DIY Gutter Guard Installation – Is It Possible?

As an eavestrough contractor serving all of Hastings, we commonly get asked if gutter guard installation can be a do-it-yourself project. Gutter guards are installed over your eavestroughs to prevent large debris (leaves, pine needles, etc.) from accumulating in your gutters while still allowing water to enter and drain away from your home. Installing leaf filters is possible as a DIY project but it does require some general handyman skills. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of at home gutter guard installation.

Advantages of DIY Gutter Guard Installation

Cost Savings

The most significant benefit of installing gutter guards yourself is the cost savings. If you’re confident in your ability to install gutter guards correctly, you’ll only pay for the materials and not the labour. For the average home that has about 200 feet of gutters, this equals a savings of around $1,000. 

Cut Down on Yearly Gutter Maintenance

With the use of gutter guards on your property, you’ll save money on yearly eavestrough maintenance. Leaf filters prevent leaves and twigs from entering into your guttering, but still allow water to flow through. By eliminating the chance for leaves to clog your gutter system, yearly cleaning is no longer needed. Therefore, DIY leaf guard installation helps you save money by cutting down on labour costs and by removing the cost/time of annual eavestrough cleaning.

Disadvantages of DIY Gutter Guard Installation

DIY Leaf Guard Installation can be Dangerous

In order to install gutter guards, you’ll need to be able to access your home’s roof. This can be dangerous depending on the type of home you have. If you have mobility issues, a steep roofline, or simply don’t like heights, this is a project you should probably leave to the professionals. You could be seriously injured if something goes wrong.

Correct Installation is Key

If you have some general handyman skills, you should be able to install most types of gutter guards without a problem. However, keep in mind that some gutter guards are more difficult to install than others, so the level of difficulty will vary depending on the style you choose. Incorrect gutter guard installation can effectively negate the reason you wanted them in the first place. If the installation of certain types of gutter guards goes wrong, you may also sustain roof damage.