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Our guide covers preparation and safety tips for DIY installation, plus professional gutter guard options. Rigid Black Plastic Mesh
Alex Hawkins is an avid writer and researcher specializing in solar, pet insurance and home improvement. When he isn’t surveying homeowners to understand their pain points or speaking with professionals in the industries he covers, Alex can often be found creating videos for his YouTube channel, Analysis with Alex, or attending a heavy metal show.
Dana Getz is a seasoned editor with nearly a decade of experience writing and editing content. She has a background in journalism and worked as a fact-checker for prestigious magazines such as New York and Chicago. She holds a journalism and marketing degree from Northwestern University and has worked across numerous categories within the home services space.
Gutter cleaning is one household chore you cannot afford to skip. Clogged rain gutters cause water flow issues that damage your home’s roof and foundation. Gutter guards function as filters that keep leaves and debris out of your gutters without impeding water flow. They help prevent clogs and reduce the time and effort required to maintain your gutters.
Homeowners can choose from several types of gutter guards, including do-it-yourself (DIY) and professional solutions. We at the Guides Home Team have researched and identified the best gutter guards and reviewed the various types of installation. This article covers the basics of gutter guard installation.
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Although DIY gutter guard installation is possible, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Most DIY solutions struggle to keep out small debris, such as maple spinners, seeds and pine needles. If your gutters tend to collect this type of debris, investing in a professionally installed micro-mesh or reverse-curve gutter guard system may be worth the extra expense.
You should also consider how difficult the task will be and whether you are up for it. Installing gutter guards on second-story gutters will require an exceptionally tall ladder, which increases the risk of a serious fall. If you choose a gutter screen or micro-mesh gutter guards, you will need to match the guards’ angle with the roof’s pitch. Because these guards typically slide under your roof shingles, improper installation can damage your roof or even void its warranty.
The cost of gutter guard installation will be lower if you go the DIY route, and you will have more control over timing. The warranty on these products will also be relatively limited. Professional installation can provide greater peace of mind and typically comes with a generous warranty to cover issues that arise. The downside is that these products come at a much higher price point, and, as with any gutter guard, you will still have to clean your gutter guards periodically.
Some types of gutter guards, including reverse-curve and certain micro-mesh options, can only be installed by professionals. Others are relatively easy for homeowners to install. Before tackling this home improvement project, consider the pros and cons of DIY gutter guard installation.
Installing or replacing gutter guards can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000, get a quote from a top provider.
Gutter installation averages between $1,000-$5,000. Get a quote from a top provider.
Gutter cleaning costs can run you anywhere from $115 - $450 depending on several factors. Get a quote from a top provider
Homeowners can choose from several different types of gutter guards, each with its own pros and cons. To find the right gutter guards for your home, consider factors such as ease of installation, life span, performance and maintenance.
Micro-mesh gutter guards use a fine metal mesh to filter out debris as water flows into your gutters. Some brands, such as Raptor and Amerimax, can be purchased at Lowe’s or Home Depot and installed by the homeowner. Others, such as LeafFilter , require professional installation but are backed by a lifetime warranty. A few brands, including Gutterglove, offer both DIY and professional options.
Here are some key features of micro-mesh guards:
Reverse-curve gutter guards, also known as surface tension gutter guards, extend over the top of your gutters before curving back into them. Surface tension allows water to follow the curve while debris rolls off. LeafGuard is the most well-known brand but not the only option.
Here are some key features of reverse-curve guards:
Some screen gutter guards resemble wire fencing or mesh, while others are a solid material with holes punched through. They can be made of plastic, stainless steel, aluminum or vinyl. Their performance depends on how large the holes are. Those with smaller holes or a tight weave keep out more debris but can clog easily. A looser weave is less effective but easier to clean.
Here are some key features of screen guards:
Foam gutter guards, also known as gutter sponges, fit snugly in your gutters. Because they absorb water and trap smaller debris, such as seeds, these guards can support algae and vegetation growth. They also tend to shrink in the sunlight and freeze in the winter. The best-performing models are treated with germicide and a UV coating to extend their life span.
Here are some key features of foam guards:
Brush gutter guards resemble giant pipe cleaners or bottle brushes with stiff bristles. These round brushes fit inside your existing gutters to prevent large debris from falling inside and forming clogs. They also keep rodents and birds from making nests in your gutters. However, small debris may still make its way through or get lodged in the bristles.
Here are a few key features:
Successful gutter guard installation requires a decent amount of prep work. Here’s how to start your project:
Identify the style and width of your gutters. You will need this information to select compatible gutter guards. Then, measure the length of your gutters so you know how many linear feet to buy. Note any corners or architectural features that could complicate installation.
Review the gutter guards available on the market. Narrow down your options based on your needs and budget, plus the size and style of your gutters. Once you have chosen a product, research the installation process and equipment needed.
Depending on the type of gutter guards you purchase, you may need the following:
Before installing your new gutter guards, you should clean them thoroughly. Use an S-hook to hang a bucket from your ladder so you have somewhere to put any debris you manually clear. Once large debris has been removed, you can use a garden hose and spray nozzle — preferably one designed for gutter cleaning — to flush out dirt and smaller debris.
Installing most DIY gutter guards is a simple two- or three-step process:
Plan out your installation. You may need to trim the gutter guards with tin snips to ensure a proper fit lengthwise, but some types are designed to overlap or bend. If your gutter system includes corners and you are installing screens, you may need a miter or circular saw to cut them at an angle.
Brush and foam gutter guards can simply be inserted into your gutters. Screens typically slide under the first row of shingles on your roof. Be sure to install gutter screens at an angle that matches the pitch of your roof.
For added security, many screen gutter guards attach to the gutter or fascia. Snap-on models clip onto the gutter’s outer lip without the need for tools or hardware. Others attach to your gutter with special tape or self-tapping screws. Some use reinforcement hangers that screw into the fascia.
Follow these safety tips when installing your gutter guards:
Installing gutter guards can be a relatively easy task for homeowners, especially those who already have a few DIY projects under their belt. The easiest types to install are foam and brush gutter guards. Many gutter screens and even a few micro-mesh models are designed for easy installation, too.
If low cost and self-installation are non-negotiables, the DIY route is for you. If your top priorities are performance, peace of mind and low maintenance, consider leaving this job to the pros. If you choose to install your own gutter guards, read through the instructions carefully, wear the proper safety equipment, and minimize your trips up and down the ladder.
Three different types of gutter guards go under shingles: micro-mesh, screen and reverse-curve gutter guards.
Gutter guards are designed to keep debris from falling into your gutters. This reduces clogs and prevents water damage caused by blocked gutters. Gutter guards can also help keep insects and nesting rodents out of your gutters.
Some gutter guards work better in heavy rain than others. Foam gutter guards, for instance, may struggle to keep up. Screen or micro-mesh gutter guards may also be ineffective if they become clogged.
Alex Hawkins is an avid writer and researcher specializing in solar, pet insurance and home improvement. When he isn’t surveying homeowners to understand their pain points or speaking with professionals in the industries he covers, Alex can often be found creating videos for his YouTube channel, Analysis with Alex, or attending a heavy metal show.
Dana Getz is a seasoned editor with nearly a decade of experience writing and editing content. She has a background in journalism and worked as a fact-checker for prestigious magazines such as New York and Chicago. She holds a journalism and marketing degree from Northwestern University and has worked across numerous categories within the home services space.
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