The Hard Truth About the Best Gutter Guards (And Why People Love Them)
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Rainy afternoons are perfect for catching up on your latest TV show or novel. They’re also moments when your gutters are most at risk. Protect your home from long-term water damage by looking for the best gutter guards. You could save yourself from costly renovations and even reduce your household upkeep chores.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are devices that protect your gutters from debris while guiding water through the downspout and away from your home. Experts estimate that there are over 16 million thunderstorms annually throughout the U.S., so your property likely withstands them frequently. Gutter guards can prevent the clogs that require your attention every few weeks to months.
What Causes Gutter Clogs?
Clogs form in your gutters when natural debris flies into them during a rainshower, thunderstorm or extreme weather event. If you peek into your gutters, you may find clumps of leaves, pine straw, flower petals and other small natural materials that exist around your home. Ice can also prevent your gutters from directing water away from your roof, but it becomes less of an issue when it melts.
Homeowners should be wary of gutter clogs even if they only occasionally get thunderstorms. If water pours over the side, it can also cause soil erosion around your foundation and make internal flooding more likely. You can also double-check for potential clogs by looking out of your windows during a rain shower. If it’s coming over the sides of the gutters, it’s time to check them when sunny weather returns.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters With Guards?
You’ll get the best gutter protection if you clean your guards at least once or twice a year. The cleaning rate is much less often than without guards. Otherwise, you’d typically empty your gutters every three months or after every big rainstorm.
When it’s time to clean your gutter guards, wipe the surface off and inspect the area inside your gutter. Tiny pieces of debris may get in if they deteriorate for long periods on top of the material.
What Is the Downside to Gutter Guards?
People sometimes experience roof damage even after installing gutter guards. If you never wipe them clean or check inside the gutters, buildup can still occur. You should visually check your roof for sagging or discolored shingles whenever you look at your home. If those things occur, your house could have mold growth along or inside the roof. Even the best gutter guards require minimal cleaning, so don’t forget to schedule maintenance reminders once or twice a year.
Best Gutter Protection for Your Home
When you’re ready to look into the most popular gutter protection methods for your house, compare some options from leading brands. You’ll get high-quality gutter protection that withstands the elements for years.
Raptor Gutter Guard
You won’t need to hire a professional to install Raptor’s gutter protection. The standard pack contains 48 feet of stainless steel mesh that covers 5-inch gutters. Attach the included screws to create an immediate shield against leaves, branches, pests and more.
Amerimax Gutter Guard
The Amerimax gutter guard is a simplified version of most leading models. The metal mesh fits on gutters four to six inches wide and doesn’t require screws during installation. Slide one edge under your shingles and the other over your gutter’s front lip. The locking mechanism will click into place, staying secure for up to 10 years.
LeafTek Gutter Guard
Anyone interested in the most heavy-duty gutter protection should check out LeafTek. The company makes an aluminum guard for 5-inch gutters that screws into place every few inches. Raised sides and 404 holes in every square foot guide water runoff into your downspout while blocking debris. You may also appreciate the lifetime replacement promise that comes with each purchase, which guarantees that LeafTek will send replacement guards at any point during the multi-decade life span of your gutter protector.
Prepare Your Home for the Next Thunderstorm
Once you know where to find the best gutter protection and how to install it, you won’t have to deal with leaf clogs any time soon. Remember to check your gutters below the guards once or twice a year to ensure that they’re still working properly. You could avoid water damage and foundation erosion by improving your gutter’s ability to manage rain during intense storms.
FAQs
What Is the Most Effective Type of Gutter Guard?
The most effective type of gutter guard uses micro mesh, which prevents natural materials from clogging your gutter even if they’re tiny. Whirling samaras, broken leaves and even dead bugs will sit on the mesh until they dry and wind blows them away.
However, you should still check your guards once or twice a year. The debris may wedge into the mesh with enough wind force or decay. Drying might not be enough to dislodge it with the wind. Check the mesh and the inside of your gutter to verify that clogs haven’t formed.
What Do Roofers Say About Gutter Guards?
Roofers say that gutter guards can provide substantial protection against clogs, but they’re not foolproof. You’ll still need to ensure the installation happens correctly and inspections occur at least a few times annually.
Guards are also optional. Your gutters don’t necessarily need them to direct rainwater effectively. Adding gutter protection is up to each homeowner’s preferences. Someone who can easily clear clogs on their one-story home with an extendable wand may not want as much help preventing them as someone who has to climb a three-story house to reach their roof every few months.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Gutter Guards?
The life expectancy of gutter guards changes with each product, but you can expect them to last at least 10 to 20 years at a minimum. Some may last much longer if they utilize materials like stainless steel. Unless rare damage occurs during a tornado or intensified hurricane, your gutter guards should remain in place long after installation happens.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Gutter Guards?
Replacing gutter guards can cost between $3,136-$3,361 if you hire a professional team. If you swap the guards yourself, it will only cost the amount you originally paid for the guards. The price tag could also be much smaller if you’re only replacing a portion of your gutter protection or need to secure it with a handful of new screws.
About The Author
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience immersed in researching and writing on interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops in Lancaster.
Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, Fieldwire, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.
For more sharp takes on design, construction, and everything in between, you can follow Evelyn on Twitter at @renovatedmag.
