Fit a gutter guard — HomeGraft

Clean the gutter, then fit and secure a gutter guard so leaves stop blocking the downpipe.

GG-01Check the weather and match the guard to your gutterPick a calm, dry day with no rain forecast. Look at your gutter profile (deep round, square, or ogee/half-round) and check the guard you've bought fits it. Brush and foam types suit most gutters; clip-in mesh needs a straight front lip to snap onto.

1 run · Gutter guard (mesh, brush or foam, per your gutter length)

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1 pair · Work gloves

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GG-02Clear the gutter before you fit anythingScoop out leaves, moss and silt into a bucket with a gutter scoop or gloved hand, working along the whole run. A guard fitted over a full gutter just traps the mess underneath. While you're up there, check for sagging sections, cracks or loose brackets — fix these first.

1 each · Gutter scoop

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1 each · Bucket

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GG-03Check the gutter still flows properlyPour a bucket of water in at the highest point of the run and watch it travel to the downpipe. It should flow away without pooling. Note any low spots, sagging sections or a blocked downpipe — sort these before you fit the guard, not after.

GG-04Measure and cut the guard to lengthMeasure each straight run between corners and downpipe outlets with a tape measure. Cut mesh or brush guard with tin snips or heavy scissors, leaving 20-30mm extra at each end for overlaps.

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Tin snips

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GG-05Fit the guard — method depends on the typeBrush guard: lay it directly into the gutter channel and twist gently into place — no fixings needed. Foam guard: wedge the foam roll into the channel and press down flush. Clip-in mesh: tuck the rear edge under the first course of roof tiles or slates, then snap the front edge onto the gutter's front lip using the clips supplied, spacing them every 300-400mm.

10 each · Plastic or metal gutter guard clips

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GG-06Screw-fix into the fascia if your guard needs itSome clip-in mesh systems use small brackets screwed into the fascia board instead of tile clips. Drill a 2mm pilot hole into the timber fascia first to stop it splitting, then fit the screws supplied. Don't overtighten plastic clips — they crack easily.

10 each · Fascia fixing screws (supplied with guard, or 25mm)

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GG-07Keep downpipe outlets and joints clearWhere the guard crosses a downpipe outlet or hopper, cut a gap so water can still drain freely. Never let mesh or brush block the outlet or a union bracket. At corners and joints, overlap sections by 20-30mm so debris can't slip through the gap.

GG-08Test the flow with a hoseRun a hose at the highest point of the guarded section and watch the water pass through the guard into the downpipe. Check for pooling, overflow at the front edge, or any clips lifted by wind. Re-seat or re-clip any loose sections.

GG-09Tidy upBag up leaf and silt waste for green/garden waste collection — don't tip it down the drain. Wipe down tools, coil away the hose, and store offcuts of guard in case you need to patch a section later.

1 each · Garden waste bag

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