Gutter cleaning can be time-consuming. If you can think of better things to do than remove rotting leaves from your gutters, you are not alone. Most homeowners would love to get out of cleaning their gutters every year.
The way to make gutter cleaning unnecessary is to install gutter guards (also called gutter covers). Gutter guards prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from settling in your gutters as well as your downspouts. Some outperform others, and when not installed correctly, gutter guards often won’t work.
Spend your day doing something you enjoy. Let a new gutter system come to your rescue. With the best gutter guards and the right gutter guard installer, you can be sure your roof will be kept intact, your gutters will perform very well, and your money and time safe.
Why Leaf Guards Are Important
Gutter guards ensure that the eavestroughs on your house are never stopped up with leaves is necessary for the prevention of high repair costs and leaks in your roof. Gutters are made to capture the rainwater that comes off the roof and direct it away from the house. Leaf guards help prevent damage from water and mold, basement flooding, cracks, damage to the foundation, and more.
For many reasons, it’s essential that you have the right type of leaf guard on your home.
How Gutter Guards Do Their Job
Gutter guards and covers keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris. Some do a better job than others. These six types are currently available:
Reverse Curve Gutter Guards (Helmeted Guards)
These gutter guards have a small opening in their vertical face that directs water to the gutter systems. Leaves end up on the pavement.
Mesh Gutter Guards
Stainless steel micro mesh gutter guards connect to your roof’s shingles and conceal your gutter. They allow water to escape through the mesh as it strains out the debris. Mesh guards perform well, but other types of gutter guards are sturdier and do not need to be replaced as often as these guards do.
Bottle Brush Gutter Guards
These gutter guards are like oversized pipe cleaners. They have many bristles falling debris adheres to. As water travels through the downspout, debris accumulates at the top when the face of the hairs is in an upright position.
Vinyl Gutter Guards
These guards do not need to be secured to the shingles on your roof as they fit inside your gutter. The openings on these guards are recessed. After a while, the recessed openings fill up with matter that blocks water intake.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards look like swimming noodles. These long plastic tubes are placed inside your gutter. Though these guards look cool and are easy to use, water flow could be better.
Louvre Gutter Guards
This system is for people who either like seamless gutters or don’t want gutters. These gutter guards are slim louvers designed to channel water from the roof, making conventional gutters and gutter guards unnecessary.
Self-Installed or Professionally-Installed Gutter Guards?
After you purchase your gutter guards, you will have to decide whether to install them yourself or have an expert do it.
Self-Installed Gutters and Covers
The leaf guard gutters you find online and in regular stores will leave you with a dent in your expectations and wallet. So will the covers and downspouts. Not only are they poorly made, but they also are not easy to install, and the job is a lengthy process. Gutter sets installed by experts give better results.
Expertly Installed Gutters and Covers
Professional contractors use sturdier gutter guards than the do-it-yourself kind, and they work better. Hiring one puts your mind at ease with warranties and the sense of calm you experience when you know your gutters are protected and operating well. Be sure to check out the 5 best gutter guards consumer reports.