GUTTER GUARDS: YOUR HOME'S UNSUNG HEROES!
Fall is here and it’s the perfect time to check your gutters for leaves and other debris. It’s crucial to maintain clear gutters so water can properly drain, helping prevent water damage and other costly repairs that no one wants to face. Many of us do not want to get on a ladder and scoop out leaves, mud, and other debris all day. The best way to keep that ladder in the garage and your gutters clear are gutter guards. So what are a few benefits of gutter guards?
Reason #1: Prevents Clogs and Blockages
One of the primary reasons gutter guards are a game-changer is their ability to keep debris like leaves, twigs, and even pests like birds and critters out of your gutters. When your gutters are free from blockages, water flows smoothly and efficiently. This not only protects your home's foundation from water damage but also extends the lifespan of your gutters.
Reason #2: Reduced Maintenance
No more scaling ladders to clean out clogged gutters! Gutter guards drastically reduce the amount of time and effort you need to invest in gutter maintenance. For those of us who are not fans of heights or DIY chores, this is a big win.
Reason #3: Protects Your Landscaping
When water overflows from clogged gutters, it can cause erosion around your home's foundation, damaging your landscaping. Gutter guards ensure that water is channeled away effectively, preserving your beautiful garden and flowerbeds.
But what kind should I get? As with just about anything, there are multiple options when it comes to gutter guards and there are pros and cons to each.
Foam fillers
Foam fillers are inserted into the gutters and are essentially invisible. These guards allow water to flow through the foam and not allow leaves to collect in your gutters. However, they do tend to collect seeds and needles and do leave open the possibility of things growing in them. These are usually the cheapest option.
Micro or Fine Mesh
These guards operate like screens, blocking everything except the smallest debris. The tiny spaces in the mesh won’t clog with seeds and needles, but they can still fill with small debris like shingle granules. These gutter guards still need a cleaning occasionally and all it will take is a blower or brush clean to get the job done.
When choosing this option, you want to make sure the mesh is made of stainless steel and not window screen type material.
Surface Tension
Surface-tension gutter guards are designed to allow water to cling to the rounded nose of the guard and let the water flow into the gutter, while leaves and other debris fall off over the edge. Small debris can still get into your gutters but usually is small enough to wash away through the downspouts without an issue. The solid surface of the guards allows them to be cleaned with a simple spraying with a garden hose.
With this type of guard, you should make sure they are installed at a similar angle to the slope of your roof. Depending on the length of your gutter runs, this may not always be possible because the gutters need to be pitched so the water moves towards the downspouts. This is generally the most expensive option.
Selecting the right gutter guard for your home depends on factors like your budget, weather, and the level of maintenance you're willing to commit to. When deciding which best option is for your home, always refer to a qualified, professional leaf guard contractor for recommendations based on the design of your home.
