How do I Remove Leaves From a Helmet Gutter Guard Using a Water Hose?
Gutter guards are designed to prevent gutters from becoming clogged with leaves and other debris. This ensures that your gutters are able to function properly. Clogged gutters can lead to a number of problems for homeowners such as overflowing water, drainage problems, leaky roofs, rotting wood, and cracked foundations. Helmet gutter guards form a shield over the gutter which prevents large leaves and debris from entering the gutter. Helmet gutters guards need to be cleaned from time to time to remove stains, mildew, and debris. It is also a good idea to clean your gutters at the same time. Helmet gutter guards offer substantial protection but smaller leaves and debris may still build up in the gutter. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Screwdriver
- Work gloves
- Trisodium phosphate
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Water hose
Instructions
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1
Set up a ladder on the ground. A step ladder is ideal because it won't slide around. Use an extension ladder if the step ladder is not tall enough to reach the gutters. Have a friend hold the ladder while you work. Avoid placing the ladder directly on the gutter to prevent damaging the gutter. A ladder can easily slide when it is resting on a gutter.
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2
Remove the helmet gutter guard. Helmet gutter guards are secured with clips. Insert a screwdriver in between the clip and the gutter. Pry the clip open and remove the edge of the gutter guard. Continue until you have freed the gutter guard from the clips. Remove the gutter guard and lay it on the roof.
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3
Remove any large leaves or debris in the gutter. Helmet gutter guards are designed to prevent large leaves and other debris from getting into the gutter. However, before cleaning the smaller leaves with a water hose, remove any large leaves or debris that found its way into the gutter
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Clean the gutters with a water hose. Turn the hose on to full pressure. Start at the opposite end from the downspout. Spray the water towards the downspout. Do as much of the gutter as you can reach. Move the ladder and continue until the whole gutter is cleaned. Spray the hose into the top of the downspout until it is flushed out. Mix up Trisodium phosphate (TSP) in a bucket with water and clean stains and mildew from the gutters with an abrasive sponge.
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Clean the helmet gutter guards with the water hose. Lay the gutter guards on a downhill slope such as a driveway. Spray the top of the guards with the hose. Turn the guards around and clean the bottom sides with the hose. Clean the guards with TSP and an abrasive sponge.
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6
Reattach the helmet gutter guards. Insert a screwdriver between the clip and the gutter. Pry the clip open and slip the edge of the gutter guard in place. Continue until the helmet gutter guard is securely in place.
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