Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging homes and creating unsightly stains on the exterior. Gutter guards prevent this by blocking leaves and other debris from entering the gutter system.
Avid DIYers comfortable working on ladders can install gutter guards if they follow proper safety precautions. However, a professional may be needed for more complex rooflines or larger homes.
Gutter guards are an investment that is well worth it for homeowners. They reduce the time and money spent on cleaning and maintaining gutters and protect the roof and foundation from damage caused by clogged gutters and sitting water.
The cost of gutter guards depends on the type and material. Plastic and foam styles are the least expensive, while aluminum, copper, and stainless steel options are more costly but will last longer. Homeowners should also consider their area’s climate and weather patterns, as they may require gutter guards better suited to ice damming or more windy conditions. Local professionals can help guide homeowners toward the best products for their needs.
Typically, homeowners can install their gutter guards themselves if they are comfortable climbing ladders and using power tools. However, hiring a professional is usually best if the project involves extensive foundation plantings, a steep hillside, or water features. These contractors will have the equipment to handle these jobs and can help ensure the work is done safely and efficiently.
Homeowners need to compareIt’s prices and reviews before making a decision. A product from a reputable brand will likely cost more than a generic or lesser-known brand, but it may be worth the extra expense to get peace of mind knowing that the gutter guards are high-quality and will last for years.
Another factor to consider is whether the homeowner can find a professional who offers free consultations and estimates. During the forecast, the contractor will assess the job site and recommend the best gutter guards for the home. Then, the homeowner can choose a date and time for installation that works for their schedule.
It’s also important for homeowners to ask potential installers about their licensing, insurance, and references before hiring them. This will help ensure that the company is reputable and has the proper safety and liability insurance in case someone is injured during installation. Hiring a professional will save homeowners time, trouble, and the risk of injury.
Gutter guards can be a great way to help prevent the ice dams that plague homes in cold climates. They are designed to keep the debris from entering your gutters and can be a good way to avoid clogs. However, it’s important to understand that ice dams will still form when snow and ice fall onto your roof and settle in the eaves.
This is because the water trickling down the roof, through your gutters, and into the gutter guards will freeze, melt, and refreeze several times throughout winter. This is how ice dams form and why cleaning your drains and roof is critical before winter arrives.
In addition, if you decide to install gutter guards, it’s a good idea to choose ones that are made well and have a warranty. If you have any doubts about the quality of a particular product, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional for an opinion.
Most gutter covers are made of some plastic or metal and are not meant to withstand the rigors of a cold climate. When exposed to freezing temperatures, they will become brittle and break apart. These broken pieces of metal or plastic will then be able to enter the home and cause damage to the shingles, roof, attic, and gutters.
Heated gutter guards like MasterShield’s Ice Shield are a good way to prevent ice damming and icicle formation. The heating cables Ken mentions in the video below are a great feature of this all-in-one system, as they are flexible enough to address troublesome spots like roof valleys and areas around skylights.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to invest in high-quality gutter guards, such as the micro-mesh screen option from LeafFilter. They are a cost-effective option that can be installed by a professional or homeowner, and they come with a clog-free guarantee. This helps to ensure that the ice dams won’t be able to develop inside the gutters and on your roof, and it will also keep the ice from melting and refreezing.
Gutter guards are designed to prevent debris from clogging the gutters. Debris like twigs, pine cones, leaves, and more can fall from trees or blow in from the surrounding environment, and if left unattended, can clog the gutter system and cause water damage to your home. Gutter guards are a cost-effective way to protect your house from water damage and to avoid expensive repairs or replacement costs.
While a good quality gutter guard does not eliminate the need for gutter cleaning, it will significantly reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning. Gutter guards can also help reduce the amount of debris on your roof and at the base of your home, where it can cause wood rot. Regardless of the type of gutter guards you choose, installing them correctly and maintaining them regularly is important.
Gutters perform an essential function, directing rainwater away from your foundation and into ground storage. But if your gutters are clogged, they can cause serious problems for your home’s foundation, basement, or below-ground storage space. Gutter guards are a cost-effective solution that can reduce the amount of debris and tidbits in your gutters, making them less likely to block water flow.
If you live in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area, protecting your home from the threat of wildfires is crucial. Debris can fall from nearby trees, and embers can land on your roof and gutters. When this happens, your gutters can catch fire and start a wildfire that can quickly spread to other parts of your property. Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the fire risk by preventing debris buildup and reducing the chance of ember entry.
Gutter guards can also alleviate ice dams by preventing debris from getting caught in the ice. They can also help to prevent leaks in the fascia, which a clogged gutter can cause. If you are considering installing gutter guards, contact Allied Disaster Defense to learn more about our services and to schedule a free estimate.
Gutter guards protect your home from the tiny forces of nature that can clog gutters year-round, whether in fall when leaves start to drop or in winter when snow and ice accumulate. By filtering debris, gutter guards can allow rainwater to flow unobstructed through your gutters and away from your house, and they can help you avoid costly roof and fascia damage that occurs when clogged gutters cause water or ice to back up under shingles.
There are many types of gutter guards, and each kind works differently. Some are more expensive than others, but all provide excellent protection from unwanted debris that could damage your home. Some have a reverse curve that helps to direct water downward into the gutter through a tiny slit and encourages leaves to fall to the ground, while others screen out large or small-sized debris.
Most are easy to install, but you should carefully review your specific product’s instructions and ensure that your gutters are resealed and in good condition before beginning any work. Most products use a simple two-step process, with one side of the gutter guard sliding underneath the first row of your roof’s shingles while the other snaps or fastens to your gutter or fascia. You should also trim the gutter guards to match your gutter’s length, depending on the type of product you choose.
Brush guards, for example, look like giant pipe cleaners with stiff bristles that sit inside your gutters and intercept large debris such as pine needles and twigs. These are easy to install but may need to be cleaned more frequently because they can clog from small debris that makes its way through or around the bristles.
Other gutter guards are made of foam that sits inside your gutters and blocks water flow, allowing small debris to pass through. They are easy to install and can last for years, but they don’t stop as much debris as mesh or metal guards.
You should hire a professional for a gutter guard installation on any home higher than a 1-story roof. However, avid DIYers with some ladder experience and who are comfortable working at heights can safely install gutter guards on a single-story house as long as safety precautions are followed.