Importance of Gutter Guards July 11 2014 1448 Comments

Importance of Gutter Guards

Your home’s gutter system is important because it collects water from the roof and channels it safely away from the home. Without a gutter system installed water can damage your home’s foundation, landscaping and even worse leak through roofing shingles and damage the roof structure. This scenario has the potential to rot substructures as well as promote mold growth.

Gutters tend to get clogged from buildup of various types of debris; sticks, twigs, leaves and so on. Due to this homeowner’s should routinely clean their gutters to ensure they are clear of obstructions. 

Gutter guards are important in the prevention of clogs and buildup.  They allow water to flow through the gutters while keeping debris out.  There are hundreds of types of gutter guards on the market but not every one works correctly.  You must understand how each system works, the upsides and the downsides so you choose the best one for your home.

 Gutter Guard Types

For the most part there are three major types: inserts, screens and toppers.

Inserts

Inserts are the most cost effective option and the easiest to install, no skills or tools required. Inserts are placed in to your gutters. They are typically made out of a foam, wire mesh and have a porous like quality to them. The downside is that they will need to be routinely cleaned because they accumulate small debris that build up over time.

Screens

Screens are the most commonly used form of gutter protection. They cover your existing gutter with a wire like membrane that allows water to pass through while blocking debris. Like all gutter guards, screens will need to be removed and cleaned routinely as well. Screens vary in cost and installation expense. Most can be installed easily by a homeowner but more advanced products will require professional installation.

Toppers

Gutter toppers are more expensive but they work well, they should be installed by a professional to ensure they perform. They have a curvature shape and create a helmet like protection over the gutter. They divert water over and around in to a small slit between the gutter and the topper. Most toppers require maintenance like all gutter guards. The downside is that when heavy rains occur they have issues collecting and channeling excess water in to the gutters.