Remodeling : Maintenance / Repairs : Install Gutter Covers : Home & Garden Television

Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to install gutter covers to keep leaves out of the gutters and discourage crows that are using the gutters as a place to hang out. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

bucket and scoop
2x4 section to use as a brace
scissors
drill
hammer
vinyl gutter covers and fasteners

Figure A (click to enlarge)

Figure B (click to enlarge)

Figure C (click to enlarge)

Steps:

1. Don't damage gutters by propping a regular extension ladder against them. An articulating ladder bends to go up and over the gutter, transferring weight to the roof (figure A). Many home improvement stores rent articulating ladders.

2. If an articulating ladder is not available, prop an extension ladder against the side of the roof (figure B).

3. Begin by cleaning debris from gutters. Use a scoop and a bucket to avoid leaving a trail of debris around the house (figure C).

Figure D (click to enlarge)

Figure E (click to enlarge)

4. Position the 2x4 section in the gutter to brace against the force of the hammer and pry out old gutter spikes one at a time (figure D).

5. Install a new threaded spike using a drill (figure E). Repeat the process until all of the spikes have been replaced one-by-one.

Figure F (click to enlarge)

Figure G (click to enlarge)

6. Now snap the gutter covers into place. Most vinyl covers have a flat edge that slides up under the shingles and a channel on the other side that snaps onto the lip of the gutter (figure F).

7. Make sure you put in downspout protectors before installing the covers (figure G).

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-160
•	Install Gutter Covers
•	Loose Dryer Vent
•	New Ceiling Tiles
•	Toolbox: Anchors, Toggles

Remodeling

Install Gutter Covers

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