Gutters can get clogged by leaves, pinecones, twigs and other organic debris. Clogged gutters can cause water damage and require homeowners to clean their gutters regularly. Installing gutter guards to prevent outside debris from getting into gutters reduces the need for regular gutter cleaning and maintenance. But are they worth the investment?
Maintenance
While gutter guards may make it easier to clean out your gutters, they cannot eliminate the need for regular cleaning. Seeds and smaller particles may find their way through the hood or mesh, and the gutters should still be cleaned periodically to ensure that water is draining properly and not causing damage to your home’s fascia. When removing debris, use ladder safety practices by positioning the ladder securely against the wall and having someone spot you from below. After removing the debris, wipe down the guards with a hose to rinse any remaining dirt. Depending on your house, gutter guards may or may not be a wise investment to lower the chance of water damage and enhance curb appeal. However, you should consult top rated gutter companies Lake Oswego before making final decisions.
Cost
Gutter guards lessen the need for gutter cleaning, saving homeowners money and time. Depending on the type of guards, they can also help prevent damage caused by clogged gutters, such as fascia rot. Gutter protectors block larger debris, such as pine needles and leaves, from entering your gutter system but allow water to pass through. They also prevent ice dams from forming when snow melts, drains down into your gutter system, and then refreezes.
The cost of gutter guards depends on the material and installation method. Plastic screens are usually the cheapest, while solid hood-style guards can be more expensive. However, they last longer than DIY products and are more aesthetically pleasing. They can lower your chance of needing costly repairs from water damage and increase the value of your house.
Debris Removal
Gutter guards catch much of the debris that could otherwise enter gutters and cause damage and pest infestation. However, they don’t eliminate the need for regular cleaning. It would help to clean your gutters and gutter guards at least once yearly (and after every storm). A ladder and safety equipment are essential if you do the work yourself. Get a bucket for holding the dirt you’re scooping out of the gutter and a garden hose with a pistol-grip nozzle so that you can use higher water pressure to rinse off any remaining debris.
Suppose you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself. In that case, professional gutter cleaners can inspect and remove your gutters to check for sags, breaks, or other problems affecting their effectiveness. This service will cost more, but it may be worth it for peace of mind.
Ice Dams
Gutter guards work to prevent ice dams by preventing frozen debris. They also make it easier to clean out ice dams by providing a place for the water to drain. Still, ice dams can form in gutters with or without gutter covers. They are typically caused by stagnant water and can lead to roof and fascia damage. By encouraging adequate insulation and ventilation, gutter guards can help lower the risk of ice dams. They can also be used to reroute water away from the home, helping to protect the foundation and basement. They can also help prevent fascia rot by keeping water away from the wood. They can even keep water from pooling on the ground, which could lead to soil erosion and flooding.
Fire Protection
Gutter guards are especially important for homes in wildfire-prone areas. During a fire, wind can carry embers into your gutter system, where dry, flammable debris like twigs and leaves are trapped. These embers can then lodge in your home and start a fire. Gutter guards can prevent this fire hazard by removing debris and allowing rainwater to flow freely. Gutter guards with a stainless steel micro-mesh design are ideal for filtering out medium and small-sized debris, from twigs to pine needles to dirt and shingle grit. They can also keep out rodents, squirrels and birds who love to build cozy nests in clogged gutters. They can aid in halting corrosion and rust. Gutter guards and heating cables can also prevent ice damming and icicles.
