You may have seen ads on the internet or commercials on TV about the wonderful world of gutter guards. Especially if you’ve dealt with a surprise cold shower when stepping out of your house or have discovered water leaks and damage, you are now likely wondering if investing in gutter guards is worth it.
In this blog, we’ll look at what gutter guards are, how they work and why they are a good investment for your home’s future because they are more cost-effective than they may seem at first glance.
Understanding Gutter Guards: A Primer
Let’s first establish what gutter guards are. As the name suggests, they are installed on top of your gutters to prevent debris from entering the gutter system, potentially leading to clogs. Throughout the year, leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris can all come together and form clogs that can lead to water backup and a whole host of problems. Generally, gutter cleaning is recommended once or twice a year, depending on if you have many trees or other debris-producing surroundings.
Gutter guards are designed to allow water to flow through while filtering out the debris that can then be easily cleaned off the top of the guard. The most common gutter guards are as follows:
Screen Guards: Screen guards are commonly made of metal or plastic and placed on top of the gutters. Small holes or perforations block large debris while allowing water to flow through. However, if you live in an area with trees that produce small debris, they may not be the most efficient, as the smaller pieces might still fit through.
Mesh Guards: Similar to screen guards, mesh guards sit on top of the gutter. This type is made of fine wire mesh that prevents debris from entering the gutters. Mesh guards are ideal for areas with a lot of debris of various sizes and are easy to install and maintain.
Reverse Curve Guards: Reverse curve guards, also known as surface tension gutter guards, are, as the name suggests, designed to allow water to flow into the gutter while leaves and other larger debris are directed away to fall to the ground. However, smaller debris can still enter the system.
Foam Guards: Foam guards are one of the most versatile and easiest-to-install options. Their porous foam can be trimmed to fit any gutter size, allowing water to flow through while blocking debris.
Brush Guards: As you probably have guessed already, brush guards consist of bristles installed inside the gutter. This design allows water to flow through while leaves and debris are prevented from entering. Brush guards are very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The Pros of Investing in Gutter Guards
One of the most significant advantages of gutter guards is reducing how often you have to clean your gutters. By keeping debris away from your gutters and downspouts in the first place, you can significantly reduce gutter cleanings and make them a lot faster at the same time. It’ll also save you from spending a lot of time on ladders, which is always a plus.
Troubles usually start when your gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, and water starts to back up. The consequences can affect many parts of your home, from water pooling on the roof to gutters overflowing and water infiltrating your home’s walls and foundation. Gutter guards can prevent debris from entering your gutters and reduce the risk of water damage.
Clogged gutters are also a very popular nesting environment for birds, insects, and rodents, which can cause issues around your home or even enter your home’s walls and rooms, causing a myriad of problems. By keeping your gutters clear of debris, you can eliminate the risk of them taking up residence in your gutters. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll be pest-free and ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of your property.
If water starts to back up in your gutters due to clogs, it can have wider-reaching consequences than just overflowing water. Depending on the material, it can cause rust and corrosion, or the sheer weight of the water could lead to bending or even breaking of the gutter system, which could then lead to a whole host of other issues related to that. Gutter guards can help you extend the lifespan of your gutters and save you money on repairs and replacements.
The Cons of Gutter Guard Investment
For many homeowners, the initial investment is one of the main barriers to installing gutter guards. This can vary widely depending on the size of your home, the type of gutter guard, and whether you want professional installation. While it’s true that you’ll have to make an upfront investment, the long-term savings on maintenance and repairs can quickly outweigh it.
Some people feel that once you install gutter guards, you’re absolved from maintenance forever. They do significantly reduce the requirement, but debris can still accumulate on top or within the guards, especially during heavy rainstorms or if you live in an area with a lot of trees. You’ll still have to periodically check and clean to ensure the guards are still performing their best.
While gutter guards can be a massive improvement to gutter health, they may lead to problems if they’re not installed correctly. Many of the issues that gutters can display, like water overflow, debris clogs, and damage to the gutters themselves, can occur if the installation is not done right. This is why choosing a professional and reputable installer is critical to protecting your gutter system and really reaping the benefits.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Gutter Guards
Don’t just look at the initial cost of installing gutter guards; do the math against long-term savings and benefits. Calculate how much money and time you usually invest in cleaning your gutters, how much it would cost if you had to remove a clog, and how often you have to do it. Then, subtract that from the cost estimate and factor in avoiding repairs related to water damage or pest infestations. This will allow you to make an informed decision and see that investment in gutter guards is well worth it.
Choosing the Right Gutter Guards for Your Home
As we mentioned above, there are many different types of gutter guards that all have particular pros and cons. It depends on factors like the climate and environment around your home, the roof pitch and material and, of course, your budget. Calling the professionals for free estimates is a great idea to benefit from their experience and expertise to determine which type of gutter guard is right for your home so you can get the most out of your investment. Some companies, like EavesArmour, also offer heated gutter systems, which can give you even better protection against clogs and ice dams, especially during winter.
Conclusion
Gutter guards come with many benefits, from the prevention of clogs and water damage to pest prevention and an extended gutter lifespan. Sure, they will cost you upfront, but the benefits will outweigh the investment and give you long-term peace of mind.
If you’re considering gutter guard installation, we encourage you to explore the options available from EavesArmour Gutter Guard. With our high-quality products and professional installation services, you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your home is protected from water damage and costly repairs.
Say goodbye to the hassle of eavestrough cleaning and ice dam formation with EavesArmour Gutter Guard. Our all-season protection system ensures clog-free gutters for life, with a discreet and low-profile design that works on all roof and gutter systems. And with our lifetime transferable warranty, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected. Don’t wait any longer to upgrade your gutter system. Experience the peace of mind that comes with EavesArmour today.
EavesArmour also offers professional gutter cleaning to save you time and money and help prolong the life of your home’s gutters. With over ten years of professional experience, EavesArmour is your partner for gutter maintenance. Call today at 647-931-0441 or fill out our convenient online form to learn more about our services and how we can safeguard your home against gutter-related issues. Trust EavesArmour for professional gutter guard installation and all your gutter needs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is well-protected.
