The Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards: Best Gutter Cover Types
Gutter guards, also known as rain gutter covers or gutter covers, are designed to protect your home's gutter system from debris and make maintenance easier. With a wide variety of options available in the market, it is essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of installing gutter guards to determine if they are the right choice for your home. This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision based on the benefits and drawbacks.
What Are Gutter Covers and Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are protective devices installed over or inside gutters to prevent them from becoming clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. They help maintain the proper functioning of your gutters, preventing water damage to your home's foundation, roof, and landscaping. Gutter covers come in various materials and designs, each with its own plusses and minuses.
Types of Gutter Covers and Gutter Guard Systems
There are several different types of gutter guards available on the market, each with its own unique design and features.
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guards are round brushes with stiff bristles that slide inside your existing gutters, resembling giant pipe cleaners or bottle brushes. Although they can effectively prevent large debris from entering your gutters, smaller debris like pine needles can still make their way inside.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards are porous enough for water to flow through while blocking almost everything else. They sit inside your gutters and come in different shapes and sizes to fit various gutter styles. They are easy to install, however, they may need to be replaced every one to two years and can be prone to algae growth and freezing.
Screen Gutter Guards
Gutter screens sit on top of your gutters, often sliding under the first row of shingles. They can be made of plastic, vinyl, stainless steel, or aluminum. The smaller the holes, the better they are at blocking debris, but larger holes may be less likely to clog and easier to clean.
Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards
Reverse-curve gutter guards use surface tension to guide water into your gutters while keeping debris out. One side slides under your shingles, while the other extends out over the gutter before curving back. They perform well and last several years but often require professional installation. It's recommended to hire a gutter installation pro when choosing this type of solution.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh guards have a similar design to gutter screens but use a much finer mesh. The holes in mesh gutter guards are so small that virtually nothing but water can get through. They are among the most effective gutter covers available and are extremely durable, often lasting 20 years or longer.
Get Your Free Gutter Guard Estimate
Interested in free no-obligation local gutter guard pricing? Renovate provides complimentary detailed estimates online. Click below for our fast 3-step estimate.
Pros of Gutter Guards
Reduced Maintenance
One of the primary benefits of gutter covers is that they significantly reduce how often you have to spend time on a ladder cleaning gutters. This also applies to how often you pay for a gutter cleaning service and risk damage by having a ladder against your gutters. By blocking leaves and debris from entering the gutter system, gutter guards work to help keep your gutters clean and functioning properly, saving you time, effort, and money on gutter maintenance.
Protection Against Water Damage
Clogged gutters can cause several types of water damage to your home, including overflowing gutters, rust, soil erosion, foundation cracks, basement flooding, and roof shingle damage. Gutter guards for your home help prevent these issues by keeping clog-causing debris out of your gutters, allowing water to flow freely to your downspouts and safely away from your house.
Pest Control
Gutter guards are designed to help prevent pest infestations by making your gutters less hospitable to pests like mice, squirrels, birds, and insects. By blocking access to your gutters, gutter guards prevent pests making their homes in your gutters and causing damage to your home.
Ice Dam Prevention
In areas with cold winters, gutter guards can help prevent ice dams from forming. By preventing clogs and improving water flow, gutter guards help melted snow drain properly instead of refreezing and causing ice dams, which can damage your gutters and roof.
Fire Protection
Gutter guards can also help protect your home from fire hazards, especially in areas prone to wildfires. By reducing debris buildup, using gutter guards forms a physical barrier between wind-blown embers and any leaves and other debris that makes its way into your gutters, reducing the risk of a fire starting in your gutters.
Increased Home Value
A properly installed and well-maintained gutter guard system can increase the resale value of your home. Gutter guards help ensure your gutters are in good shape for years, making them an attractive feature for potential buyers.
Aesthetics
Gutter guards can improve the appearance of your home by keeping your gutters clean and free of unsightly debris. They can also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your gutters, which can detract from your home's overall curb appeal.
Get Your Free Gutter Guard Estimate
Interested in free no-obligation local gutter guard pricing? Renovate provides complimentary detailed estimates online. Click below for our fast 3-step estimate.
Cons of Installing Gutter Guards
Gutter Guard Installation Cost
One of the main drawbacks of gutter guards is the initial cost of purchase and installation. While gutter guards can save you money on maintenance in the long run, the upfront expense can be a deterrent for some homeowners. Some brands of require professional installation to not void the warranty.
Not Completely Maintenance-Free
Gutter guards can reduce how often you clean your gutters, but do not completely eliminate the need for maintenance. Smaller debris can still accumulate on top of the gutter guards, requiring occasional cleaning to keep gutters flowing properly.
Potential Warranty Issues (Roof)
Gutter guards can potentially void your roof warranty, especially if the guards require sliding under the roofing material. It is essential to consult with your roofing contractor or manufacturer before selecting gutter covers to ensure that your warranty remains intact.
Ineffectiveness in Heavy Rain
Gutter guards may not perform as effectively in heavy rain, as fast-moving water can overwhelm the guards and flow over the top of the gutter instead of being guided into the gutter track. This can lead to water damage and other issues, despite the presence of gutter guards. You can read further about this topic in our article: Do Gutter Guards Work in Heavy Rain?
Homeowner Aesthetic Concerns
While gutter guards can improve the overall appearance of your home, some homeowners may find certain types of gutter guards visually unappealing when visible from the ground. It's essential to choose a gutter guard that complements your home's design and style.
Get Your Free Gutter Guard Estimate
Interested in free no-obligation local gutter guard pricing? Renovate provides complimentary detailed estimates online. Click below for our fast 3-step estimate.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards
Before deciding whether or not to consider gutter guards, it's essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages based on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider factors like the cost of installation, maintenance requirements, potential warranty issues, and the effectiveness of the gutter guards in your particular climate.
To determine if gutter guards are the right choice for your home, consult with a professional gutter contractor who can assess your needs and recommend the best gutter guard solution for your specific situation.
Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Gutter Protection
Gutter guards offer numerous benefits, such as reduced maintenance, protection against water damage, pest control, and increased home value. However, they also come with some drawbacks, including cost, potential warranty issues, and aesthetic concerns. By carefully evaluating the plusses and minuses of gutter guards, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to invest in this home improvement project.
Get Your Free Gutter Guard Estimate
Interested in free no-obligation local gutter guard pricing? Renovate provides complimentary detailed estimates online. Click below for our fast 3-step estimate.
