![]() ![]() However, screen gutter guards can be an easy-to-install and cost-effective DIY option. The performance and longevity of screen gutter guards varies depending on the design, and most will require regular cleaning to remove any debris caught in the holes. Either way, they sit on top of your gutters rather than inside them. They may be perforated pieces of metal or plastic, or they could resemble fencing or mesh. Screen gutter guards typically slide under the first row of shingles on your roof. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, brushes may not be the best choice. You will need to remove the brushes and spray them off periodically to remove any debris that builds up. They resemble large bottle brushes or pipe cleaners with stiff bristles, and they can easily last five years or longer if properly maintained.Īlthough gutter brushes are effective against large debris, small debris might get stuck in the bristles. Brushīrush gutter guards also sit inside your gutters. As a result, you need to replace them every few years. Though they are a relatively inexpensive option, they deteriorate over time. The downside to foam gutter guards is that they’re prone to freezing and shrinking. While water should be able to pass through the foam easily, most debris will be kept out. They come in different shapes and sizes to ensure a snug fit. Foamįoam gutter guards sit inside your gutters. Below, we cover how each option works and which are worth the investment. Each type has its advantages and downsides. Homeowners today can choose from several types of gutter guards. The best gutter guards can keep seeds out and allow water to flow properly. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can also grow in your gutters. As a result, mold spores, spinners, and other seeds can make their way into unprotected gutters and begin to grow. Your gutters might even provide sufficient soil and food. Biological GrowthĬlogged or dirty gutters provide everything seeds need to germinate: water, air, light, and warmth. Gutter guards help block clog-causing pests and debris and, in turn, prevent water damage. The runoff can even carve trenches through your yard and damage your landscaping. As the water makes its way into places it should not be, mold and mildew can begin to grow. They can overflow, causing soil erosion, foundation cracks, and basement flooding, or the water can back up in your roof and ceiling. Water DamageĬlogged gutters can cause several types of water damage. High-quality gutters guards can significantly reduce or eliminate blockages, which means less frequent maintenance and repairs. ![]() For instance, the weight of trapped water and waterlogged debris can cause the gutters to sag or pull away from your home. When your gutters develop a blockage, you must spend time, money, or both to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Gutter guards help by reducing debris buildup and forming a physical barrier between wind-blown embers and any debris that makes its way into your gutters. Embers can travel in the wind, land in your gutters, and set the debris ablaze. Gutters filled with dry leaves and pine needles can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires. Gutter guards help by preventing clogs and improving water flow so that the melted snow can drain from your gutters properly instead of refreezing. Your gutters might also develop ice dams if the snow on your roof melts, flows down to the gutters, and then refreezes. If you live in an area with cold winters, any water that doesn’t drain from your gutters can freeze. Gutter guards help by making your gutters much less hospitable and more difficult to access. In addition to any other problems these pests might cause, their presence can clog or damage your gutters. Spiders might spin webs and lay eggs, and mosquitos can take advantage of the wet environment. Mice, squirrels, bats, and birds can build nests in them, for example. Without gutter guards, pests can make themselves at home in your gutters. The cost to install gutter guards may be worth it if you have experienced or are concerned about any of the following issues: Pest Infestations “ reduce gutter maintenance and extend the lifespan of gutters.” ![]() “Gutter guards offer significant advantages in terms of preventing water damage and basement flooding,” says Gavin MacRae, owner of GJ MacRae Foundation Repair. Gutter guards may not be able to prevent every possible issue, but they can make your life easier in many situations. The biggest reason to install gutter guards is to save yourself the time, money, and hassle associated with backed-up or overflowing gutters. ![]()
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