Clean the Gutters and Put in Leaf Gaurds

Cleaning the gutters is not fun and there is no easy way to do it.

****NOTE: 9/2014 - I had to remove all of these after 2 years, totally clogged, big problem********

Motivation for this instructable:
I'm hoping to think of a better way to keep the gutters clean.

Why have gutters? Without gutters the rain would erode the base of the house and flood the basement. If the gutters are clean and slanted correctly, all the water from the roof will run down the downspout and you can divert it away from the foundation and maybe into rain barrels or a garden.

When the gutters are filled with leaves the water is trapped and rots the side of the house. The water may also overflow towards the house and cause the paint to peel.

Here are links to the stuff I used:


GutterStuff EZ 5-Inch K Style Foam Gutter Filter Insert, 32-Feet


Fiskars 7978 Composite Trowel

Step 1: Tools and Stuff

You will at least need a ladder and a scoop.  Often there are minor repairs so it is good to have a drill and exterior screws.  We already have a mesh screen on the gutters, I am also adding foam strips I got at Costco.

Step 2: Put Up the Ladder

Lean the ladder against the house.  I rest it on the gutters with a few rungs over the edge.  I have never fallen off a ladder, but I have dropped a latter on my head, so watch out for that.

Step 3: Clear Off the Big Stuff and Take Off the Gutter Gaurds

There is a thick layer of pine needles and leaves on top of the gutter screens.  Wipe this off and pull out the old gutter guards.

Step 4: Kill Hornets and Remove Nests

This hornet spray makes a thick foam, trapping the wasps.  This is good if you are close to the nest.  Often the spray cans are very powerful so watch out for splatter.


Here is a video:

Step 5: Scoop Out the Gunk

Alot of little stuff makes it through the mesh gutters.  Some maple trees are growing.  Use a little shovel to scoop all this out.  Chuck it on the ground.

Step 6: Make Repairs

In some spots the gutters have pulled away from the house.  Tack them back in place with deck screws.

Step 7: Jam the Foam Gutter Guards Into the Gutters

Step 8: Work the Foam in Under the Supports

The foam has to be forced under the gutter supports.  Be careful not to push the ladder over.

Step 9: Replace the Screens

Step 10: Take a Break

Step 11: Cut the Last Piece

The last piece will probably have to but cut to fit.  The foam can be torn by hand.  The mesh screens have to be cut with heavy scissors.

Step 12: Note Damage

There maybe spots that are too damages to fix at the time.  Take a picture or make a note to fix these spots, it can be hard to remember.

Step 13: Done for Now

Comments

[domestic_engineer]

so where is the picture of me sopping wet cleaning the gunk out of the gutter you didn't clean in the pouring rain? :)

[marc.cryan]

Well -- here is the gutter overflowing....

[marc.cryan]

And here is me, not going outside to fix it....

[Gutterclean]

I like the wasp protection system, anything for possum protection?

[dontno]

I don't have gutter guards on my house. What I do is use a powerful leaf blower in the spring and late fall to remove the leaves and pine needles from the gutters and down spouts. I can walk around my roof where the gutters are attached to the house.

If you're afraid of heights, or get dizzy from heights, don't use this method.

[marc.cryan]

Thanks - I'll have to try that.

[pliska]

Your gutter guards should be flat in the photo. The concave shape causes them to catch debris and not shed it. Also, no gutter guard and twice a year with a leaf blower to clean them works well.

[marc.cryan]

Thanks!