Installing Perforated Gutter Guards on a Steep Roof

Step 1: Clean the Gutters

Clear packed leaves, twigs, and loose dirt from the gutter trough and downspouts.

Watch this step (4:10)

You'll need: Leaf Blower, Articulating Boom Lift

1. 1.1 Remove Large Debris by Hand
   • Hand-scoop packed leaves, twigs, and dammed muck from the gutter trough.
   • Clear matted debris from downspout inlets so water drains without backing up.
2. 1.2 Blow Out Fine Debris
   • Blow remaining dry dirt, oak tassels, and shingle grit out with a leaf blower.
   • Aim airflow toward the downspout or open end until the gutter trough is bare.

• Tip: Clean gutters on a dry day so the blower clears fine dust without caking.
• Heads up: Clear the area below the eaves before dropping wet debris by hand.

Before you move on: Check the full gutter length and downspout openings so no leaf dams remain.

Step 2: Install Downspout Strainers (Optional)

Fit optional roll-up strainers in downspout outlets, or leave open so fine sediment washes out.

Watch this step (4:45)

Parts in this step: (A) Downspout strainer cap

You'll need: Articulating Boom Lift, Universal Downspout Strainer

1. 2.1 Insert the Strainer
   • Roll downspout strainer cap (A) tightly in your fingers.
   • Push the strainer into the 2 1/2 to 4-inch downspout inlet to expand snugly.
   • Omit the strainer in heavy woods so fine silt washes down the spout.

Key measurements

• Downspout strainer fit: 2 1/2 in. to 4 in. round downspout opening

• Tip: Open downspout inlets let tiny debris passing through the perforations flush away harmlessly.
• Heads up: Under perforated guards, downspout strainers trap fine oak silt and clog the outlet.

Before you move on: Check the strainer sits upright in the outlet, or the open downspout is clear.

Step 3: Install Gutter Guards

Tuck 4-foot perforated aluminum panels under shingles, screw to the front gutter lip, and miter corners.

Watch this step (5:16)

Parts in this step: (B) Perforated aluminum gutter guard (4 ft section)

You'll need: Cordless Drill/Driver, Magnetic Nut Driver Bit, Tin Snips, Small Screwdriver, Articulating Boom Lift, Perforated Aluminum Gutter Guards, Self-tapping screws, Self-tapping sheet metal screw

1. 3.1 Position the First Guard
   • Set the perforated aluminum gutter guard (4 ft section) (B) ridges up, holes forward.
   • Slide the back edge under the bottom row of roof shingles.
   • Rest the pre-drilled front lip flat on the outer gutter edge.
   • Hook a small flathead screwdriver in a front hole; pull tight panels forward.
2. 3.2 Secure with Screws
   • Drive three self-tapping sheet metal screws evenly along the front lip into the gutter.
   • Pin square starting corner edges shut with one extra screw.
   • Leave the 4-foot panel's far end unscrewed to tuck the next section under.
3. 3.3 Overlap and Continue
   • Slide the next guard section (B) under the shingles and previous panel end.
   • Pull the back edge slightly forward from the shingles to flatten downward bows.
   • Fit a 6-inch cut section at the high end for later hose flushing.
4. 3.4 Cut and Fit Corners
   • Cut meeting ends of two guard sections (B) at 45-degree angles with tin snips.
   • Overlap mitered edges at the outside corner and fold sharp tabs flat.
   • Drive self-tapping sheet metal screws through the front lip on both corner sides.

Key measurements

• Guard panel size: 6 in. wide by 4 ft long
• Shingle tuck: slide the back edge under the bottom row of shingles
• Fastener count: 3 screws evenly across each 4 ft front lip
• Outside corner cut: 45-degree miter on meeting ends

• Tip: Leave each panel's far end unpinned until the next tab slides under.
• Tip: Pulling the back edge out slightly removes dips so wind blows dry leaves off.
• Heads up: Pushing the back edge too far under shingles bows panels down, pooling leaves.

Before you move on: Sight down the installed panels to confirm they sit flat without dips and overlap cleanly at the tabs.

Step 4: Continue Installation

Fasten remaining overlapping panels along the run so the system sits flat and rigid.

Watch this step (7:15)

Parts in this step: (B) Perforated aluminum gutter guard (4 ft section)

You'll need: Cordless Drill/Driver, Magnetic Nut Driver Bit, Articulating Boom Lift, Perforated Aluminum Gutter Guards, Self-tapping screws, Self-tapping sheet metal screw

1. 4.1 Secure Overlapping Sections
   • Drive three self-tapping sheet metal screws across each guard section (B) front lip.
   • Drive an extra screw through overlapping front lips if a seam pops up.
   • Overlap and screw 4-foot panels until the gutter run is sealed.

Key measurements

• Installation pace: 6 panels (24 linear ft) in about 15 minutes

• Tip: Screwing a raised seam flattens it, though the screw head may catch twigs.
• Tip: Screwing continuous aluminum panels to the front lip adds tensile strength for snow and ice.

Before you move on: Check every front lip and corner overlap is screwed tight without gaps.