutter guards are an excellent way to reduce the maintenance of your gutters. They direct rainwater away from your home's foundation, preventing water damage. However, even with gutter guards, you will still need to maintain them by occasionally removing debris.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should never hold onto your gutters when cleaning them. Gutters are not designed to support your weight, and doing so can be dangerous and cause damage. Instead, use a sturdy, extendable ladder, ensuring it is stable and secure before climbing up. It is also a good idea to have someone spot you and help with tasks such as moving the tarp or stabilising the ladder.
If you have a mesh gutter guard, you can use a leaf blower to remove debris. However, be cautious as leaf blowers can sometimes push leaves under the eaves, exacerbating the build-up and creating a fire hazard. Therefore, it is recommended to use a small broom or a gutter scoop to reach every crevice and remove debris effectively.
For metal gutter guards, start by using a soft-bristled brush to scrub away stubborn debris. Then, rinse the mesh with a garden hose or pressure washer. If water is not flowing through, you may need to remove the guard to loosen the clog. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the small metal clips open, lift the guard, and rest it against the roof. Then, use a gutter scoop or trowel to clean out the clog, rinse the gutter, and reattach the guard.
Foam gutter guards are another option and can be easily installed as a DIY project. To clean them, it is best to remove them first and then rinse them with water using a garden hose or pressure washer.
Remember, even with gutter guards, it is important to regularly check and maintain your gutters to ensure they remain free of debris and clogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Gutter guards protect your gutter, roof, and home from debris, leaves, embers, and unwanted creatures. Clogged gutters can lead to damage to the siding and foundation of your home.
Gutter protection systems include gutter screens, gutter covers, leaf guards, and gutter fillers. Common gutter screens simply snap into place, while others attach under roof shingles or are fastened with screws.
First, measure each gutter separately (width x depth x length) and consider the pitch (angle) of your roof. Then, clean and repair your gutters. Finally, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the gutter guard. For simple gutter screens, start at one end of the gutter, clip the screen lip to the front, and slide the backside under the shingles.
