Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. So, naturally, you want to take the best possible care of it! Homeowners are always looking for the next tip or trick to help their home last longer with minimal upkeep. But with so many tools and gadgets on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth the money.
One thing we think your home absolutely needs? Gutter guards.
These nifty tools come in a variety of forms but serve the same purpose. Also known as leaf guards, gutter guards are designed to keep debris out of your gutters so that rainwater is able to flow freely. But how do you choose the best gutter guards to install on your home?
There are a lot o f different gutter guards on the market, each of them with different pros, cons, and price points. Today, we’ll be breaking down how much gutter guards cost, on average, and help you decide which style is right for your home.
Why Do I Need Gutter Guards?
Many homeowners think that gutter guards are redundant. After all, why would they want to pay for a leaf guard when they could simply clean out their gutters themselves? The truth is that gutter guards do much more than just keep debris out of your house. They also:
- Make your home more fire resistant by preventing build-up of dry debris
- Extend the life of your gutters
- Reduce cleaning time
- Protect your siding and foundation by guarding against water damage
- Prevent pests like bees and wasps from nesting in your gutters
The Cost of Installing Gutter Guards
When considering the installation of gutter guards, it’s important to weigh the initial cost against the potential savings and benefits over time. The cost of gutter guards can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of material, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation. Basic mesh or screen options may start at a modest price per foot, while high-end options like micro-mesh or reverse curve guards can be more expensive.
However, investing in gutter guards can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs, preventing costly water damage repairs, and extending the lifespan of your gutters. Additionally, professional installation may add to the upfront cost, but it ensures proper fitting and optimal performance of the guards. For Minnesota homeowners, who face unique weather challenges, the peace of mind and protection that gutter guards provide can be a valuable long-term investment.
5 Types of Gutter Guards for Your Home
Get the gutter guard that’s right for you by reviewing out guide, below!
1. Brush Gutter Guards
Looking for a gutter solution that you can install in minutes? Brush guards might be the right choice for you.
Unlike many of the other options on this list, brush guards are not installed on top of your gutters. Rather, they are placed inside them. Their unique brush design keeps debris away from the bottom of your gutters, allowing rainwater to pass through uninterrupted.
While they are easy to install, brush gutter guards do require more upkeep than some other types of gutter guards. Large pieces of debris have a tendency to get stuck in the bristles, which can cause clogged gutters. Routine gutter cleanings are still necessary with this method in order to ensure that your gutter system stays in tip-top shape!
Brush gutter guards are a more affordable type of gutter guard, costing only $3-5 per linear foot. Most homes would only cost around $500 for a full installation. You can also save on installation costs, as this is a guard that is easy to install by yourself.
2. Foam Gutter Guards
If budget is your main concern, foam guards are a perfect solution. Foam gutter guards cost only $2-4 per linear foot, coming in for an average total of $300 to protect a whole home.
Foam gutter guards also help you save money by being easy to install on your own. All they require is the ability to cut them to size. Then, you simply place them in your gutters.
While you save in the short term, foam gutter guards may end up costing you more in the long run. They will require you to replace them every 1-2 years in order to ensure that your gutters remain protected.
3. Micro Mesh Gutter Guards
In terms of keeping debris out of your gutters, micro-mesh guards are one of the most effective options on the market. They can be bought in a variety of different materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. The key is the super fine mesh that keeps the overwhelming majority of the debris out of your gutters. They are also known for their durability. This type of gutter guard can last up to twenty years! Many popular brands, like Leaffilter gutter guards, sell micro mesh as their main protection system.
For these features, you will end up paying slightly more. While the price range varies widely, depending on the type of mesh you choose, most require professional installation. You can expect to pay close to $600-$800 for material and labor costs.
4. Steel Screen Gutter Guards
Steel screen guards are relatively simple in concept. They lay on top of your gutter and stop debris from entering. Unlike micro mesh, these screens have wider openings, making them slightly less effective. That being said, they are significantly cheaper than their micro mesh counterparts.
This type of gutter guard can cost anywhere from $1.50-4 per linear foot. With most homes requiring 150-200 feet of gutter protection, you can expect to pay around $500-600 for your gutter protection system. If you are looking to save even more, you can also opt for the plastic screen gutter guards, which serve the same purpose but are slightly less durable.
5. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
Looking for heavy-duty protection against debris? Look no further than a reverse curve gutter guard. Also sometimes referred to as gutter helmets, this is one of the higher quality gutter guards available on the market.
With other gutter guards, debris is often kept out of the actual gutter but still allowed to build up on top. Reverse curve gutter guards cover the entirety of your home’s gutters, using surface tension to divert water into the gutter and keep the debris out. When it comes to expensive gutter guards, gutter helmets take the cake. Coverage for your entire home can cost between $800-$1200. With that price, though, comes a gutter guard that will last your whole lifetime.
4 Reasons Why Gutter Guards Prolong the Life of Your Gutters
Maintaining your home’s gutters can often feel like a daunting task, but investing in gutter guards could be the solution that prolongs their life and saves you from potential headaches.
1. Reducing Clogs
One of the primary reasons gutter guards extend the life of your gutters is by significantly reducing clogs. Leaves, twigs, and debris can accumulate in your gutters over time, leading to blockages that prevent water from flowing freely. This buildup can cause water to overflow, putting additional weight on the gutters and potentially damaging them. Gutter guards act as a barrier, keeping debris out while allowing rainwater to flow smoothly, thus preventing clogs and reducing the need for frequent cleanings.
2. Preventing Rust and Corrosion
Standing water in clogged gutters can accelerate rust and corrosion, especially if your gutters are made of metal. Gutter guards help ensure that water flows correctly, minimizing the chances of standing water and subsequently, the risk of rust and corrosion. By keeping your gutters dry and clean, the guards help maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for a longer period.
3. Reducing Ice Dams
In colder climates, ice dams can be a significant issue. When gutters are clogged, water can freeze and form ice dams, adding weight and stress that can damage your gutters and roof. Gutter guards help prevent the accumulation of debris, which means there’s less chance of ice formation in the first place. This protection is crucial in prolonging the life of your gutters during harsh winter months.
4. Minimizing Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters with stagnant water can become breeding grounds for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents. By keeping your gutters clear, gutter guards reduce the likelihood of pest infestations, which can lead to damage not only to your gutters but also to your home’s structure.
By preventing common issues associated with gutters, gutter guards contribute to their longevity, ensuring they serve your home effectively for years to come. For homeowners looking to protect their investment, gutter guards offer an effective and long-term solution.
Why You Need Gutter Guards for Your Minnesota Home
Living in Minnesota presents unique challenges for homeowners, especially regarding gutter maintenance. Here are some key points to consider:
- Climate Challenges: Minnesota experiences heavy snowfall in winter and intense rain during spring and summer, making gutter maintenance essential.
- Importance of Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards can significantly reduce maintenance by preventing ice and debris accumulation.
- Preventing Ice Dams: In winter, snow and ice can build up on roofs. When it melts, water must flow seamlessly through gutters to prevent ice dams, and gutter guards help prevent blockages.
- Spring Showers: Minnesota’s spring showers can quickly fill unprotected gutters with leaves and sticks, leading to potential overflows and water damage.
- Year-Round Peace of Mind: By installing gutter guards, homeowners can ensure their gutters function properly throughout the year, protecting their homes from the adverse effects of Minnesota’s varied and sometimes extreme weather.
Where Do I Purchase Gutter Guards?
Ready to purchase gutter guards of your own? While you can certainly do it yourself, we recommend reaching out to a professional gutter guard installation company to assess your home and its needs. Northface Construction offers free quotes on all your gutter installation and protection needs. Reach out today to get started!
