If your home does not have covered gutters, it's worth considering gutter guard options. Keeping your gutters clean ensures proper drainage of rain runoff to avoid damage to your home's foundation. If you're interested in learning more about gutter guard options, here are some of the basic facts to know:
Do covered gutters really work?
Although a covered gutter can't necessarily guarantee you'll be free of issues, it can greatly reduce the amount of time spent cleaning and maintaining your drainage system.
The advantages of using gutter guards
A gutter guard helps in protecting a drainage system from water damage and prevents the spread of waste. Leaves, weeds, feathers and other debris can clog the gutter system quickly and hinder drainage.
Pest populations are also attracted to dripping, dirty gutters and will pose additional risk to your walls, roof and drainage. Installing gutter guards is a simple way to avoid unwanted issues and keep your drainage system clear.
Types of gutter guards
Some gutter guards are made of material meant to trap debris while allowing water to slice through. Micro mesh gutter guards and screen gutter guards are both examples of this concept.
There are also surface tension gutter guards made of metal or plastic, which direct the flow of debris out of the gutter entirely. Surface tension gutter guards, also called reverse curve gutter guards, are generally more costly and trickier to install. Mesh and screen gutter guard varieties are DIY-friendly, affordable and available in dozens of styles and strengths.
Can I put gutter guards on myself?
If your home is only one story tall, installing gutter guards is a relatively simple process requiring basic tools. However, it's safer to opt for professional installation if your gutters are higher than one story.
Gutter maintenance is a key part of protecting your home from the wear and tear of the elements. By using gutter guards, you can avoid serious clogs and make your own home maintenance job much simpler.
About the Author
Claire Rainville
I have been conducting business in this local area for 20 years as a full-time real estate broker. My priority as a real estate broker is to ensure my client’s satisfaction through providing them top-class service specifically catered to their individual needs. As your agent, I will effectively communicate with other parties involved in your transaction to ensure the purchase or sale of your home/land/investment property goes smoothly. I use my high-touch philosophy and high-tech resources to attractively market my listings as a seller’s agent, and will proactively use my connections as an experienced real estate broker to find my clients’ their dream home. I am also available via phone, email or text messaging to accommodate my clients’ various schedules and/or preferred mode of communication.
