Water Attack Pressure Washing

Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One?

Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One?

Gutters are an essential component of any home’s drainage system. They play a crucial role in channelling rainwater away from the house, preventing water damage to the exterior walls and foundations as well as any other structural issues.

However, without proper maintenance, gutters can quickly become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to a variety of potential problems! That’s where gutter guards come in. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about gutter guards, from what they are and how they work to why they are a must-have for homeowners.

Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One? - roof with gutter guard

Understanding Gutter Guards

Gutters control where the water goes after it leaves your roof. However, when they’re full of debris, the water coming off your roof water has nowhere to go. To combat this problem, gutter guards are used as protective covers or screens that are installed over gutters to prevent debris from entering while still allowing water to flow freely. Their primary purpose is to keep gutters clean and functional, minimising the need for regular cleaning while also reducing potential damage caused by clogged and heavy gutters.

There are a variety of gutter guard types that can be used depending on your needs. These include:

  • Foam Gutter Guards: Made of foam material, these guards fit inside the gutters and effectively block debris while allowing water to pass through, offering affordability and easy installation for homeowners.
  • Bottle-Brush Gutter Guards: These guards feature large-bristle brushes that sit inside the gutter, preventing leaves, twigs, and branches from entering. Much like the foam gutter guards, these are affordable and easy to install.
  • Screen/Mesh Gutter Guards: Made from wire or plastic materials, mesh guards act as a barrier (similar to insect screens), effectively blocking debris while allowing water to flow through. They are a versatile choice and widely available in various designs, making them suitable for different gutter systems and preferences.
  • Reverse Curve Gutter Guards: Reverse curve gutter guards utilise a curved surface to guide rainwater into the gutter while deflecting debris away, providing effective protection against leaves, twigs, and other obstructions.
Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One? - residential gutter clean

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards offer a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance the functionality and longevity of your home’s gutter system. These benefits include:

Preventing Debris Build-up

Gutter guards are an effective solution to prevent the build-up of debris such as leaves, twigs, pests, pollen, and seeds inside your gutters. By blocking this debris, gutter guards promote optimal water flow and prevent clogs, ensuring that your gutters function as they should.

Reducing the Need for Regular Gutter Cleaning

Gutter guards greatly reduce the need for regular cleaning and maintenance, saving property owners precious time, effort and money. With less debris accumulating, gutter maintenance becomes less frequent and much easier to manage.

Protecting Against Water Damage

Gutters serve as a crucial line of defence against water damage. By preventing clogged gutters and subsequent overflowing, they effectively protect your home’s foundation, basement, and walls from costly water damage and the potential growth of mould.

Increasing the Lifespan of Gutters

Gutter guards act as a shield, preventing leaves and debris from accumulating in the gutter system. This reduces the risk of corrosion, rust, and other damage, extending the lifespan of your gutters.

Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One? - residential gutter clean

Signs Your Home May Benefit From A Gutter Guard

If you’ve been experiencing persistent gutter issues, it may be time to consider installing gutter guards. These devices can help to alleviate common problems associated with clogged gutters and provide long-lasting protection for your home. Here are some tell tale signs that indicate your home may benefit from gutter guards:

  • Frequent Gutter Clogging
  • Water overflowing from gutters
  • Basement flooding or moisture issues
  • Exterior paint damage
  • Landscape erosion
  • Pests and insects in gutters

By recognising these signs and addressing them with the installation of gutter guards, you can proactively protect your home from potential damage, save time on maintenance, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your gutter system is functioning optimally!

Maintaining Gutters & Gutter Guards

It’s important to understand that regular maintenance and inspections are still necessary even with gutter guards in place. While gutter guards are designed to reduce clogged gutters and accumulated debris, this does not mean that they eliminate the need for maintenance altogether. Gutter guards are not fool proof and can still experience build-up and blockages over time.

Here are some key maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

  • Regular Inspections and Cleanings: Schedule routine inspections to assess the condition of your gutters and gutter guards. Look for any signs of damage, blockages, or debris accumulation.
  • Clearing Debris from the Gutters and Gutter Guards: Regularly clear any debris that may have accumulated on and under the surface of the gutter guards. This will help maintain optimal water flow and prevent potential clogs.
  • Flushing Gutters with Water: After removing debris, flush your gutters with water using a garden hose. This will help ensure that water flows freely through the gutters and downspouts.
  • Repairing or Replacing Damaged Gutters and Gutter Guards: Repair or replace damaged gutter guards promptly to maintain their effectiveness and prevent further issues.
Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One? - rusty roof and gutter - Gutter Guards: What Are They And Does My Home Need One?

Ensuring Optimal Drainage with Water Attack

Gutter guards play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and increasing the lifespan of your gutters. When combined with effective maintenance, such as regular inspections, clearing debris, and repairing any damages, gutter guards can provide long-lasting benefits.

If you need professional assistance, the team at Water Attack have got you covered! We are trusted providers of gutter cleaning and maintenance services. Don’t wait until problems arise – take action now to protect your home and keep your gutters in optimal condition!

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