Do Gutter Guards Work and Are They Actually Worth It?

 

Let's be honest: gutters can be annoying. They get clogged with leaves, are difficult to clean, and can even become a home for unwelcome pests. But as a homeowner, maintaining gutters is just part of the gig. After all, gutters are essential to your home's drainage system and structural integrity. 

To maintain gutters and fix clogs, a lot of homeowners often resort to breaking out their ladders a few times a year to clean their gutters, or even hire a gutter cleaning company. However, there is another option that is often overlooked. For homeowners interested in a more permanent solution that protects their home and reduces the amount of time needed to climb on the roof, gutter guards are a great investment. 

But what exactly are gutter guards? Do they actually work? Are they worth it? Keep reading to learn more.  

 

What Are Gutter Guards? 

Gutter guards do exactly what their name implies: they guard your gutters. Sometimes called gutter covers, they are a perforated system that is placed over the top of your already existing gutters to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering, while still allowing water to move freely. 

Not only do gutter guards reduce maintenance costs, but they also remove the need to have to clean your gutters regularly. 

 

The Purpose of Gutters

Gutters are essentially a funneling system. When it rains, water slides down your roof and into your gutters. Your gutters then channel the water through a downspout and safely direct it away from the vulnerable areas of the home like your foundation and basement.

If houss don't have gutters, water ends up pooling around the outside of the home and eventually erode the soil. Over time, this causes extreme foundation damage and basement flooding. Additionally, they prevent water from collecting and entering through doors and windows. 

 

Gutter's Biggest Flaw

Gutters are great. But they certainly aren't perfect. In fact, their biggest flaw is that they attract a lot of accumulating debris that leads to clogging. If you live in a home surrounded by a lot of trees, then you know clogged gutters are a constant concern.

Cleaning a clogged gutter isn't exactly an easy task. You have to bring out the ladder, climb up the roof, and clean them out. It is not a fun process, and can even be dangerous and physically demanding on the body. That's why gutter guards were invented. 

 

Types of Gutter Guards 

Gutter Guards have been around for a while, with the first gutter guard being a flat metal screen. Today, however, we have a few more options to choose from. 

1. Brush Gutter Guards: These guards are made up of bristles that fit inside your gutters. The bristles, which are in an upright position, cause leaves and debris to stay on top of them while allowing water to move through your gutters. 
2. Foam Gutter Guards: This option is essentially a block of foam that sits in your gutters, catching debris while still allowing water to flow through. 
3. Screen: These gutter guards feature a wire or plastic grid that blocks debris from entering the gutters/ 
4. Micro Mesh: Mesh gutter guards are similar to screen gutter guards, but the holes are smaller and barely visible to the naked eye. Typically made of stainless steel, they are a more permanent solution. 

6 Advantages of Gutter Guards

1. Cuts down the need for maintenance and cleaning - This is the main reason why people get gutter guards. They are specifically designed to block leaves, pine needles, and other debris from accumulating in your gutters, so that means less time spent getting out the ladder and cleaning your gutters out. 
2. Reduces the risk of water and structural damage to your home - Investing in gutter guards can save you thousands of dollars. Clogged gutters lead to water pooling around your home's foundation and eroding the soil. Since gutter guards prevent clogs, your gutter are able to do their job effectively. 
3. Gets rid of pest infestations - Gutters are a breeding ground for pests. Gutter guards not only provide a physical barrier to these pests, but they also minimize the amount of stagnant water sitting in your gutters. 
4. Prevents rust and corrosion - Wet debris hanging out of your gutters leads to premature rust on your gutters and wood rot on your home. And because gutter guards are designed to prevent leaves and other organic litter from collecting your gutter's lifespan is prolonged, and your home is protected. 
5. Minimizes mold and mildew - Stagnant water sitting in your gutters can lead to mold and mildew growth. Gutter guards allow water to flow freely minimizing the growth of mold and mildew. 
6. Can be installed on existing gutters - One of the best parts about gutter guards is that you don't need a whole new gutter system. They are installed on your already existing gutters. 

 

3 Disadvantages of Gutter Guards 

1. Complex installation - The best, most effective gutter guards need to be installed by a professional and are not DIY
2. Not all gutter guards are created equal - Some gutter guard systems are basically ineffective, so you need to do research and shop carefully.
3. May affect your roof warranty - Some gutter guards attach to your roof and might void your warranty. When picking out the right gutter guard for your home, make sure you pick one that works with your roof. 

What Type of Gutter Guard is the Best? 

Each type of gutter guard has its pros and cons. But one of the most important choices you have to make is who installs them. 

Here at Woodford Bros., we install RainDrop gutter guards. RainDrop gutter guards are a hybrid combination of a gutter screen and hood. Their unique design and polypropylene construction make it one of the most durable guards on the market. 

 

Will Gutter Guards Work for Your Home? 

Gutter Guards work for any home, but the type of gutter guard you get matters. When deciding on what gutter guard to go with, consider your budget, roof, and home style as well as how permanent you want them to be. 

We are here to help you find the best fit for your home. Our gutter experts will visit your home for a free, no-obligation inspection and provide a personalized assessment of your gutter system. Fill out our online form or give us a call at 1-315-234-1263 to schedule your free estimate.