It is important to weigh the upfront cost against the long-term benefits of installing gutter guards. Homeowners looking to safeguard their properties, save time, and reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning need to know one thing: Putting down gutter guards is worth it. The marketplace has a wide selection of downspout covers, which will allow you to pick a product that fits your financial budget and requirements.
Types of Gutter Guards
The choice of gutter guard type depends on factors such as your budget, the type of debris in your area, the climate, and your maintenance preferences. It’s important to research and select a gutter guard system that suits your specific needs and circumstances
Mesh Gutter Guards
These are made of metal or plastic mesh with small holes that allow water to flow through while blocking debris like leaves and twigs. They’re a cost-effective solution that’s easy to install, saving you both time and money on maintenance. Plus, they’re durable and can withstand various weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your gutters.
Bottle Brush Gutter Guards
These consist of a series of bristles or brushes that sit inside the gutter. They prevent larger debris from entering while allowing water to flow through. They are easy to install but may require more frequent maintenance.
Foam Gutter Guards
These guards are made of porous foam that fits inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through while blocking debris. While foam guards are easy to install, it’s important to note that they can become clogged with fine debris over time, necessitating periodic maintenance.
Reverse Curve (Surface Tension) Gutter Guards
These guards have a curved design that allows water to adhere to the guard’s surface and flow into the gutter while debris slides off, making them highly efficient in preventing clogs. However, due to their advanced design, they tend to be more expensive and may require professional installation for optimal performance.
Nylon Gutter Guards
Made from durable nylon material, these guards are designed to handle heavy debris loads and resist clogs, making them a solid investment in safeguarding your gutters. While they may come at a higher initial cost, their excellent long-term protection can save you money on maintenance in the years to come.
Why do people choose gutter guards?
The gutter guards keep your gutters from getting clogged with leaves and stuff, so you don’t have to clean them twice a year. Hiring a professional to clean your gutters can set you back at least $350 each time, and if you don’t have gutter guards, that’s $240 extra for any additional hour. Now, the cool thing about gutter guards is that they can cut down on how often you need to clean your gutters.
Mesh guards are super easy to clean – just brush off the top and lift the cover to clear any blockages. But if you’ve got those snugly installed gutter covers, you might need to bring in a pro once a year to give them a good clean.
If you want to save even more on gutter cleaning, check out Gutter Guards in Chicagoland.
Protecting Your Home with Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are all about safeguarding your home from potential troubles. When your gutters get all clogged up, it can lead to some serious home issues:
- Water dripping onto your roof, potentially causing leaks inside.
- Water pooling against that long board thing (the fascia board) between your gutter and the side of your house. This can make the fascia board crumble and harm your home’s structure.
- Water gathering at the base of your home, possibly messing up the foundation and causing leaks.
These problems are no joke. That’s why gutter guards exist – to keep your gutters clear and prevent debris from causing these big, expensive headaches. If you need professional help with your gutters, consider checking out Gutter Repair Services in your area.
Say Goodbye to Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew aren’t just bad for your home. They can be harmful to your health too. That’s where gutter guards come in, offering a win-win solution. To put it simply, gutters often get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other natural debris, which can also trap mold spores, thriving in these congested spaces.
But the problem doesn’t stop at exterior mold and mildew growth. When clogs make water spill onto your roof or house sides, it can lead to rot in your home’s materials, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew inside your living space. This isn’t ideal for anyone, especially those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions.
Dealing with mold and mildew isn’t cheap either. Removing mold from 200 square feet of walls and basement flooring can cost roughly $2,500. If your attic insulation needs replacement due to mold, the bill can skyrocket to over $7,000. Fortunately, with gutter guards in place, you’re reducing the risk of gutter clogs, which, in turn, minimizes the chances of mold and mildew issues.
Keeping Unwanted Guests Out of Your Gutters
Besides keeping your gutters clear of debris, gutter guards also play a role in keeping pests from turning your gutters into their cozy homes. They act as a barrier that deters rodents, birds, and even snakes from making themselves comfortable in the spacious gutters. Without this barrier, these pests could potentially cause damage to your home.
Clogged gutters can also become a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, blocked gutters can turn into an ideal nursery for hundreds or even thousands of baby mosquitoes – something you’d probably prefer to avoid.
And let’s not forget the hassle of cleaning your gutters when they’re infested with pests. Not a job you’d want to tackle yourself, right? That means you’ll likely have to hire a professional if you don’t have gutter guards in place, adding an unnecessary expense to your list.
Gutter Guards Help Stop Fires.
Gutter guards are a good idea for homes near wildfires because they can keep your home safe from danger. The University of California says that metal gutters and gutter guards are best in fire-hazard areas. The metal is less flammable than plastic gutter guards, and the gutter guards themselves help keep debris from getting into the gutter and drying out.
In the event of a fire, dried leaves, twigs and other debris can become kindling. Because the roof is the most vulnerable part of a home during a wildfire, this can be a dangerous scenario. Installing mesh gutter guards or metal surface helmets would be worth it if they keep your home safe from fire.
Our Conclusion
Gutter clogs can cause significant damage to your home. Gutter guards are worth investing in if they prevent debris buildup. But it’s important to research and make sure your expectations match what actually happens.
You may still need to clean your gutters once or twice a year, depending on the type of gutter guard you choose. Some gutter guards may have difficulty keeping up with heavy rain or blocking smaller debris, such as pine needles. It is possible that the gutter guards may need to be replaced every few years. In such a case, contact with top-notch Gutter Repair Glenview.
