LeafTek Gutter Guards Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The LeafTek Gutter Guard system is designed to provide lifetime protection for your gutters, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning. Made from heavy-duty .019 gauge American aluminum, these guards are built to withstand harsh weather conditions without bending, sagging, or caving.

Featuring 404 holes per square foot and a vented raised ridge design, the system ensures proper water flow even during heavy downpours, while allowing leaves and pine needles to blow off naturally. The DIY-friendly design comes in 4-foot sections with pre-drilled holes, color-matched screws, and a magnetic hex driver for easy installation.

This product attaches directly to your gutters, ensuring your roof's warranty remains intact.

Image: A black LeafTek gutter guard panel, along with a pile of color-matched screws and a magnetic hex driver, ready for installation.

Key Features and Advantages

• End Gutter Cleaning: Prevents debris from entering gutters, saving time and effort.
• Proven Performance: 404 holes per square foot ensure optimal water flow, while raised ridges allow debris to clear.
• Durable Construction: Made from .019 gauge American aluminum, resistant to bending, sagging, and caving.
• Easy DIY Installation: 4-foot sections with overlap design, pre-drilled holes, color-matched screws, and magnetic hex driver included.
• Lifetime Protection: Attaches directly to gutters, preserving roof warranty, and backed by a lifetime replacement promise.

Image: A visual representation of the LeafTek Gutter Guard's key features, highlighting its robust construction and effective design for debris management.

Measuring Guide

To ensure you order the correct LeafTek Gutter Guards, you need two key measurements: the width of your existing gutters and the total linear footage required.

1. Determine Gutter Width (5" or 6")

Measure from the back wall of your gutter to the outer edge of the front lip. Most residential gutters are either 5 inches or 6 inches wide. LeafTek offers guards for both sizes.

2. Determine Total Length

Measure the total linear footage of all gutters you intend to cover. It is recommended to measure from the ground using a tape measure. Each 48-inch (4-foot) panel has a 0.5-inch overlap tab, providing 47.5 inches of effective coverage per section when joined. Factor in a small amount of waste for trimming ends and corners.

Installation Guide

LeafTek Gutter Guards are designed for easy DIY installation. Follow these steps for a seamless setup.

Preparation

Before beginning installation, ensure your gutters and downspouts are completely clear of all leaves, debris, and any obstructions. Clean them thoroughly for optimal performance of the new guards.

Image: A person cleaning a gutter, emphasizing that LeafTek guards eliminate this chore.

General Installation Steps

1. Unpack: Unbox the 4-foot sections, color-matched screws, and the magnetic hex driver.
2. Join: Slide the sections together using the built-in 0.5-inch overlap tabs. They connect automatically for a seamless fit.
3. Attach: Secure the panels. It is recommended to use three screws on the front lip of each 4-foot panel. You may also use two screws through the rear flange of each panel for existing gutters that need tightening to your house.
4. Mount: Use the included magnetic hex driver to secure the screws. This helps prevent dropping screws during installation.
5. Cut: Trim corners and ends with tin snips for a perfect fit around your gutter system. The hole pattern is designed at a 45-degree angle, which can be used as a guide for corner cuts.

Image: A diagram illustrating the attachment process of the gutter guards to the gutter system.

Specific Installation Videos

Pro Installation Tips

• Panel Leveling: While panels can be installed level, a slight to moderate pitch is acceptable if necessary for your specific gutter setup.
• Drip Edge Consideration: For homes with a drip edge, LeafTek panels can be installed either behind or in front of the drip edge, depending on which fits best for your roof and gutter configuration.
• Magnetic Nut-Setter: Always use the included magnetic nut-setter (or your own) to prevent dropping screws during installation, especially when working at heights.
• Splash Guard: Consider creating and attaching a small splash guard from scrap metal to divert excess water flow from overshooting the gutters, particularly in areas with heavy water concentration.

Specifications

Maintenance

LeafTek Gutter Guards are designed to significantly reduce the need for gutter maintenance. The vented raised ridge design and 1/8" holes allow water to flow freely while preventing leaves, pine needles, seeds, twigs, and other debris from entering your gutters.

While the system is largely self-clearing, occasional visual inspection is recommended to ensure no unusual build-up occurs, especially after severe storms. Any accumulated debris on top of the guards should typically blow off with wind or wash away with rain.