Most people suffer from overflowing gutters, but they don’t know what is the reason behind it. If you own a home with gutters, you know how important it is to keep them clean and debris-free. Blocked gutters can produce flood damage to your home, and cleaning them can be a tedious and dangerous task.
This is the time when people consider the gutter guards. These tools keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters and clog them up.
If you are buying it for the first time, make sure to look for the gutter guards pros and cons.
But how do they work?
In this blog, we’ll understand deeply about the gutter guards.
How Do Gutter Guards Work?
As gutter covers effectively prevent leaves and other debris from your gutters, they do not serve as a general-purpose solution for gutter maintenance. You might still need to clear them out now and again, depending on the kind of tree cover you have and how much debris falls.
Overall, gutter guards do an excellent job keeping gutters clean and clear. If you want to minimize your time to keep your gutters clean, gutter guards are a great option.
However, it’s important to note that every home and situation is different, and your home may not necessarily require them. You may want to consider one of the top brands available to ensure that you choose the best option for your specific needs.
11 Reasons to Install Gutter Guards
Gutter shields are an essential component of any gutter system. Installing gutter guards has several reasons, including:
Leaf and Debris Blockage
To prevent clogs and ensure smooth water flow, gutter guards also minimize the need for frequent gutter cleaning, which can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous.
As you must be thinking, are gutter guards worth it? With the help of gutter guards, you can save time & money while protecting your home against water damage caused by overflowing gutters.
Reduced Maintenance
Reduce gutter cleaning frequency by keeping gutters clear of junk gutter covers. This means less time and effort spent on precarious ladder climbing and manual labor.
Preventing Clogs
Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which, in turn, can cause damage to your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping. Gutter guards effectively prevent these clogs and the associated damage.
Pest Deterrent
Clogged gutters can become a haven for pests like mosquitoes, birds, and rodents. Gutter guards deter these unwanted visitors by eliminating the moist, debris-filled environment they thrive.
Preventing Ice Dams
Gutter protectors help prevent ice dams from forming in colder climates. These ice dams can lead to roof leaks and structural damage during freezing conditions.
Preserving Gutters
When you see the difference between gutter guards vs no gutter guards, gutter shields can increase the longevity of your gutters by preventing rust, corrosion, and deterioration caused by trapped moisture and debris.
Improved Water Quality
Providing cleaner water, gutter guards also prevent wastage such as leaves, twigs, and other outdoor materials from clogging your gutters. This can save you time on maintenance costs and to avoid damage to your home’s foundation from overflowing gutters.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Gutter guards offer a sleek and inconspicuous appearance, enhancing your home’s curb appeal by eliminating the need for unsightly downspout extensions.
Cost Savings
While there is an initial investment in gutter guard installation, the long-term cost savings from reduced maintenance and potential home repairs can be substantial.
Safety
If you want to protect your property from falls and injuries, there is no better than buying gutter guards. Blocked gutters are the reason for water to overflow, damaging your roof, walls, and foundation.
Gutter guards prevent rubbish from accumulating in your gutters, allowing rainwater to flow freely and safely away from your home.
Year-Round Protection
If you have concerns about whether the is leaf guard worth it or not, gutter guards provide benefits year-round, not just during the autumn leaf-shedding season. They also prevent dirt, pollen, and seed pod accumulation in the warmer months.
What is the Cost of Gutter Guards?
If you’re considering installing gutter guards, it’s important to understand the costs of it. The average price of professional installation for a standard house with 150 linear feet of gutters is around $1,125.
However, the total cost can vary between $375 and $1,875 depending on the type of gutter guards you choose and the complexity of the installation. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can purchase plastic or PVC screen guards for as little as $200 and install them yourself in a small house.
On the other hand, if you have a large house and prefer professionally installed steel surface tension gutter guards, it could cost as much as $4,000. Before deciding, consider your budget and the type of gutter guards that best suit your needs and preferences.
How Long Gutter Guards Last?
Whether you are confused about gutter guards vs no gutter guards, gutter shields are a long-lasting solution to keep gutters clean and damage-free. However, their life expectancy depends on the material they are composed of.
Generally, aluminum and stainless steel gutter guards can work well for over 20 years if you maintain them properly. On the other hand, plastic and vinyl gutter guards may only last for 5 to 10 years.
To know when to replace your gutter guards, look for signs such as accumulation of debris on top of the guards, rusting, and visible wear and tear.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace them, as they may no longer be effective in keeping your gutters clean and clog-free.
Final Words
Investing in gutter guards can be a wise decision for your home as they can save you a lot of money on gutter cleaning and repairs while safeguarding your home against water damage.
Get rain gutter services throughout the year to prevent damage to your home’s foundation. Having said that, it’s important to note that gutter protectors alone may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the need for regular gutter maintenance.
Therefore, it’s essential to do your due diligence and select high-quality gutter guards built to last and complement your specific requirements. So, it’s time to be happy and stress-free to eliminate the debris and garbage from your home.
FAQs
What are the benefits of gutter guards?
There are so many advantages to gutter protectors, but the most essential are they assist in saving time & money, avoid mice and insect infestations, help alleviate ice dams and gutter freezing, provide fire protection, prevent Premature Rust and Corrosion, and Improve Gutter Water Flow.
What is a gutter leaf guard?
The purpose of gutter guards is to keep leaves, pine needles, and other waste out of your gutters. Keeping out debris significantly reduces the chances of your gutters getting clogged. This means that you won’t have to clean your gutters as often, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Do gutters need gutter guards?
Without proper protection, gutters can accumulate soil and debris, providing a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Seeds from plants and trees can also find their way into unprotected gutters and begin to grow. Invest in quality gutter guards that keep out unwanted seeds while allowing water to flow freely to prevent these issues.
