Understanding the Role of Gutter Guards: Are They Worth It?

Many people are installing gutter guards on their homes. The goal is to reduce maintenance while protecting their gutters and home. When properly chosen and installed, gutter guards can be very beneficial. They have been designed specifically to stop debris from collecting in your gutters, clogging, and causing damage. Cleaning gutters is usually a hazardous job that can be difficult to complete.

So, let’s delve deep into the wonderful world of gutter guards: Do they save time and money? Are they a worthwhile investment?

1. What Are Gutter Guards?

The purpose of gutter guards is to prevent any debris (leaves, twigs, seeds, and so on) from building up in the gutter, hindering water flow. When properly functioning, this will ensure the flow of water from the roof, through the gutters, down the downspouts, and then away from the home.

Common Types of Gutter Guards

Here is a list of the different types of gutter guards and their functions.

Mesh Guards

This gutter guard is a fine mesh that is fitted to the top of a gutter. This essentially creates a filter that keeps debris out of the gutter and allows water through. These keep out large and small debris. However, maintenance is still needed as the mesh itself gets clogged (just like any filter). When not maintained, this can result in water flowing over the gutters.

Screen Guards

This was the first type of gutter guard on the market. It’s usually an aluminum or plastic net-like cover that fits the top of the gutter. These can work well for keeping out large debris (such as leaves, twigs, etc).

However, small debris (seeds, etc) still does get in the gutter. Consequently, these require two types of maintenance: periodic cleaning of the inside of the gutter and more regular cleaning off the top. This makes them require more maintenance than mesh guards, because mesh guards only need cleaning on the top.

Many people start with this form of gutter guard since it is usually the cheapest. However, for the reasons stated above, it gets mixed results. So, consider what is right for you, depending on the trees and debris coming down in your particular yard. (This isn’t difficult. The debris on your grass will be the debris on your roof and gutters.)

Solid Covers

These covers are different in design than meshes, filters, or screens. They are solid on top rather than having small holes or perforations. While meshes and filters are gravity fed, solid surfaces typically use some form of ‘surface-tension’ to direct the water into the gutters.

When properly designed and installed, they keep out all debris from the gutters without the need for constant cleaning of the filter. However, like everything else, they are not entirely maintenance-free. Usually, some form of maintenance is involved, even if it’s just spraying it off.

How do They Function to Keep Debris Out?

There are two very basic categories of gutter guard designs: 1) Gravity fed (Mesh, screens, and filters) 2) Surface tension fed (Solid Surface). They both have the same goal: Keep debris out; let water in.

2. Why Do Homeowners Install Gutter Guards?

Here are a few reasons why homeowners install gutter guards.

Prevent Clogging from Leaves, Twigs, and Other Debris

It is inevitable for most homes that debris will clog up gutters, causing water to overflow and damage the home. Gutter guards, when properly chosen and installed, should prevent this from happening.

Reduce the Need for Frequent Cleaning

Cleaning gutters is a very physical and time-consuming task that can be quite dangerous, too. Gutter guards reduce the frequent maintenance. They also reduce costs involved in using a professional cleaning service, repairing damage from water overflow, or even hospital bills from ladder injuries.

Protect Against Water Damage, Mold, and Foundation Issues

When gutters get clogged, they overflow, which can lead to unexpected costs. Water overflow can lead to MANY expensive problems for a house: Wood rot (on soffit, fascia, windows, siding, you name it), mold growth, foundation damage, flooded basements, soil erosion, and damage to your landscaping.

Standing water in gutters can also attract pests like mosquitoes and termites. Gutter guards, when properly chosen and installed, prevent clogs. This ensures water flows freely through the gutters and away from your home in a safe manner.

Safety (Avoiding Ladder Use)

Ladders are usually needed to clean gutters, but as everyone knows, they can be quite dangerous. Falling is always a serious risk of injury. Of course, the older we get the risk increases. By installing gutter guards, frequent cleaning should be reduced or no longer needed at all, depending on design, installation, etc.

3. Are Gutter Guards Really Worth the Investment?

Let’s discuss three points that will help us make wise decisions on whether or not to invest in a gutter guard.

Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

Gutter guards require an initial investment. These initial costs are usually offset by the long-term savings of the gutter lifespan, but also savings from repairing and cleaning over the years.

Reducing Maintenance Time and Effort

From the moment gutter guards are installed, maintenance on gutters should be reduced – or nearly eliminated – depending on which gutter guard is installed.

Potentially Prevent Home Damage

In addition to the increased safety, and saved money and time, there is the emotional value of knowing your home is protected. It’s one of the most valuable assets we’ll ever own!

If you want a local, tailor-made solution for rainwater control to help prevent damage to your home, there are solid gutter guard options available in Kansas City and Overland Park. (Just in case you’ve recently searched for (Gutter Guards Kansas City or Gutter Guards Overland Park)

4. What to Look for in a Quality Gutter Guard System

Quality Material

Your gutter guard will be as good as the material it’s made from. You are typically going to look for a steel that matches your gutters. For example, most gutters are aluminum. So, aluminum is usually what you’ll be looking for in your gutter guard. 

Copper can be a solid choice in terms of longevity and curb appeal, but keep in mind it has to be installed correctly. Copper and aluminum should not come in contact, or it will result in oxidation of the metals.

Plastic (commonly called “PVC” to make it sound better) is not recommended. Gutter guards are exposed to the sun 24/7/365. Plastic gets brittle fast in those conditions.

Durability Over Time

In the Midwest region, with the Midwest climate, the weather patterns vary dramatically. Therefore, choosing the right gutter guard system for these extreme conditions is important for you to get sufficient ROI over time.

A Design That Handles Heavy Rain and Debris

Make sure the guard design can handle heavy rain. If you are purchasing from a professional, make sure there is a guarantee in writing that the guard will control the water, not just keep debris out.

The Benefits of a Professional Installation

It is understandably appealing to DIY this project. However, there are strong advantages to hiring a professional company and a patented product. Usually, the guarantees are much more solid. Just make sure to do your research. There are a lot of fly-by-night companies in the gutter cover industry. Be sure you do your due diligence and check third-party reviews.

5. Gutter Cover KC® – A Local Solution to Familiar Problems

Gutter Cover KC® has been local to the Kansas City Metro since 2001. Their online reviews are impressively free of complaints after all those years. It appears that they focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.  If you’re looking for a gutter guard solution, be sure to check them out.

Conclusion

Gutter guards can offer a simple solution to the chronic problem of clogged gutters. When chosen and installed properly, they can reduce maintenance and keep you off the ladder. They can save you money, time and hassle, and stress. If you would like to know whether gutter guards are the right choice for you, consult a professional who can assist in analyzing your needs and the best solutions for your home.