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Do Gutter Guards Work?

Most roof experts argue that gutter guards might not offer foolproof protection against all the debris that might accumulate in your gutters but they do help reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters. Having gutter guards means elements such as leaves from plants, debris, and dirt will be prevented from getting into the gutters. This means that your gutters receive ample protection, hence reducing the number of times you need to have them cleaned. This article gives more information regarding gutter guards, and the way the work.

How do Gutter Guards Work?

Gutter guards simple entail a cover placed on gutters to prevent different elements such as leaves and debris from getting into your gutters. The cover only allows water to get in the gutters.

gutter guards made out of mesh to prevent leaves from getting stuck
This helps reduce the number of times you have to clean or maintain your gutters. If you get the right one, a gutter guard can help you in a great way as long as it is properly installed.

Things You Need to Note about Gutter Guards

  • Installing the Wrong Gutter Guards

One thing you need to note about gutter guards is that some designs are not as effective as you would want them to be. For instance, the reverse curve design does allow dirt and debris to get into the gutter, making it hard to clean your gutter whenever it is blocked. Such a gutter would fail quite miserably in the spring, when there are many tiny debris and leaves falling from trees.

To avoid such a problem, you need to make sure that you get the best gutter guard for your roof. A good option for you is a guard design made with stainless steel micromesh. Such a guard ensures that nothing but water gets into the gutters.

  • Overpromises

Another point linked to the one above is the overpromises around how you will never have to clean your gutters ever again. At most times, gutter guards are not able to prevent all kinds of debris from getting into your gutters. Some dirt and debris will eventually find its way in there. The situation gets even worse, now that you have guards, because you cannot see the amount of debris that has piled up. This can lead to clogged gutters, eventually causing roof damage and leaks.

Therefore, if you happen to live in an area with large trees and a lot of foliage, then gutter guards can help to block some of these falling leaves. However, you should not expect the guards to save you from cleaning your gutters on a regular basis. You have to do the cleaning frequently to ensure your gutters are in the best condition possible.

Different Gutter Guards That You Can Get

  • Metal Screens

Metal screen guards are quite easy to install, as you only need to fasten them onto the outer lip of the gutter. Although they are quite inexpensive, metal screens can be susceptible to clogging, as small debris and dirt particles usually collect in the opening of the mesh.

  • Sponge Guards

Instead of the traditional cover, sponge guards sit inside the gutter. This gutter guard works by allowing water flow through the sponge, as it blocks debris from clogging the gutter. Despite this, small debris is caught in the sponge. Furthermore, sponge offers a great environment for growth of mold and mildew.

  • Micro Mesh

Micro mesh guards consist of a support frame with a filtering material. The mesh ranges from fine to micro mesh. These gutters happen to offer the best water flow with little to no clogging. The only issue with this guard is that it can be quite expensive and hard to install.

  • Reverse Curve

Reverse curve guards offer a cover over your gutter. They are made in a way that only allows water to flow in the guard but debris cannot get in. The main disadvantage with these guards is that they can really fail during heavy rain, as they are not designed to handle large volumes of water.

Gutters collect all sorts of twigs, leaves, debris and dirt. Without frequent cleaning and protection, your gutters are likely to get heavy, a situation that can cause serious damage if the gutters are left unchecked. Gutters are meant to divert rainwater away from your house. However, when they are clogged, they will not work as they should. Gutter guards offer a good way to protect your gutters and your home. However, one thing you should note is that you need to install the right guards. This is because the wrong guards may end up causing more harm than good. To ensure you have the best possible experience, consider reaching out to a professional for assistance on the right guards to use.