Leaf Protection

Gutters are a vital part of a home’s infrastructure. In fact, they are the keystone to its survival. Not only do gutters protect a home’s foundation by directing water away from its base, but they also prevent erosion. Therefore, not having gutters is not an option, and neither is having clogged ones. However, cleaning gutters can be a frustrating and dangerous chore. 

Since cleaning gutters is a task homeowners do not enjoy, many of them choose to install gutter guards. Gutter guards are meant to keep debris and animals out of the gutters, all the while keeping the water flowing away from the home. If there are big trees in the yard, gutter guards also do a great job in saving homeowners both time and unwanted work by helping to stop the gutters from getting clogged from plants, leaves, acorns, nests, blades of grass, mud, and silt. 

Gutter guard benefits

Gutter guards have many benefits which should be kept in mind when considering installing them. First, gutter guards can be fitted to any existing gutter and installation is usually quick by placing or attaching them to the gutters already there. Second, gutter guards truly stop birds and rodents from making gutters their home, which is a common issue with gutters. Third, homeowners do not have to clean their gutters as often because the guards keep the gutters clean for a longer period. Fourth, since gutter guards prevent clogs, stagnant water is also eliminated. This also stops mosquitos and other irritating bugs from sticking around the home since they gravitate toward stagnant water to breed.  Finally, gutter guards can prolong the life of gutters by stopping premature rusting. Nothing obliterates metal more than water-soaked debris. 

There are many types of gutter guards to choose from. Brush gutter guards are made of bristles that look like giant pipe cleaners that fit inside gutters. The bristles are in an upright position that causes leaves and other debris to stay on top of them all the while letting rainwater move freely through the gutters. Foam gutter guards are pieces of foam that fit inside gutters and prevent debris from building up in the gutters. Reverse curve or surface tension gutter guards are meant to move rainwater down and cause leaves and other debris to fall to the ground instead of piling up inside the gutters. Screen gutter guards are screens with big openings or holes that fit onto the top of gutters. Finally, micro mesh gutter guards have small holes that are barely visible to the naked eye. They are normally made of stainless steel and let water through while keeping debris out. 

Gutter Investment

• When choosing whether to invest in gutter guards, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a maintenance-free gutter guard system. Even top-notch systems can be completely overcome by debris on the roof. Therefore, the roof will still have to be checked periodically, the gutters inspected for debris, and anything cleared off that could potentially clog the gutters. If this is not done, water can overcome the gutters and create a disaster. To ensure this is done properly and with safety in mind, hiring a professional is always a good idea.