Clean gutters are crucial for your home’s defense against the elements, but keeping them clean is no easy task. Climbing up to your gutters each fall and spring can be dangerous and expensive, so are gutter guards worth it?
In order to outweigh their cost, the benefits of gutter guards need to not only save you time and energy but improve the longevity of your home by preventing damage. This buyer’s guide is aimed at helping you learn more about how gutter guards work, so you can decide if they are right for your home.
Asher is here to answer all your gutter service questions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a Gutter Guard?
Gutter guards range from mesh screens and foam inserts to PVC covers and high quality gutter systems. They are all made with the same purpose: to keep debris out of the system and allow rain to flow through smoothly. However, they are not all created equally, as many DIY solutions can quickly become planters for the acorns stashed on your roof. While they can make cleaning a breeze for a few seasons, they often can become more work than open gutters. The reason gutter guards are still popular is because the quality systems will eliminate your most difficult fall chore for decades.
Gutter Guard Example: Gutter Helmet®
The best example of high quality gutter guards is the Gutter Helmet, a system that guarantees you will never have to clean your gutters again. These gutter guards install over your existing gutters with a textured surface and nose-forward design that separates the debris and rain seamlessly. With over 40 years in the industry and a triple lifetime warranty, it’s no surprise they’ve been our go-to solution for years.
How Well Do Gutter Guards Work?
How do gutter guards work in a cabin shrouded by pine trees vs a suburban home nestled between a few large oak trees? Depending on the style of gutter guard you choose and the nature of the area you live in, you will experience different results. In northern climates, they can also work to prevent ice dams or heavy build-ups of snow and ice that can cause gutters to sag and collapse. Consider the job they’re up against when deciding on the level of quality protection you want for your home.
Gutter Guards vs No Gutter Guards
Rain gutters typically encounter 3 main problems in their lifespan, and the most common and easiest to fix is clogging. Clogs can be hard to spot in good weather. Nobody likes inspecting their gutters in a storm, so they often go untreated. When water is allowed to spill over the side of the gutter for too long, it can start to erode your roofing and the foundation of your home. You can eliminate clogged gutters and protect yourself from costly repairs by installing a gutter guard.
Are Gutter Guards Worth The Money?
It’s a common home maintenance myth that all gutter guards are maintenance-free and built to keep your gutters clean for life. In reality, there is only one system guaranteed to give you those results, and it’s Gutter Helmet. What makes these gutter guards worth it is the lasting protection they give to your home, preventing costly repairs from clogs and ice dams that will sag your gutter lines. They may come with a more upfront cost, but you won’t be replacing them in a few years when your neighbor’s DIY solution collapses in a storm.
Contact Asher today for a free gutter guard installation quote from western Wisconsin’s premier exteriors experts.
How to Avoid Potential Problems With Gutter Guards
The common problems with gutters can still persist even with a gutter guard. It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble so you can find a solution before more damage is done. If you’re running into problems and beginning to wonder, “Do gutter guards really work?” try these quick solutions first. If you’re looking into securing your gutters with a gutter guard system, make sure you get it professionally installed to avoid any of these problems in the future.
- Sagging Gutters: If water is pooling in your gutters, the alignment may be off. Replacing a few gutter hangers should be enough to keep the water flowing.
- Leaking Gutters: Spotting the leak in your gutters can be difficult, but once it’s found, a small cement putty patch is usually enough to fix it.
- Improper Slope: An incorrect slope will cause water to sit in your gutters. The only solution is to rehang the system, which is why it’s so important to get it professionally done the first time.
- Clogged Gutters: Some gutter guards can’t stop all the debris from accumulating, and though they may be good for a few seasons, cleaning under the guards is difficult. Here are our top gutter cleaning tips to make this a bit easier.
Get The Gutter Helmet® From Asher Lasting Exteriors
In the end, do gutter guards work for your home? If you’re up on ladders each fall and spring and knocking icicles down in the winter, then the answer is yes. Let gutter guards do the work for you, and take cleaning the gutters off your home maintenance checklist for good by installing the Gutter Helmet. For a complete revamp of your home’s gutter system, consider the seamless rain gutters and guard and enjoy the boosted curb appeal. Discover how well gutter guards can work for your next project and request a free estimate from our gutter experts at Asher Lasting Exteriors.
