How to Install Gutter Guards for Hassle-Free Home Maintenance

Maybe you’re tired of constantly cleaning gutters, or you live in an area with frequent weather events that require gutter protection. Either way, you probably need to know how to install gutter guards.

Gutter Guards act as a cover to block leaves and debris, ensuring water flows freely and preventing clogging over time. They are available in a variety of styles. While installing gutter guards can be a DIY project, some situations may be better handled by an installation professional. Read on to learn all about gutter guards and how to install them.

Time required: 2 to 8 hours
Difficulty: intermediate
Estimated costs: $591 to $2,197

Tools & Materials

Before you start…

While it is not recommended to make your own gutter guards, homeowners can install store-bought guards with the right tools, equipment, and safety measures. Because this job involves the use of a ladder and requires comfort at height, many homeowners may prefer to hire a professional for the task.

Tips for installing gutter guards

• Clean the gutters before installing gutter guards.
• Choose the right type of gutter guard for your home.
• Install the guards according to the instructions or hire a professional to do the work.

safety aspects

• Attach a bucket to an S-hook hanging from the ladder for easy access to tools and supplies.
• Use a freestanding ladder instead of a ladder that would rest directly on the gutters.
• Enlist the help of a friend or family member or stand at the bottom of the ladder to avoid dangerous falls.

Do-it-yourself gutter guards are an excellent way to save money, but only if a homeowner has the tools and experience to get the job done right the first time. You need a ladder, tape measure, hammer and screwdriver to get started. If they don’t already own a saw, a homeowner must either rent or buy a circular saw to cut pieces of gutter guard to fit the exterior of the home.

But tools and materials are only part of the recipe for success when installing gutter guards. It is also best for a homeowner to have some experience or DIY skills as well as a good balance as this project will require a lot of time up a ladder. If a homeowner is doubting their skills or is uncomfortable with heights, it may be time to ditch the idea of ​​do-it-yourself gutter guards and consult a professional instead.

STEP 2: Choose the right gutter protector for your home.

The best gutter guard for a home depends on a number of factors, from the durability of the material to the homeowner’s budget. Gutter guards can cost anywhere from $591 to $2,197, with the average being $1,347. If a homeowner prefers to do this job, brush or foam gutter guards offer the easiest installation and cheaper cost (although foam gutter guards are notoriously less durable). Micromesh and surface tension gutter guards offer the longest durability but require professional installation.

Homeowners may want to consider the types of debris their gutters collect in order to decide on the appropriate type of gutter protector. For example, if a homeowner lives in an area densely forested with pine trees, they may want to go for one of the best pine needle gutter guards.

Guttering is usually measured in linear feet. Homeowners should use a tape measure to determine how many feet of gutter they need in order to know how many gutter guards to purchase.

STEP 3: Remove leaves and dirt from the gutters.

Before a homeowner installs gutter guards or has them professionally installed, it’s best to first clean the gutters to make sure no leaves, dirt, or water get trapped once the guards are in place. If a homeowner doesn’t have the time or tools to clean them, they can hire one of the best gutter cleaning services.

Gutter cleaning costs range from $118 to $224 depending on how many linear feet of gutters there are and the height of the house. Travel time and any repairs can also be included in the cost.

STEP 4: Test the gutters to make sure they are working smoothly.

To ensure that the gutters are free of debris and ready for the protection to be installed, it is advisable to test them with water and a hose. For this step, a homeowner can turn on the water and place the hose in the gutters to see how freely water flows through them. If the water is slow and not coming out of the downspout, there may still be leaves or debris in the gutters. When the water is flowing freely and out of the downspout, it’s time to install the gutter guard.

The more thoroughly a homeowner reads the manufacturer’s instructions, the smoother the installation should go. It is wise to gather everything you need first and have the tools and materials easily accessible. Homeowners can put their screwdriver and hammer in a bucket and hang it on an S-hook on the ladder for easy access.

Homeowners should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cutting and installing gutter guards. Cutting the guards will require a circular saw or hand saw.

During installation, each piece of protection must be well secured. If a storm hits and the gutter guard isn’t secure, it won’t do its job. This could cause water damage.

STEP 6: Consider hiring a professional to install gutter guards.

Installing gutter guards may seem like a simple task, but it can be surprisingly difficult if a homeowner doesn’t have the necessary DIY skills. Homeowners who are overwhelmed by the instructions for installing their gutter guards or are unsure about working up a ladder may find it best to have their gutter guards installed by a professional.

Professional installers are familiar with the ins and outs of gutter protectors and how to manage a roof with gutter protectors. Also, they’re likely licensed and insured, so accidents won’t be your responsibility. Professional plumbers also ensure that gutter guards are installed correctly so that the system is not compromised and water does not build up over time.

By choosing the right gutter protector for the home and reading the manufacturer’s instructions, a homeowner should have no trouble installing the protector. Still, working up a ladder isn’t for everyone, and professional plumbers can save homeowners the time and hassle of a home improvement job.

frequently asked Questions

Learn more about gutter guards, how to attach them, how they should be routed and what type to install.

Q. Can I install gutter guards myself?

Yes, provided you have the right tools, materials, and DIY skills to do it right. Improper installation can result in roof damage or other problems. Hiring a professional gutter guard installer may be a more prudent choice.

Q. How difficult is it to install gutter guards?

If you consider yourself a handy person or have completed a number of DIY tasks, you should be able to handle the gutter guard installation. However, if you are uncomfortable or unable to work up a ladder, this may be a job for a pro. In the case of houses with several floors or steeply sloping roofs, more difficult installation situations can arise that are easier for a specialist to handle.

Q. How are gutter guards installed?

Some gutter guards simply snap into place, while others require reinforcement brackets to be screwed or nailed to the fascia.

Q. Should gutter guards lie flat?

no Depending on the pitch of the roof, flat gutter guards can provide a surface for dirt to sit on. The better the sentinels’ pitch, the less likely they are to hold onto leaves, dirt, and sticks.

Q. What is the easiest gutter guard to install?

In general, brush, foam, and screen guards are the easiest gutter guards to install.

Q. Do I need to clean gutters if I have gutter guards?

Yes. It’s best to clean your gutters at least twice a year as they can still accumulate dirt and debris. Failing to clean them can cause rainwater to back up, which can lead to flooding, house damage, or mosquito outbreaks.

Q. Should gutter guards be installed under shingles?

It is usually better to install gutter guards on shingles. Installing under shingles can compromise the protection of the roof and cause water damage to the roof structure.