GUTTER GUARDS
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No homeowner looks forward to cleaning out their gutters. But regular gutter cleanings are essential to keep your home protected from water leaks, both at the foundation of your home and at the edge of your roof.
When gutters become clogged and overflow, they can actually cause more damage to your home than if you didn't have any gutters to begin with. This is because the clogs can cause pooling on your roof that causes leaks, rot and other serious—and costly—home maintenance issues.
To alleviate the hassles of gutter maintenance, and to improve your home's defense against clogs, some homeowners may opt to install gutter guards designed to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters. If you're interested in installing this feature on your home or business, read on about the benefits and how to get the best performance from your gutter guards.
The Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards
Reduced gutter maintenance. Save time climbing up ladders or onto the top of your roof. Gutter guards keep debris out of your gutters and downspouts, freeing up time for you to focus on other home maintenance tasks.
No more clogged drains. Clogs can become a serious problem as water begins to overflow. By keeping the source debris of these clogs out of your gutters and downspouts, a gutter guard system should prevent any clogs from developing in the future.
Protection from leaks on your roof and at your foundation. The biggest risks of pooling water is at the edge of your roof and at your foundation. A properly working gutter system is designed to move water off of your roof, down your downspouts, and away from the foundation of your home. Gutter guards ensure that water continues to properly flow, supporting this drainage and minimizing the risk of water damage at these points of concern.
Reduced exposure to mold and mildew. As debris accumulates in your gutters, it can become a breeding ground for mildew and mold spores. These spores can enter your home and actually increase the presence of mold in your home. Clean gutters will minimize this exposure, resulting in healthier indoor air.
What Are the Different Types of Gutter Guards?
Screen. Screen guards are basic metal screens placed over your gutters. While basic and low-cost, installation may void the warranty of your roof shingles based on how they attach to your roof, which may not be an attractive option for some homeowners.
Brush. Brush guards are another low-cost option, utilizing large brush filters to catch debris before it becomes trapped in the cutter. While the installation cost is attractive, brush systems also require more maintenance, and they don't offer as consistent of protection as other gutter guard systems.
Micro mesh. Micro-mesh gutter guards have a finer screen filter than traditional screen gutter guards, improving their performance over time. They can also be installed without voiding your roof warranty. While they may require cleaning with a spray hose from time to time, these guards offer consistent protection for your gutters.
Reverse curve. Reverse-curve systems feature a solid, curved cover that directs water underneath the cover into the gutter, while larger debris sloughs off the edge and falls to the ground. These plastic or aluminum gutter guards are more expensive than other options, but they offer better protection and curb appeal for your home. Due to the delicate design of the guard's slope, though, these need to be properly installed at the correct angle.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
The value of gutter guards is determined by two key factors. The first is how eager you are to cut gutter cleaning from your rotation of home maintenance tasks. For homeowners who struggle to keep up with gutter cleaning, the reduced maintenance demands of a gutter guard system can be well worth the investment—especially if it helps you avoid unnecessary water damage.
The second consideration is the type of gutter guard you choose to install. Certain low-cost gutter guard systems, including DIY mesh installation, can be an ineffective guard against debris. While you may save up-front on materials and installation, these gutter guards can actually cause more debris build-up, even creating a hospitable space for vegetation growth.
If you're going to invest in a gutter guard system, choose a reputable system that has the stamp of approval of a local roofing expert.
Who to Trust With Gutter Guard Installation
If you decide that gutter guards are right for your home, you'll want to make sure these guards are properly installed by a professional. Improper installation can lead to gaps and cracks in the guards themselves, as well as possible damage to your gutter and the edge of your roof.
A professional installation is necessary to ensure your gutter guards will uniformly block debris from entering your gutters. A professional installer can also guide you through your various gutter guard options to identify the best system based on its effectiveness, longevity, cost, and other factors.
Tired of cleaning your gutters and dealing with clogs? Contact a professional roofing company today to get a quote on gutter guards for your home.
