Your gutters are an absolutely critical part of your roofing system. They gently guide rainwater off your roof and away from your property’s foundation, ensuring it follows a predictable path. As well as protecting your home, gutters keep all the other places where water could otherwise go safe.
Here’s the thing, though — gutters clog. That’s annoying at best and dangerous at worst, as having a clogged drainage system in place can provide the illusion that your gutter is working when it isn’t.
So, what’s the solution? It’s time to get our heads out of the gutter and look beyond, to gutter guards. Maintaining clean gutters has never been so easy!
The Benefits of Adding Gutter Guards During Gutter Installation
At their core, gutter guards are nifty systems designed to take your drainage capabilities to the next level. While they’re definitely an added expense, gutter guards have more than a few compelling benefits. Let’s take a look:
- Anti-clog. Without gutter guards, debris from your roof and surrounding trees can freely pour into your gutter while it rains, blocking them and forcing you to clean your gutters or hire someone for the job. Gutter guards keep your gutters free.
- Low-maintenance. Yes, that means less gutter cleaning! If that doesn’t sound like music to your ears, we don’t know what does.
- More durable gutters. Having gutter protection installed also means that your gutters and downspouts will ultimately last longer, saving you money in the long run.
- No pests. By preventing gutter clogs, gutter guards keep your drainage system free from debris. That makes it less likely that various critters will want to set up shop there.
The most compelling reason to get gutter guards, though? Clean gutters free from debris work properly — which is why you had gutters installed in the first place. Rainwater will glide off your roof like water off a duck’s back, and it will go exactly where you want it to.
A Look at Your Gutter Cover Options
Are you strongly considering adding guards to help you with maintaining clean gutters? Your job isn’t quite done yet, because several gutter cover systems are on the market. These handy covers can be made from:
- Mesh. Installed on top of your gutters, mesh gutter covers allow water in while preventing debris like leaves and twigs from following. Some have an arched shape that can make them even more effective.
- Foam. These gutter guards are installed inside your gutters, where they allow water to flow through while not giving debris any chance. These guards don’t last as long, but they block even smaller debris.
- Brush guards. This type of gutter guard also sits inside your gutter. It’s made of coarse bristles that block debris. As leaves are collected on top, they’re easier to remove.
- Perforated guards. These gutter covers, which are usually made from vinyl or similar plastic, are also installed on top of your gutter system. They let water in while keeping debris out.
- Screen guards. Finally, screen guards are a lightweight option made from metal or plastic. These systems essentially work in the same way as mesh and perforated guards.
Got Gutter Installation Questions? The Roof Mentors Have Answers!
If you’re seriously thinking about gutter guards, whether as an upgrade or as part of a roof repair or roof replacement job, reach out whenever you’re ready. The Roof Mentors are happy to answer all your gutter installation questions, and we can advise you about the best options for your property as part of the free estimates we offer.
Keep your gutters working swimmingly, and spend the time you would have invested in cleaning your gutters doing something you love!
