A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
If you’re tired of cleaning out leaves and debris from your gutters every fall, it might be time to consider a gutter protection system.
Gutter guard installation is one of the most effective ways to keep your gutters flowing freely and protect your home from potential water damage. But how do you know which type of gutter guard is right for your home? And how do you even go about installing mesh gutter guards or other DIY gutter guards?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gutter guard installation, including the best types for your home and gutter guard maintenance tips. Ready to make your gutters maintenance-free? Read along.
Why Install Gutter Guards in the First Place?
Before we get into the step-by-step guide, let’s quickly talk about why installing gutter guards is worth the investment. If you’ve ever spent hours scooping out leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters, you know how time-consuming (and often messy) the process can be. And over time, clogged gutters can lead to serious issues like:
Water damage to your roof and foundation
Rust and corrosion in your gutter system
Pest infestations (yep, gutters are a favorite spot for rodents and insects)
By adding a gutter protection system, you can stop these problems before they start. Now, let’s get to the fun part
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Gutter Guards
Installing gutter guards can save you time and effort in maintaining your gutters, protect your home from water damage, and keep your system working smoothly year-round. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a hassle-free installation process and long-lasting gutter protection.
Choose the Best Gutter Guards for Your Home
The first thing you need to do before gutter guards installation is decide which type of guard is right for your home. There are several gutter guard types available, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown:
Mesh Gutter Guards
Installing mesh gutter guards is a popular option because they are affordable and effective. Made from fine metal mesh, they keep out small debris while allowing water to flow through easily. If you’re looking for a DIY gutter guard option, mesh is a great choice. They come in rolls or pre-cut sections that are easy to install.
Foam Gutter Guards
These fit inside your gutters like a sponge, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. They are easy to install but might require more frequent gutter guard maintenance compared to other types.
Brush Gutter Guards
These guards look like giant pipe cleaners and are placed inside the gutters to trap debris while allowing water to flow through. However, they can sometimes cause blockages if the debris is too heavy.
Reverse-Curl Gutter Guards
These are designed to use surface tension to keep water flowing while pushing debris out. They are a bit pricier but are very low-maintenance once installed.
Surface Tension Gutter Guards
One of the best gutter guards for homes with a high volume of debris, these guards use tension to pull water into the gutter while allowing debris to fall off the edge.
Once you’ve chosen your gutter protection system, you’ll need to gather your materials.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you start installing mesh gutter guards or any other type, make sure you have everything you need for the job. Here’s a checklist of the basic materials and tools:
Gutter guards of your chosen type
Ladder, preferably an extension ladder for safety
Screwdriver or drill for securing the guards
Measuring tape to ensure correct sizing
Scissors or snips for cutting the guards to fit
Work gloves to protect your hands
Once you’ve got all your tools and guards ready, it’s time to begin.
Clean Your Gutters First
Before you start gutter guard installation, it’s important to clean out your gutters completely. This step makes sure that you’re starting with a clean surface and prevents debris from getting trapped behind the guards. Use a scoop to remove any leaves or dirt from inside the gutters, and flush them with water to ensure everything flows properly.
Measure and Cut the Gutter Guards
The next step is to measure the length of your gutters and cut your gutter guards to fit. Most DIY gutter guards come in either pre-cut lengths or rolls that can be cut to size. Make sure you leave a little extra length so that you can trim it later for a perfect fit.
Install the Gutter Guards
Now comes the fun part: installing the gutter guards! The installation process will vary depending on the type of guard you’ve chosen, but here’s a general guide:
Start at One End of the Gutter: Begin by placing the first section of your gutter guard at the far edge of your gutter.
Align it with the Gutter Edge: Ensure that the guard fits securely along the edge of the gutter and overlaps slightly to prevent debris from getting through the sides.
Secure the Guard: Use screws, clips, or adhesive (depending on the guard type) to attach the gutter guards to the gutter system. Be careful not to tighten too much, as this could cause damage to the guard or gutter.
Move Along the Gutter by Repeating the Process: Install each subsequent section, ensuring a snug fit between them.
Secure the Guards and Test for Fit
Once all the sections are in place, secure everything tightly and double-check the fit. Ensure there are no gaps and that the guards are properly aligned with the gutter’s edge. Finally, test the system by spraying water over it and checking for flow. Make sure water flows freely and that no debris is blocking the guards.
Gutter Guard Maintenance Tips
Now that your gutter guards installation is complete, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to ensure they continue to perform at their best. Here are a few gutter guard maintenance tips:
Check Regularly for Debris: While the guards keep most debris out, some larger twigs and leaves might still find their way in. Clean your guards every 6 months to prevent buildup.
Inspect for Damage: Make sure the guards are secure and haven’t shifted out of place. This is especially important after heavy storms.
Clean Your Downspouts: Occasionally, flush out your downspouts to ensure water flows properly.
Conclusion
Installing gutter guards is a great way to reduce the amount of maintenance your gutters require and protect your home from water damage. Whether you choose DIY gutter guards or professional installation, the process is simple and the benefits are huge.
For the best gutter guards for homes, make sure to choose a gutter protection system that fits your needs, home design, and the amount of debris in your area. If you need help with gutter guard installation or have questions about which system is right for your home, feel free to reach out to Kelly Gutter Co.. We’re here to make your gutter care easier than ever!