Gutter guards, available in a variety of styles and materials, keep leaves, pine needles, twigs, and debris from clogging gutters and causing water damage to homes.
Avid DIYers with a ladder and the right safety equipment can install most types of gutter protection themselves on 1-story houses. Contact Gutter Guard Summerville now!
Gutter guards are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to save themselves from climbing a ladder and risking their safety to clean out their gutters. Whether you live in an area with many trees and heavy rainfall or a suburban or urban neighborhood without many trees, gutter guards will keep debris out and protect your home from costly water damage. If you’re thinking about installing gutter guards, you should know that the cost varies by material and installation complexity. The best way to estimate the total costs of a gutter guard system is to have a professional inspect your current gutters and make any necessary repairs before you get quotes for the install.
The most basic gutter guards are foam inserts that sit on top of the gutters. While they do block larger debris from entering the gutters, they can’t prevent the smallest particles from clogging them. These types of gutter guards need to be brushed off twice a year.
Micro-mesh gutter guards are more effective and durable, but they’re also pricier than foam or surface-tension helmets. These covers have a fine screen overlaid with aluminum or stainless steel mesh, and they’re available in a variety of colors to match your roof. They’re a good option for homeowners who want a more permanent solution that’s easy to maintain and won’t change the look of their house.
Surface-tension helmets are made from solid metal sheeting curved over the gutters to create surface tension and direct water through an opening at the edge of the cover. These require less maintenance than micro-mesh or foam options, but they can still be clogged by small debris and may not work on all roofing styles.
Gutter guards are typically installed in late summer or early fall. This time of year is ideal for this type of upgrade because the weather is usually dry, and there are fewer leaves to clear out. Depending on the material you choose, your gutter guards should last about three to 12 years. The most affordable options are plastic, but powder-coated metal offers superior durability and is more expensive.
Debris Removal
Gutter guards prevent debris from building up in your gutters, allowing water to flow properly. They also reduce the risk of clogging, which can cause water damage to your home and landscape. However, no gutter guard can completely eliminate the need for cleaning. Regularly cleaning your gutters is the best way to keep them in good working order. It is important to have the right equipment for this job, including a ladder, a container or tarp for garbage, a trowel for scraping, a garden hose or pressure washer for washing, and scrub brush. Before beginning the cleanup process, inspect your gutters for signs of wear and tear. This will help you determine if your gutters are in need of replacement.
Gutters filled with debris can also pose a fire hazard, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. The wind can blow embers from the flames, landing in your gutters and setting them ablaze. Gutter guards help to reduce the risk of this hazard by preventing debris buildup and blocking fire-starting materials from entering the gutters.
The micro-mesh design of these gutter covers has tiny perforations that block most debris, but will need to be wiped off occasionally, as twigs, helicopter seeds, pine needles and dirt can build up on the surface. These products are easy to install, not visible from the ground and durable. However, the holes can clog, which may send water over the edge during high-volume rain.
Another type of gutter cover is a screen gutter guard, which is similar to the micro-mesh design but has larger holes. These guards can be made of either metal or plastic and are less expensive than the micro-mesh models. The larger holes allow smaller debris to pass through, which isn’t what clogs the gutters, but they are not as durable as the micro-mesh types.
The Raptor gutter guard is a durable product that can be installed easily with clips and screws. It has an attractive appearance and is available in lengths of 22, 102, 125, and 532 feet. It is backed by a 10-year warranty, which is longer than most manufacturers’ warranties. Customers love the fact that it feels sturdy and stays securely in place, even when snow or ice builds up on the top of the gutters.
Installation
Gutter guards can save you time and money by reducing your need for gutter cleaning. But they are not a substitute for regular cleaning and maintenance.
If your gutters are clogged, water can back up into your roof and cause damage to the fascia boards and your home’s structure. Gutter guards can help to prevent this and other problems by allowing water to flow freely through the gutter system.
There are many different types of gutter guards available on the market. The type that’s best for you depends on the type of debris your gutters collect, the climate where you live, and your roof’s shape and pitch. For example, homeowners in areas with lots of pine trees should opt for a gutter guard that’s designed to handle pine needles and seeds.
The most common gutter guards are screens, which are made from thin metal sheets with perforated holes that allow water to pass but keep large debris, such as leaves and seed pods, from entering the gutters. Another option is mesh gutter guards, which are similar to screen guards but are more durable and can withstand heavy debris, such as branches. Wire mesh is also more durable than foam guards, which degrade quickly and can trap seeds.
You can install gutter guards yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as many people make mistakes during installation that can damage their gutters. If you decide to do the work yourself, prepare the area by cleaning out your gutters and ensuring that they drain properly. It’s also a good idea to have someone help you on the ladder, as falling off the roof can be dangerous.
If you prefer to have a professional do the work, look for a residential roofing company that offers gutter guard services in addition to other roof and home repair services. These companies can provide a more comprehensive solution to your home’s maintenance needs and may be able to offer you a discount on other services if you get your gutter guards at the same time as a roof or other home improvement project.
Maintenance
Gutter guards can significantly reduce the need for gutter cleaning and repair. However, like any product, they are not foolproof. Debris can still clog the gutters and downspouts, preventing rainwater from flowing into and away from your home. When water is not able to flow freely, it can cause soil erosion, foundation cracks, basement flooding, and mold and mildew growth. Gutter guards can help prevent this from happening by blocking clog-causing debris and pests.
There are several different types of gutter guards on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are made of plastic, while others are made from metal. Most are designed to be durable and long-lasting, and many come with a warranty.
Some products feature a mesh screen with ridges that aerate the passing water and push debris to the ground, where it can be easily removed. This is one of the best options for reducing maintenance costs, as it keeps your gutters clean without the need to climb a ladder and manually remove the debris from inside the gutters.
Other gutter guards use a system of large bristles to keep debris out. These are popular for their ease of installation and budget-friendly price. They are designed to fit into the gutter and rest on top of it, and can be trimmed or shaped to fit unusually sized or curved gutters. However, they may not be as effective as other types of gutter guards at keeping leaves, twigs, and seed pods out of the gutters.
Metal gutter guards are also popular for their durability and low cost. They are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, and can be matched to your roof and other features of the house for a uniform look. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion, and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Another benefit of metal gutter guards is their ability to resist the bending and warping caused by the weight of snow and ice. This is important, as the weight of accumulated debris can strain your gutter system and the fascia, possibly causing damage to your roof. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, a metal gutter guard can also provide an extra layer of protection by forming a physical barrier between dry leaves pin,e needles, and wind-blown embers that could otherwise burn your roof.