Cleaning gutters with leaf guards depends largely on the type of gutter guards you have installed. Different guard types require different cleaning approaches.
Understanding Your Gutter Guard Type
The cleaning process is determined by how your specific leaf guards interact with debris. Some guards block debris completely, while others allow smaller particles through, and some sit on top, allowing debris to accumulate on the guard itself.
Based on the type of guard, the cleaning method can vary significantly.
Cleaning Foam and Brush Gutter Guards
According to the provided reference, for foam and brush gutter guards, the cleaning method involves a hands-on approach.
- Access: You usually have to climb a ladder to reach the gutters.
- Removal: The guards typically need to be removed from the gutter channel.
- Cleaning: Once removed, you can rinse the guards thoroughly with a garden hose to remove trapped debris.
- Gutter Channel: After cleaning the guards, you may also need to check and clean out the gutter channel itself if any debris made it past the guards.
- Reinstallation: Finally, reinstall the cleaned guards back into the gutter.
This method is often necessary because foam and brush guards can trap small particles and sediment within their structure, which cannot easily be cleared without removing them.
Cleaning Screen, Mesh, and Surface Tension Gutter Guards
For other types, specifically screen, mesh, and surface tension guards, the cleaning process can often be done from the ground, which is typically safer and less labor-intensive.
- Access: These types can often be cleaned from the ground level.
- Tool: A pressure washer attachment is a common tool used for cleaning these guards from below.
- Method: The pressure washer's stream helps to dislodge debris, leaves, and sediment that may have settled on top of the guards or become stuck in the mesh or screen.
- Effectiveness: The design of these guards, particularly surface tension types, often keeps debris sitting on the surface, making it easier to blow or wash away.
This method works well for guard types where debris accumulates on top of the guard or where the openings are small enough to be cleared effectively by a powerful spray.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Method
To determine the exact method for your gutters, identify the type of leaf guards installed.
| Gutter Guard Type | Typical Cleaning Method | Access | Tools Often Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam & Brush | Remove guards, rinse with hose, clean gutter channel | Ladder | Garden Hose |
| Screen, Mesh, Surface Tension | Clean from ground, wash debris off guard surface | Ground | Pressure Washer Attachment |
Always prioritize safety when working around heights or using equipment like pressure washers. If you're unsure about cleaning your specific type of gutter guard or uncomfortable working on a ladder, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service.
