Cleaning gutters can be a tedious task, but gutter guards can help alleviate that chore while providing essential protection for your home. Here’s a look at the benefits of gutter guards and the various types available.
Key Benefits of Gutter Guards
1. Reduced Maintenance: Gutter guards minimize the need for frequent cleaning by keeping out leaves and debris. This means less time on the ladder and more time enjoying your home.
2. Protection from Water Damage: Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which may damage your foundation, siding, and landscaping. Gutter guards ensure proper water flow away from your home, preventing costly repairs.
3. Fewer Pests: By preventing debris buildup, gutter guards also reduce the risk of attracting pests like mosquitoes and rodents, creating a cleaner environment around your home.
4. Extended Gutter Lifespan Keeping gutters clear helps reduce wear and tear, ultimately prolonging their lifespan and saving you money on repairs.
Types of Gutter Guards
1. Foam Gutter Guards: Made from porous foam, these are cheap and easy to install. They don’t stand up well to severe weather, hold moisture and other debris, break down over time and are even flammable. We consider these to be a temporary solution to a long term problem.
2. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards: Designed to direct water down while allowing debris to fall away, these guards tend to be the most expensive. Since there is still an opening along the entire length of the gutter, fine debris and pests can still get into the gutter. The main issue with these guards is that in a harder rain the water will go off the guard past the opening, completely missing the gutter.
3. Screen Gutter Guards: Typically made of metal with larger holes to allow water into the gutter, these guards work well but are not perfect. The bigger openings keep most debris out but still allow small debris to pass through. Our screen guards are backed by a 15 Year Manufacturer Warranty.
4. Mesh Gutter Guards: Our preferred type of guard, constructed of durable aluminum and stainless-steel mesh that acts as a filter for your gutter, allowing water to flow while blocking debris. Unlike other types of guards, the fine micro-mesh allows air flow under debris that sits on top of the guard, drying it out so that it can blow away. Our mesh guards are back by a 40 Year Manufacturer Warranty.
Which Type Is Best for My Home?
You should choose the gutter guard that fits your needs and budget, and we will help you understand the ins and outs to each type of guard so that you can make the best decision for your home. In our experience, we believe our micro-mesh guard offers the best value. The performance, durability, minimal maintenance and 40 Year Manufacturer Warranty make it hard to beat. With that being said, it is important to remember that there is no “maintenance free” gutter system. Because gutter guards minimize debris and clogging in gutters they do reduce maintenance, but they don’t eliminate it.
At Good Guys Gutter, we specialize in complete gutter systems. We understand that every home is unique, and we’ll guide you through the selection process to find the perfect fit for your home’s needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.