Roofing issues are a nightmare for homeowners. They can cause extensive damage to your property and cost thousands of dollars to repair. But, one of the best ways to prevent problems is to invest in top-quality gutter guards. Gutter guards are essential to any home’s exterior, as they prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters and causing water overflow.
However, knowing which guard is the best for your needs is tough. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know—from the different types of gutter guards to their features and benefits. So, if you’re a homeowner looking to protect your property, just keep reading!
How Gutter Guards Work
Gutter guards work by preventing debris from entering your gutters, allowing water to flow freely away from your home. Standard gutters can become clogged and lead to water overflow and potential damage to your property.
However, gutter guards are designed to fit over your existing gutters, which allows water to flow through while keeping debris out. They’re available in different versions, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
5 Types of Gutter Guards
To better understand gutter guards, here’s a look at the various options:
1) Screen Gutter Guards
Screen gutter guards are typically made of aluminum or vinyl. They work by covering your gutters with a mesh screen, allowing water to seep through without carrying any debris.
One of the main benefits of screen gutter guards is that they are relatively inexpensive. They’re also easy to maintain because you can simply remove and clean the screen when necessary. However, one of the drawbacks of screen gutter guards is that the mesh can become clogged with small debris, like pine needles.
2) Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards are similar to screen gutter guards but are made of a finer mesh material. This makes them more effective at keeping tiny debris out of your gutters, such as shingle grit.
An advantage of mesh gutter guards is that they are more effective than screen gutter guards at keeping debris out of your gutters. They are simple to install and maintain, too. On the downside, mesh gutter guards can become clogged over time, leading to water overflow.
3) Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
Reverse curve gutter guards work by using a curved shape to direct water into your gutters and letting debris falls to the ground. One of the benefits of reverse curve gutter guards is that they are highly effective at keeping debris out of your gutters. However, reverse curve gutter guards are relatively expensive compared to other types of gutter guards.
4) Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards are made of a porous foam material that allows water to freely flow through. They fold into your gutters and conform to their shape, creating a barrier that prevents leaves and dirt from entering.
The advantage of foam gutter guards is that they work really well at guarding against debris, making them a sought-after choice for homeowners. However, one of the drawbacks of foam gutter guards is that they aren’t as easy to clean and maintain.
5) Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guards are made of a series of bristles that are good at blocking debris. They fit snugly into your gutters and don’t hinder the flow of water. Unfortunately, leaves and pine needles can become lodged into the bristles, making them difficult to clean. Without regular maintenance, brush guards can fill up and lead to water overflow.
Well-Known Gutter Guard Brands
Now that you know the various types of gutter guards, let’s discuss the different brands:
LeafFilter
LeafFilter is one of the top gutter guard brands on the market. It offers a range of products designed to keep your gutters free and clear. Their gutter guards are made of high-quality materials that fit seamlessly into your existing gutters. Plus, the company offers a transferable lifetime warranty
Gutter Helmet
Gutter Helmet is another top gutter guard brand. Their guards feature sturdy mounted brackets and a triple lifetime warranty.
Leaf Guard
LeafGuard is a leading manufacturer of gutter guards. The company guarantees that your guards won’t become clogged during the lifespan of your home. Also, their products include a Safeguard finish for added durability.
How to Properly Choose Gutter Guards
When selecting gutter guards, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the features to look for:
Material
The material of your gutter guards is essential, as it will determine their durability and effectiveness. Some of the most popular materials for gutter guards include aluminum, vinyl, and stainless steel.
Aluminum gutter guards are lightweight, which is good for not burdening the gutter system. Vinyl gutter guards are also lightweight and affordable, but they’re not as durable as other materials.
Stainless steel guards are highly durable and effective at keeping debris out of your gutters, but they can be relatively expensive.
Cost
The cost of your gutter guards will depend on several factors, including the type of gutter guard, the material, and the brand. Some gutter guards are relatively affordable, while others can cost several hundred dollars.
Durability
The durability of your gutter guards is essential, as it will determine how long they will last. Some gutter guards are made of sturdy materials, while others are not.
The best way to decide on the type of gutter guard that you should get is your environment. If you live around trees, it’s best to choose a highly durable option.
Installation
The installation of your gutter guards is also crucial since it will determine how effective they are at blocking debris. Therefore, it’s best to get professional installation. Doing so will ensure a favorable outcome.
Gutter Guard Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your gutter guards is essential because it ensures that they remain effective at blocking debris from entering your gutters. Some tips for maintaining your gutter guards include:
- Cleaning your gutters regularly to prevent debris from building up
- Checking your gutter guards for damage or wear and tear
- Replacing damaged gutter guards as soon as possible
- Hiring a professional to regularly clean and inspect your gutters and gutter guards
If you follow these gutter maintenance tips, your gutter system will operate at maximum capacity and prevent damage to your property.
Protecting Your Home from Water Damage
Throughout this article, we’ve discussed the importance of keeping debris out of your gutters. However, one of the primary reasons for doing so is to prevent water damage. If there is an abundance of dirt, leaves, and twigs in your gutters, there’s no way that water can flow throw, resulting in water buildup.
Water damage can cause significant problems for homeowners. Not only can it severely ruin your property, but it’s expensive to correct—especially if mold develops.
Therefore, investing in high-quality gutter guards is the best way to keep a handle on things. If you properly manage your gutters, they can effectively do their job and keep your home safe.
We’ll Take Care of Your Gutters
If you need a new gutter system, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. At Northface Construction, we provide gutter installation. Our expert contractors will make sure that you get exactly what you’re looking for.
We use top-quality products that will last for many years. So, you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to constantly repair or replace your gutters.
To learn more about our services, feel free to reach out to us at 763-265-6937, or reach out to us on our website.
