The Benefits of a Gutter Guard
Gutter guards can be an excellent investment for homeowners. Gutter Guard Charleston eliminates the need for a ladder and can prevent expensive damages caused by clogged gutters. However, they aren’t a cure-all for all your gutter maintenance needs. Depending on your region and climate, they may still require cleaning occasionally.
Gutter guards keep large debris out of your gutters, significantly reducing clogs. This is especially important in areas with a lot of rainfall and can save you the expense of hiring someone to clean your gutters regularly.
When a gutter is clogged, it creates standing water and can overflow. This can damage your house’s fascia boards, soffit, and foundation. If the water backs up, it can also damage your roof and the surrounding landscaping. Gutter guards prevent clogs by keeping debris and leaves out of the gutters, allowing them to flow freely.
Many people choose to install gutter guards because they help to reduce the amount of work needed to maintain the system. However, the installation of a gutter guard system does not necessarily mean you will never have to climb a ladder again. It will still be necessary to clean the guards and surrounding debris from time to time.
Clogged gutters are breeding grounds for insects and rodents. Stagnant water can attract mice, possums, bats, birds, mosquitoes and spiders. In addition, the wet environment provides a perfect place for fungus to grow. Gutter guards allow the water to flow through and reduce clogs, which makes it more difficult for these pests to breed in your gutters.
Another way that a gutter guard can help to prevent clogs is by keeping the rainwater away from your house’s siding and foundation. This can prevent the growth of mildew and mold, as well as rot in your gutters, fascia boards, and soffit.
Gutter guards are made from materials like vinyl, aluminum, steel and copper. Some are designed to fit existing gutters, while others are installed as a new fixture. Some are designed to be installed by the homeowner, while others require professional installation. The material that a gutter guard is made from will have an impact on its price. The most affordable gutter guards are usually made of aluminum, while those with a more luxurious feel are often made from steel or stainless steel. This is an investment in your home, so the choice of material is an important decision that you should make with the help of a professional.
Prevents Water Damage
A gutter system that is clogged or blocked can cause water damage to the home. This can result in damage to the roof, fascia boards, soffit board, and even the basement. Gutter guards prevent clogs and blockages, which can protect the home from these issues.
Using gutter guards can also reduce the need for cleaning the gutters. This can save time and money in the long run. However, homeowners should note that they still need to clean the gutters a few times a year. Those with very large trees in their yard may need to clean their gutters more often.
If you live in an area prone to bush and brush fires, having a gutter that is filled with dry leaves and pine needles can be a safety hazard for your house. When these items are blown into your gutters, they can easily catch fire and quickly spread to the rest of the house. Gutter guards can help prevent this by reducing the amount of debris in the gutter and by acting as a physical barrier between the dry materials and embers from wind-blown fires.
When debris like leaves and pine needles remain in the gutter for an extended period of time, they can speed up the rusting process and shorten the life span of the gutters. Gutter guards can protect the gutter system by preventing these materials from entering, which can extend the lifespan of the gutters.
If you are a homeowner that is tired of the hassle and frustration of dealing with clogged and blocked gutters, contact us for more information about our gutter guard installation services. We can install the perfect solution for your needs and help you save time, effort, and money in the long run.
Prevents Ice Dams
Gutter guards will help prevent ice dams because they can reduce the amount of water that collects in your gutters. However, if your home is not properly insulated or ventilated, ice dams will still form. Regardless, ice dams are a huge problem and can cause extensive damage to your roof, walls, insulation, and foundation.
The best way to prevent ice dams is by having proper attic insulation and ventilation. You can also prevent them by clearing your gutters and keeping them free of debris. You should also invest in a good roof rake and make sure to use it regularly, especially after a storm. Lastly, you should also consider installing heated gutter guards.
Heated gutter guards can keep snow from clogging your gutters and prevent the formation of ice dams. However, the type of gutter guard you choose can affect how effective they are at preventing ice dams. For example, some types of gutter guards, such as those with a reverse curve, can actually cause ice dams to form because they limit the number of openings for snow to pass through.
If you do install heated gutter guards, it’s important to make sure that they are positioned correctly so that the heating cable can properly melt snow and ice. Additionally, it’s important to use a high-quality cable that will disperse heat evenly and not burn out or overheat.
Investing in the right gutter protection system can save you both time and money in the long run by eliminating the need to climb a ladder multiple times per year to clean out your gutters. It can also help protect your safety by reducing the risk of ladder-related injuries.
The old couple down the street take turns climbing their ladder every season to clear their clogged gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Using a gutter guard would help them avoid the hassle and danger of cleaning their gutters, so they could spend more time relaxing or doing other chores around the house. Plus, it would eliminate the need to hire someone to do the work for them.
Prevents Mold and Mildew
Gutter guards are a great way to avoid expensive and unappetizing mold and mildew. They also protect your home’s interior from moisture, which can damage the walls and ceilings, as well as cause wood rot and other structural problems. Mold and mildew can lead to respiratory problems, such as throat irritation and nasal congestion. Additionally, it can aggravate existing allergies or asthma symptoms in children and adults. Gutter guards keep leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from building up in your gutters, preventing the buildup that leads to these problems.
Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water damage and soil erosion around the foundation and basement of your home. Extensive water damage can even rot your fascia boards, siding, and roof materials. Water can also back up underneath your roof eaves, where it can cause extensive and costly damage to your roofing system. Gutter guards prevent clogging and improve rainwater flow, avoiding these problems.
Without gutter guards, pests like mice, squirrels, birds, and bats may make their homes in your clogged gutters. Additionally, mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Gutter guards block these pests, making it less hospitable to them and other creatures. Gutter guards are also an effective deterrent for snakes, spiders, and other unwanted critters.
While gutter guards can drastically reduce the need to clean your gutters, they aren’t foolproof. Some solid debris will still build up over time, and you’ll need to occasionally remove it manually. However, cleaning your gutters will become much easier and less frequent, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Gutter guards are available in a wide variety of styles and price points, so it’s important to find the one that best suits your home. Consider your climate, roof type and height, and gutter width when choosing the right product for you. A professional can help you determine which kind of gutter guard is best for your home, and install it safely. You can also do the installation yourself, if you’re a DIYer who feels comfortable working at heights and is equipped with a ladder and proper safety equipment.