How to Clean Gutters with Gutter Guards: A Comprehensive Guide

Cleaning gutters with gutter guards installed isn’t about eliminating maintenance altogether, but rather about significantly reducing its frequency and complexity. While they prevent large debris from clogging the gutter troughs, finer particles like pollen, shingle granules, and small leaves can still accumulate and eventually compromise the system’s efficiency, necessitating periodic cleaning.

Understanding Gutter Guards and Their Role

Gutter guards, also known as leaf guards or gutter screens, are designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and other large debris from entering and clogging your gutters. They come in various types, including mesh screens, foam inserts, brush guards, reverse curve systems, and micro-mesh guards, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The underlying principle remains the same: allow water to flow freely into the gutters while keeping unwanted debris out.

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

• Reduced Cleaning Frequency: Gutter guards dramatically decrease the number of times you need to clean your gutters annually.
• Prevention of Clogs: By blocking large debris, they prevent costly water damage to your roof, fascia, and foundation.
• Pest Control: Clogged gutters attract pests like mosquitoes and rodents. Gutter guards help eliminate these breeding grounds.
• Protection from Water Damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s siding, landscaping, and foundation.
• Increased Gutter Lifespan: Debris-filled gutters can corrode and deteriorate over time. Gutter guards help extend their lifespan.

Cleaning Gutters with Gutter Guards: A Step-by-Step Guide

While the specific process can vary slightly depending on the type of gutter guard you have, the following steps provide a general guideline for effectively cleaning your gutters:

1. Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Use a sturdy ladder and wear gloves and eye protection. Never lean too far off the ladder. Consider having a helper spot you.
2. Inspection: Before starting, visually inspect your gutters and gutter guards. Look for areas where debris has accumulated or where the guards might be damaged.
3. Removing Loose Debris: Use a gloved hand or a small brush to gently remove any loose leaves, twigs, or other debris that are sitting on top of the gutter guards. A leaf blower can also be helpful for this step.
4. Removing Gutter Guards (If Necessary): Some gutter guard types are designed to be easily removable for cleaning. If your guards are easily detachable, carefully remove them one section at a time. Remember to note how they fit together so you can reassemble them correctly.
5. Cleaning the Gutter Trough: Once the gutter guards are removed (or if they are a type that allows access to the trough), remove any accumulated debris from inside the gutter. Use a small scoop, trowel, or your gloved hand.
6. Flushing the Gutters: Use a garden hose with a nozzle to flush out any remaining debris in the gutters and downspouts. Start at one end of the gutter and work your way to the downspout. Ensure the water is flowing freely.
7. Cleaning the Gutter Guards: If you removed the gutter guards, clean them individually by rinsing them with a garden hose or scrubbing them with a brush and soapy water. Pay close attention to removing any stuck-on debris.
8. Reinstalling the Gutter Guards: Carefully reinstall the gutter guards, ensuring they are securely in place. Make sure they are properly aligned and snapped into position.
9. Final Inspection: After reinstalling the gutter guards, perform a final inspection to ensure everything is in order. Check for any gaps or loose connections.
10. Downspout Check: Make sure water is flowing freely through the downspout. If not, you may need to use a plumbing snake or auger to clear any blockages.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Having the right tools will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient:

• Ladder: A sturdy and stable ladder is essential. Use a ladder stabilizer for added safety.
• Gloves: Wear durable work gloves to protect your hands.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes from debris.
• Small Scoop or Trowel: This will help you remove debris from the gutter trough.
• Garden Hose with Nozzle: Use a garden hose to flush out the gutters and downspouts.
• Brush: A stiff-bristled brush can be used to clean the gutter guards and the gutter trough.
• Leaf Blower: A leaf blower can be used to remove loose debris from the top of the gutter guards.
• Bucket: A bucket can be used to collect debris.
• Plumbing Snake or Auger: This can be used to clear clogged downspouts.

Frequency of Cleaning

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of gutter guards you have, the amount of tree cover around your home, and the local climate. As a general guideline:

• Mesh Screens: Clean 1-2 times per year.
• Foam Inserts: Clean 2-3 times per year.
• Brush Guards: Clean 1-2 times per year.
• Reverse Curve Systems: Clean 1 time per year.
• Micro-Mesh Guards: Clean 1 time per year or less.

FAQs about Gutter Guard Cleaning

Q1: Do I really need to clean my gutters if I have gutter guards?

Yes, even with gutter guards, some cleaning is still necessary. Gutter guards significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of cleaning, but fine debris can still accumulate and impact water flow. Neglecting this can lead to the same problems as clogged gutters.

Q2: What’s the best time of year to clean my gutters with gutter guards?

Ideally, clean your gutters at least once in the fall after most leaves have fallen and again in the spring to remove any debris accumulated over the winter. If you live in an area with heavy tree cover, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Q3: Can I use a pressure washer to clean my gutters with gutter guards?

Using a pressure washer is generally not recommended, especially on the gutter guards themselves. The high pressure can damage the guards or force debris through the mesh, clogging the gutters further. It can also damage your roofing material.

Q4: How do I know if my downspout is clogged?

If water is overflowing from the top of your gutters during rain, or if you don’t see water flowing freely from the downspout outlet, it’s likely that your downspout is clogged.

Q5: What’s the best way to unclog a downspout?

Start by trying to flush the downspout with a garden hose. If that doesn’t work, use a plumbing snake or auger to break up the clog. You can also try disconnecting the downspout at the bottom and flushing it out from the top.

Q6: Can I hire a professional to clean my gutters with gutter guards?

Yes, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is a good option, especially if you’re uncomfortable working at heights or if you don’t have the time or tools to do it yourself. Ensure they have experience working with gutter guards.

Q7: How much does it cost to have a professional clean my gutters with gutter guards?

The cost will vary depending on the size of your home, the type of gutter guards you have, and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300.

Q8: What are the signs that my gutter guards are damaged?

Look for signs of damage such as broken mesh, loose connections, or warped guards. If you notice any damage, replace the affected sections or the entire system.

Q9: Can I install gutter guards myself?

Yes, many types of gutter guards are designed for DIY installation. However, if you’re not comfortable working at heights or if you have a complex gutter system, it’s best to hire a professional installer.

Q10: What’s the lifespan of gutter guards?

The lifespan of gutter guards varies depending on the material and quality of the product. Most gutter guards will last between 10 and 20 years.

Q11: Are some types of gutter guards better than others?

Yes, some types of gutter guards are more effective than others at preventing debris from entering the gutters. Micro-mesh guards generally perform the best, but they are also more expensive.

Q12: How do I maintain my gutter guards to ensure they last longer?

Regularly cleaning your gutters and gutter guards, promptly repairing any damage, and inspecting them periodically will help extend their lifespan. Avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners will also help prevent damage.

Conclusion

Maintaining your gutters, even with gutter guards in place, is an essential part of homeownership. By following these steps and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your gutters continue to function properly and protect your home from costly water damage. While gutter guards offer a significant reduction in maintenance, they aren’t a “set it and forget it” solution. Regular inspection and cleaning will keep your system working optimally for years to come.