Installing Perforated Gutter Guards on a Steep Roof
Step-by-step guide made from Indy Farm Life's YouTube video.
Install perforated aluminum gutter guards on a steep-pitched roof. This video demonstrates a solution that prevents water from overshooting the gutters during heavy rain, a common problem with steep roofs, and includes a one-year performance review.
- Difficulty: intermediate
Disclaimer
- This project involves working at height on a steep roof. Falls from ladders, lifts, or roofs can cause serious injury or death. Use proper fall protection, follow all equipment safety guidelines, and consider hiring a professional if you are not comfortable working at heights.
Safety
- Always use extreme caution when working at heights, especially on a steep roof. Using a lift, scaffolding, or proper ladder safety techniques is crucial.
Must know before you build
- Steep roofs require perforated guards; micro-mesh causes water overshooting.
- Skip downspout strainers; they often clog with fine debris, creating new blockages.
- Clean gutters completely before installing guards; trapped debris defeats their purpose.
- Tin snips are essential for precise aluminum guard cuts and mitered corners.
- Choose black guards; their heat absorption helps melt snow and ice faster in winter.
- For high, steep sections, an articulating boom lift offers safer, more stable access.
Tools
- Cordless Drill/Driver (DeWalt, 20V)
- Magnetic Nut Driver Bit (magnetic driver bit)
- Articulating Boom Lift (towable articulating boom lift, JLG, T350) (optional)
- Leaf Blower (handheld leaf blower) (optional)
- Tin Snips
- Small Screwdriver (Flathead) (optional)
Materials
- Perforated Aluminum Gutter Guards (Black, LeafTek, perforated aluminum, 6 in. width)
- Self-tapping screws
- Universal Downspout Strainer (1 per downspout, expandable plastic downspout strainer, Amerimax, 2 1/2" to 4" ROUND)
Step by step
Step 1: Clean the Gutters
Remove all existing leaves and debris from the gutters by hand and with a leaf blower to prepare for installation.
- Remove Large Debris by Hand. Reach into the gutters and pull out large clumps of leaves, twigs, and other debris by hand.
- Blow Out Fine Debris. Use a leaf blower to clear out the remaining fine debris and dirt from the gutter channel.
Step 2: Install Downspout Strainers (Optional)
Place a universal strainer into each downspout opening to act as a secondary filter. The creator later questions if this is a good idea.
- Insert the Strainer. Roll up the universal strainer and insert it into the downspout opening. It will expand to fit snugly.
- Common mistake: Installing downspout strainers can cause fine debris to build up and create a clog, which might be worse than letting it wash through.
Step 3: Install Gutter Guards
Tuck the gutter guard sections under the shingles and secure them to the front lip of the gutter with self-tapping screws, overlapping as you go.
- Position the First Guard. Slide the back edge of the gutter guard section under the roof shingles. Ensure it rests flat across the gutter opening.
- Secure with Screws. Using a drill with the provided magnetic bit, drive self-tapping screws through the pre-drilled holes on the front lip of the guard into the gutter.
- Tip: Leave the far end of each gutter guard section unpinned so you can easily slide the next section underneath it.
- Overlap and Continue. Position the next section so it overlaps the previous one. The design allows one end to slide under the other for a seamless connection.
- Tip: If the guard bows down too much after installation, pull the back edge up slightly to take the bow out so leaves and debris don't pool in the dip.
- Cut and Fit Corners. For outside corners, use tin snips to cut two pieces at a 45-degree angle to meet cleanly. Overlap the pieces and secure them with screws.
- Tip: A small screwdriver can be useful to stick into the front holes and pull the guard down to the gutter lip if it's a tight fit.
Step 4: Continue Installation
The creator continues installing the gutter guard sections, demonstrating how to secure the overlapping pieces and keep the run straight.
- Secure Overlapping Sections. Secure the overlapping section by driving screws into the front lip. If there is a bump at the seam, you can drive a screw through the overlapping front edges to flatten it.