How to Clean Gutters With Gutter Guards

guttersseamless

Oct 13

5 min read

To clean gutters with gutter guards, brush or blow debris off the top of the guards, rinse the guard surface with a garden hose, and check that water flows freely to each downspout. Every year or two, or after a major storm, lift a few sections to look underneath for fine grit and clear any buildup inside the gutter.

Guards keep out most leaves and pine needles, but they do not make gutters maintenance-free. Here is how to keep them working in Central Florida.

Why Gutters With Guards Still Need Cleaning

Gutter guards stop large debris at the surface. Smaller material still collects over time:

Surface debris. Oak leaves, pine needles and seed pods can sit on top of the guard, especially on low-pitch roofs. If they mat down, rain can sheet over the edge instead of draining in.
Fine grit. Shingle granules, pollen and dust can pass through some guard types and settle in the bottom of the gutter.
Organic film. In Florida's heat and humidity, a thin layer of grime can grow on mesh and screen surfaces and slow drainage.

In Lake County, trees drop debris most of the year, so a quick check a few times a year keeps small buildup from turning into an overflow during a heavy summer storm.

Tools You Will Need

A sturdy extension ladder with a stabilizer, set on firm, level ground
Work gloves
A soft-bristle brush, or a leaf blower for dry debris
A garden hose with a spray nozzle
A bucket or bag for debris
A helper to steady the ladder

Pick a dry, calm day. Wet leaves are heavier and stick to the guard, and wind makes ladder work less safe. The Florida Division of Emergency Management publishes storm-season planning guidance, and a gutter check fits well on any fall storm checklist.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Gutters That Have Guards

Step 1: Look From the Ground First

Walk around the house during or right after a rain. Watch for water spilling over the front of the gutter, dripping behind it, or a downspout that barely flows. Those spots are where to focus.

Step 2: Clear the Top of the Guards

From the ladder, brush loose leaves and needles off the guard surface, working along the run. A leaf blower works well for dry debris on one-story homes. Do not stand on the roof or lean on the guards; they are built to block debris, not hold weight.

Step 3: Rinse the Guard Surface

Spray the guards with a garden hose on a gentle setting. On mesh or screen guards, this washes off the film that slows drainage. Avoid pressure washers, which can bend mesh and push debris through the openings.

Step 4: Test the Flow

Run the hose at the high end of each gutter and watch the water reach the downspout. Water pooling in one spot or spilling over the edge points to a clog underneath, a low spot, or a downspout that needs attention.

Step 5: Clear the Downspouts

If a downspout drains slowly, flush it from the top or bottom with the hose. A blocked downspout makes even a clean gutter overflow.

Step 6: Check Under the Guards When Needed

Once a year or so, or when Step 4 shows a problem, remove a section or two of guard near the downspouts and look inside. Scoop out grit, rinse the gutter, and refit the guard so it seats firmly at the front and back. At Gutters Unlimited, guards are installed in 4-foot sections secured at the front and back of the gutter, which makes it possible to lift a section for inspection. Ask your installer how your guards are fastened before you remove any.

How Often to Clean Gutters With Guards

There is no single schedule that fits every home. As a starting point:

Light tree cover: check and rinse once or twice a year.
Heavy oak or pine cover: check every few months, and after big storms.
After a tropical storm or hurricane: look for debris piled on the guards and any guard sections that have shifted.

Late summer and October are good times for a check, because the heaviest rains are ending and fall leaf drop is beginning, while hurricane season continues through November 30.

Signs Your Gutter Guards Need Professional Attention

Call a professional if you notice:

Water still overflowing after you have cleared and rinsed the guards
Guards that have lifted, bent or pulled loose
Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
Leaks at corners or downspout outlets
Stains on fascia or siding below the gutter

These can point to a slope problem, a damaged section or a guard type that does not suit the trees around your home. Gutters Unlimited offers three guard options for different types of debris; see the gutter guards page for details. If the gutters themselves are worn out, seamless gutter installation gives you a new system made on-site to fit your roofline, with fewer seams where leaks start.

Safety Tips for Ladder Work

Keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
Move the ladder rather than overreaching.
Stay away from overhead power lines.
Do not work on a ladder alone.
On two-story homes or steep roofs, consider hiring the job out.

For homeowners deciding between regular cleanings and guards, our post on gutter guards vs. gutter cleaning in Clermont compares the two. For general cleaning without guards, see gutter cleaning techniques for your home.

FAQ

Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean my gutters?

No. Guards keep out most leaves and needles, but the surface still needs a brush and rinse, and fine grit can build up underneath over time.

Can I pressure wash my gutter guards?

It is better not to. A garden hose on a gentle setting cleans most guards without bending mesh or forcing debris through.

How do I know if debris is stuck under my guards?

Run a hose at the high end of the gutter. If water pools, overflows or drains slowly at the downspout, check under the guards near that spot.

Should I remove gutter guards to clean them?

Only when a flow test shows a problem, or for a periodic check. Ask your installer how the guards are fastened first.

Who can help with gutter guards in Lake County?

Gutters Unlimited installs gutter guards across Lake, Orange, Polk and Osceola counties, and every guard install includes a free cleaning first. Contact us for a free estimate.

Ready for a quote? Call Gutters Unlimited or request an estimate for your home in Lake, Orange, Polk or Osceola County.