What Are Gutter Guards And Do I Need Them?

Gutter Guards are an innovation on the classic gutter system.

The functionality of a gutter system is essential to the health of our homes and businesses--a fact that becomes glaringly obvious when the gutters clog and overfill. 

Gutter guards were designed to block the debris from falling into the gutters and disrupting the flow of the water, causing clogs. A simple concept and design, with multiple material options and several varieties of gutter guards to choose from, gutter guards can eliminate the unpleasant task of cleaning the gutters by hand--all while protecting the home from water and potential pest damage. 

A Variety of Gutter Guards

There are three main types of gutter guards on the market: 

1. Screen Gutter Guards--A very popular option due to their quick and easy install, as well as their affordability. These gutter guards block out the worst of the leaves and large debris, but won’t defend much against pine needles or seeds. These gutter guards can be cleaned quickly and easily with a hose or a brush to wipe down the screen and clear off any lingering debris. This can easily be done by a professional during your annual gutter check-ups. 
2. Mesh Gutter Guards--More expensive than the screen option, but more effective at keeping out smaller debris. With the tight weave of the mesh, only the smallest of grit and seeds can make their way into the gutter system, leaving the way free and clear for water to flow down and away from the house. Mesh gutter guards can also be easily cleaned with a hose or a brush to clear away any accumulated leaves, pine needles or random debris, making it a quick task to accomplish when a professional comes out to do annual maintenance and check on the condition of the gutter system. 
3. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards--Designed to act as a sort of helmet that rests over the gutters, reverse curve guards allow the water to drip into the gutters while sending the leaves, twigs and random plant matter to the ground where it belongs. These gutter guards are the most involved to install, but have proven incredibly effective at keeping the gutter system flowing free and clear. Here at Gutter Shutter, we stand by our quality gutter shutter system of reverse curve guards. Reach out today to learn more! 

Depending upon the location of your home, one type of gutter guard may work better than another. If the home is located under trees that regularly drop seeds, nuts or pine needles then reverse curve gutter guards, like Gutter Shutter, may ultimately perform better with keeping out and washing away even the slightest debris. 

Why Every Home Should Have Gutter Guards

There are a multitude of benefits to installing gutter guards, including the increased lifespan of your gutter system and more!

Gutter guards can do more than just prevent the gutters from clogging and causing a waterfall each time it rains.For example: Gutter guards, by nature of keeping debris from accumulating in the gutters, also extend the lifespan of the gutter system by preventing plant growth within the gutter. When you see seedlings and small saplings begin to grow in the gutters, it’s only a matter of time before root systems punch their way through the material and render the gutters unsalvageable.

Far from only preventing debris to enter the gutters, however, gutter guards are also excellent at preventing pest and rodent infestations. Animals like raccoons, rats, mice, birds, bats and more are often in search of shelter from the elements, a safe place to bed down and build nests. By closing off the gutters, you can block at least one common point of entry into the roof/attic space, making it harder for animals to wriggle their way in. 

There’s also the added benefit of increasing property value, protecting the home’s foundation from seepage and water intrusion, and of course--avoiding the nasty task of scooping gutter gunk into a bucket while balancing on a ladder. 

Finding A Local Gutter Guard Contractor

Installing gutter guards is a worthwhile investment for any home. Reach out today to learn more about our Gutter Shutter System!

If you’re looking into options to protect your gutters or simply looking to avoid the unenviable task of gutter cleaning for the foreseeable future, Gutter Shutter may be the gutter system for you and your home. With our lifetime no-clog, no-pull guarantee, you can ensure your gutters are protected no matter what storm comes your way. Reach out for your free, no obligation estimate with just a call or click today!