Install Gutter Guards to Protect Your House

As a homeowner, you may already take many steps to protect your home. However, there are always more steps you can take. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), protecting your home from water damage is particularly important. There are many ways water can build up in your home. One of the most common is improper drainage, which is why installation of gutters is essential. Gutters redirect rain water away from your home. What you may not realize is gutter guards are often equally important for your safety and the safety of your home.

Rain is not all gutters catch. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can land on the roof of your home and slide down into your gutters. As that debris builds up, it causes a blockage, much like when a beaver builds a dam in a body of water. The water cannot get past, so it begins to back up into the wrong areas, such as inside the walls or under the roof shingles. A gutter guard is any type of gutter attachment that helps reduce the buildup of foreign materials in your home's gutter system. Here are some of the benefits, types, and costs of gutter guards.

Gutter Guards Protect Your Home

The primary job of gutter guards is to keep debris out of your gutters. However, limiting the debris your gutters catch also has many secondary benefits for your home. Cleaner gutters have better water flow, limiting standing water. Therefore, rust issues are less likely. Here are some other advantages for your home you may notice when you install gutter guards:

• Gutters with guards have less standing water and debris, making them less attractive to insects.

• Small animals, such as birds or squirrels cannot access guarded gutters as easily.

• Algae and mold form less often in protected gutters.

• Moisture-related roof rot and foundation issues are less common when gutter guards are present.

Gutter Guards Also Protect You

Gutter guards provide several personal perks as well. For instance, gutters with guards require professional maintenance less often, saving you money. Even if you typically clean your gutters yourself, consider the ladder safety benefit of less gutter maintenance. You may have difficulty on a ladder, such as due to a fear of heights or physical joint problems. Even if you feel comfortable on a ladder, you are not necessarily safe on one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. alone there are more than 500,000 ladder-related injuries each year. Therefore, the less time you spend on a ladder cleaning your gutters, the better.

What Type of Gutter Guard Do You Need?

There are many types of gutter guards from which you can pick. The type that is best for your home depends on many factors, including environment, home style, budget, and types of problems you need to eliminate. One of the most common types of gutter guard is the surface tension, or reverse-curve, gutter guard. It is a metal guard curved in such a way that rain follows the edge of it down into your gutters. Meanwhile, its smooth, slippery surface causes most debris to slide over the top of the guard and down onto the ground. Reverse-curve gutter guards are long-lasting, but they require proper maintenance for the best longevity. Here are some other common types of gutter guards:

• Screen and micro-mesh guards consist of a metal mesh designed to allow water to pass through while blocking out larger objects. Micro-mesh guards are among the most effective at preventing debris from entering into gutters. However, they are often flat, which means debris can build up on top of the mesh. Thus, regular maintenance is necessary.

• Brush (bottle brush) guards are best at preventing snow and large debris from filling your gutters. They do not block out small debris. Over time, leaves and other items can become stuck to the tops of the brushes and require removal. Brush guards are also effective at deterring animals.

• Foam gutter guards typically consist of polyurethane foam blocks. Each foam block has small holes, allowing water to flow through and penetrate, much like it would flow through a sponge. Debris sits on top of the foam blocks and dries. Then wind blows the debris off or, if it builds up, it is easy to see and remove.

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

The cost of gutter guards depends on the type of guard you choose, how large your home is, and whether you opt for professional installation. Typically, gutter guard material is sold in linear feet. The cheapest option is plastic screen, which may cost as little as 40 cents per linear foot. However, it does not have the longevity of other types of gutter guards. A sturdier option, such as micro-mesh may cost as much as $4 per linear foot. If you are having professional installation performed, there is also a per-linear-foot installation cost. That cost may range from $2.50 to $12 or more per linear foot. The potential total cost of gutter guard installation ranges from approximately $80 to $4,300 for 200 linear feet, depending on materials and installation processes. 

Do You Need Professional Gutter Guard Installation?

You do not always need professional gutter guard installation. To determine if it is necessary, start by considering your personal situation. If you suffer from health problems or a fear of ladders, hiring professionals is the best idea. Next, consider the type of gutter guards you want. Any gutter guards that require installation under your roof line or major structural changes often require professionals like those at LeafGuard or All American Gutter Protection. LeafGuard also provides great deals such as the End of Year Sale where they offer 75% off Labor and $99 Install. For insurance purposes, professional installation may also be necessary.

The Final Word on Gutter Guards

Gutter guards do have some potential hazards. For example, some companies portray them as no-maintenance, but maintenance is always required. It is simply required less often than maintenance on open gutters. Also, certain gutter guards are not designed for some home styles. For instance, heavy gutter guards may place too much stress on the structure of some homes, leading to safety concerns. Check safety requirements before installing any type of gutter guards on your home's gutters.