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What Are Gutter Guards And Why Are They Important?

Posted on October 2, 2024

gutter guards

Maintaining a home can be a challenging task, but it’s very crucial to your home’s ultimate safety. During this process, you need to keep an eye on your gutter systems. Sometimes, due to excessive rain, water will overflow the gutter channels and cause structural problems in the home. 

Gutter maintenance is a necessary task every homeowner should always pay attention to because if you don’t maintain your gutter systems, you can face quite a few problems. 

We know what you might be thinking, gutter maintenance can be very time-consuming and risky, especially if you live in locations prone to heavy rainfalls. To avoid all these problems, gutter guards can be a helpful tool that you might want to consider. These will protect your gutter and make things easier for your drainage system. 

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about gutter guards and how they function, so you can decide whether or not they’re a good option for your home. 

What are Gutter Guards? 

Gutter Guard
Gutter Guard

Gutter guards act as a cover for gutters that ensure better water flow during heavy rain and prevent debris, like leaves, twigs, and other materials, from clogging the system. By keeping the gutters clear of blockages, they help maintain efficiency and safeguard your home’s water drainage system. 

Gutter guards are designed to allow water to flow freely into the gutters while keeping out unwanted material. Depending on the design and needs of your home, you can find a variety of gutter guards in different materials, designs, and sizes. 

How do Gutter Guards Work? 

Gutter guards are a practical solution for protecting gutter systems and the roof. As you know, gutters are designed to direct water away from your home’s foundation, preventing soil erosion, leaks, and damage to your walls or basement. However, with the harsh Wisconsin weather, gutters can get clogged with debris. 

This is especially common if your home is surrounded by trees, or the seasons are changing. Gutter guards act as a filter for the gutter that allows rainwater to flow through, into the gutter while keeping leaves, twigs, and other objects out. When rainwater can freely flow through the gutter system without obstruction, it reduces the risk of water clogging around the downspouts or seeping into the roof or walls of your home. This can save your precious time and hard-earned money from damage caused by water damage, mold, or flooding. 

Advantages of Gutter Guards

Here are some of the advantages of rain gutter guards that make them a must-have component for your exterior: 

👉Reduced Maintenance

Gutter guards are designed to keep the gutter clean, so they automatically save you money on gutter maintenance. Without guards, gutters need regular cleaning to remove leaves and other debris, especially after heavy storms. By installing gutter guards, you’ll have to make fewer trips up the ladder, making home maintenance easier, and safer.

👉Prevents Water Damage

When gutters are clogged, rainwater can overflow and spill onto the roof or walls, potentially causing damage, leading to wood rot, mold growth, and even structural damage. Gutter guards help prevent these problems by ensuring water flows properly through the system.

👉Prolongs Gutter Life 

Gutter guards can extend the lifespan of your gutters by reducing the weight of debris that collects in them. Over time, the added weight of leaves, dirt, and standing water can cause gutters to sag or detach from the house.

👉Protection from Pests

Clogged gutters can become a playground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and birds without gutter guards. These pests can build nests in gutters, causing blockages and making it harder for water to flow through. Gutter guards create a barrier that prevents pests from entering or nesting in the gutter system. 

👉Prevents Ice Dams

In colder regions such as Wisconsin, ice dams can form in gutters during the winter. When water can’t properly drain due to clogs, it can freeze, blocking the flow of melting snow. Gutter guards help reduce the risk of ice dams by keeping the gutter system clear and allowing water to flow freely, even during freezing conditions. 

👉Improves Water Flow for Rainwater Harvesting

If you have a rainwater harvesting system, covering the gutters can help improve the quality and quantity of the water collected. Keeping debris out of your gutters will make the water collected cleaner and require less filtration before use.

Disadvantages of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards play an important role in your roofing system if they’re utilized effectively. However, they are not free from issues. Here are the limitations you need to consider:

👉Not Completely Maintenance-Free

While gutter guards reduce the need for frequent cleaning, they don’t eliminate maintenance. Some gutter guards, particularly mesh or screen models, can still accumulate small debris, such as pine needles or dirt, which may require occasional cleaning. In addition, severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow or strong winds, can dislodge gutter guards, necessitating repairs. 

👉Compatibility Issues

Not all gutter guards are compatible with every gutter system or roof design type. Some older or uniquely shaped gutters may work better with specific types of gutter guards, which could limit your options. It’s essential to check whether your existing gutter system matches the guard you plan to install. 

👉Potential for Ice Build-Up

Some gutter guards can contribute to ice build-up along the roof’s edge in frigid climates. This occurs because snow can accumulate on top of the guard, slowing the melting process and increasing the chance of ice formation. Homeowners in areas with heavy snowfall may need to consider heated gutter guards or additional insulation to prevent this issue. 

👉Can Void Roof Warranty 

In some cases, installing gutter guards may void your roof warranty, especially if they are attached in a way that affects the roof’s structure or materials. Before installing gutter guards, you should check the terms of your warranty and consult with a professional installer to avoid potential issues.

Different Types of Gutter Guards 

There are multiple types of gutter guards available in stores, each with its own individual characteristics that make it different from others. Below are a few suggestions that will give you a better understanding of different types of gutter guards.

👉 Mesh Gutter Guards 

Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh Gutter Guards Source : homedepot.com

Mesh gutter guards use a fine mesh screen to block debris while allowing for more water flow. They effectively keep out small debris, such as pine needles, but may require occasional cleaning if dirt or small particles gather on the surface. 

👉Foam Gutter Guards 

Foam Gutter Guards 
Foam Gutter Guards  Source : homedepot.com

Foam gutter guards consist of a porous foam material that sits inside the gutter, allowing water to pass through while keeping leaves and debris out. They are easy to install but can become clogged with dirt or moss, requiring regular maintenance. 

👉Brush Gutter Guards 

Brush Gutter Guards 
Brush Gutter Guards  Source : homedepot.com

Appearing to be cylindrical brushes that fit inside the gutter, brush gutter guards can catch debris on their bristles while allowing water to fall through the gutter. However, they can become clogged with larger debris over time and require frequent cleaning. 

👉 Reverse Curve Gutter Guards 

Designed to allow water to flow over the curved surface and into the gutter while deflecting debris, reverse-curve gutter guards are highly effective at keeping the gutter clean. However, even though they are highly effective, they can be expensive and may require a lot of time to install. 

Looking For Expert Gutter Services? Reach Out To Prestige Roofing Today!

Choosing the perfect gutter guard among such a wide variety is not easy. It will not only protect your roof from getting damaged, but it will also help you maintain the overall appearance of your home. For all your gutter and roofing needs, reach out to the professionals at Prestige Roofing today.  With over a decade of experience, our roofing company has been the trusted name for hundreds of home and business owners. If you need help with your gutter guards, or have any other questions, call us at (920) 791-0414.