How to Reduce Gutter Cleaning by Installing Downspout Screens and Gutter Guards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 11, 2010 -- Gutter cleaning, while necessary, is never fun. I’d chalk that chore right up there with laundry and donating blood. However, proper gutter maintenance and function is critical to the health of your home and will avoid costly home repairs later. This video and article will explain how two simple products that will extend the interval between gutter cleaning--saving you time and money.

How to Install a Gutter Downspout Screen

The first device is called a gutter downspout screen. It is simply a strainer that has been designed to easily mold to the shape of a gutter downspout and prevent leaves and debris from entering the downspout. When installed, a gutter downspout screen will prevent the gutter downspouts and drains from clogging, which is a primary cause of gutters backing up.

Gutter downspout screens are easy to install. After removing the screen from the package, form the screen in the shape of the downspout—whether it be a square, rectangle or circle. Install the screen in a clean gutter with the closed end upwards. Tension is sufficient to hold the screen in place and you will want to place the screen about halfway down the drain of the gutter so that the top of the screen forms a “bulb.”

When properly installed, the gutter downspout screen will prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from entering the downspout. In addition, it will make cleaning your gutters much easier.

How to Install Gutter Guards

Many of these gutter guards are readily available at any home improvement store and can be installed by a minimally-skilled Do-it-Yourself homeowner. Most units are simply designed to “snap” into place and provide some sort of mesh or screen to allow water to pass through while eliminating large object from entering the gutter.

After cleaning the gutters and downspouts, loosen the bond between the trailing edge of roof shingles and the drip edge. Then slide the flat side of the gutter guard underneath the shingle while aligning the other end of the screen toward the front edge of the gutter. The lip on the gutter guard is designed to snap on to the edge of the gutter.

In areas of the gutter exposed to high winds, drill small holes through the gutter guard and anchor it to the gutter with small stainless steel screws. Otherwise, the tension of the lip on the gutter guard and the shingle will keep the screen in place.

Downspout Screens and Gutter Guard Still Require Maintenance

While screens and guards may significantly reduce the amount of debris allowed into your gutter, they often do not eliminate it. In addition, many other factors unrelated to debris can affect gutter performance, so it is wise to have these gutters and downspouts inspected annually and cleaned, if necessary.
Many of these gutter guards are readily available at any home

gutter cleaning     gutter guards     gutters