A Step-By-Step Installation Guide For Gutter Guards
Before installing your gutter guards:
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials.
- Be prepared to work safely and securely on a ladder.
- Recruit a spotter to stabilize the ladder and hand you supplies or tools.
Start by taking precise measurements using a tape measure. This will ensure a snug fit and a smooth installation process.
Clean and Prepare the Gutters
Water damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and landscaping can be brought on by clogged gutters. Additionally, they provide a habitat for mosquitoes and other insects to reproduce. These issues may be avoided with gutter guards.
Gutter guards clear gutters of leaves, dirt, and other organic waste. They may also aid in stopping the development of mold and mildew.
Gutter guards can also offer protection from bushfires if you live in an area prone to these events. Gutter guards can be a physical barrier between the dry leaves and other debris in your gutters and embers likely to travel a long distance and catch fire. Gutter guards can also reduce the need to climb ladders to clean your gutters, a dangerous chore that can lead to falls from heights – sometimes with tragic consequences.
Measure the Gutters
Gutter guards reduce maintenance costs by preventing debris build-up and improving water flow. However, they must be correctly installed to work properly. You may perform this independently or hire a pro, depending on the gutter guard you select.
Start by determining how long each gutter is. To obtain an exact measurement, use a tape measure. Ensure that you also take notice of the breadth.
It would help if you also decided whether you want to install a gutter screen or a perforated guard. A screen is made from aluminum and keeps medium and large debris out of your gutters while allowing water to flow through. It’s easy to clean and safe for DIY gutter installation Vancouver. On the other hand, perforated gutter guards are metal sheets with holes that allow water to pass through.
Cut the Gutter Guards
Gutter guards typically snap into place by locking their flat sides against the shingles and a curved edge into your gutter’s interior lip. Some products require overlapping the sections by half an inch or more, so check the instructions for specifics.
Recruit a helper when installing your gutter guards, especially for long sections or corners. A good rule of thumb is to have one person hold the ladder and the other hand tools or supplies up. Also, avoid leaning your ladder against the gutters. This will not only damage them, but it is dangerous.
To test your work, pour water into the gutters and observe how freely it flows. This step will tell you whether or not your new gutter guards are working as expected.
Attach the Gutter Guards
If homeowners want a DIY gutter guard, they can purchase foam or brush gutter guards that slip over the gutter’s top. These simple designs don’t require any hardware and don’t need to be removed in winter. For those who prefer a more permanent solution, there are gutter guards that screw into the gutter. These styles are more durable and protect from large debris and clogs.
A professional should install gutter guards that screw into the gutter. Homeowners should also practice ladder safety when working on a ladder, especially when installing gutter guards. Ladder falls account for many home injuries each year. If possible, work with a friend while installing gutter guards to ensure that you are taking proper safety precautions.
Test and Adjust
Gutter guards can save you thousands of dollars from property damage due to clogged gutters. However, they are not foolproof and must be installed properly to be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and practice safe ladder use, including using a spotter to keep the ladder steady and pass tools to you.
If you choose a type of gutter guard that is designed to snap into place, make sure to accurately measure the length of your gutters and cut each section of the product to size with tin snips, ensuring a snug fit. Also, be sure to cut a 45-degree angle into the end of each section that will join with another so they meet at a corner. This ensures the water flows through properly and doesn’t overflow or spill out of the gutters.
