What Are Gutter Guards?
Your home’s gutters divert rainwater to downspouts and away from your house. But when falling leaves and debris clog the gutters, gutters can’t do their job as effectively. If enough debris builds up, your gutters could separate from the roofline or become clogged. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation, resulting in rot, mold or even structural damage. Pooled water can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Protect your gutters and prevent blockages by installing gutter guards.
Gutter guards may cost extra when you’re installing a gutter system, but they’ll generally pay off in the long run.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are a few different types of gutter guards on the market that all fulfill a similar purpose. Read on to find the best gutter guards for your home.
Screen Panels
Gutter screens are rigid panels that fit over your gutters. They’re made of durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or vinyl, with holes to let water through but keep twigs, leaves and other debris on top. The panels are easy to clean; simply sweep off the buildup.
Rolled Mesh
Mesh gutter guards come in a roll and are usually made of plastic or lightweight aluminum. They’re generally inexpensive and easy to snap onto your existing gutters. Since they’re flexible, they can be a bit tougher to clean than rigid screen panels.
Foam Guards
Foam guards are porous blocks that fit inside your gutters. They let water through but not leaves.
Installation and Maintenance
Gutter guards are easy to install since they don’t require any hardware or tools. Simply snap the panels or mesh onto the gutters or set the guards inside the gutters.
Gutter guards don’t require any special maintenance. You’ll still need to clean your gutters seasonally, but it’ll be an easy job since there won’t be debris stuck inside them. For more tips, check out our article: Gutter Cleaning and Repair.
Cleaning gutters can be a dangerous job. Follow proper safety precautions when working on a ladder. Never use a leaf blower while standing on a ladder, as this can lead to falls.