Different Types of Gutter Guards and Which One is Best for Your Home

Gutter Guards are known for their ability to block debris from clogging your gutters, or, in other words, prevent excessive gutter cleaning. There are many pros and cons of gutter guards in general as well as their various types. The guards fall into two separate categories – gutter covers and gutter screens.

Gutter Screens

These are made of wire mesh, nylon, or foam. They are very easy and cheaper to install. These are great for larger debris such as leaves; however, smaller debris like seeds and pine needles can easily sneak through the screen’s holes. A downfall of gutter screens is that they may easily become plugged as the debris gets entangled and isn’t easy to be brushed or blown off.

PROS
– Inexpensive
– Great for larger debris
– Readily available
– Easy to install
– Works with all types of roofs

CONS
– Plastic version may be damaged by UV sunlight
– Branches and strong winds can damage a portion of the screen that protrudes above the gutters
– Can easily clog with smaller debris
– May cause debris dams
– May need occasional maintenance and cleaning
– Hard to clean
– Limited color choices

Fine Mesh Gutter Guards

These have smaller holes than screens. They are metal sheets with tiny holes that attach to the roof shingles via tape or small screws and cover the gutter. Their functionality is very comparable to screens; however, they let in a lot less smaller debris.

PROS
– Keeps everything out of the gutter
– Higher quality versions holds heavier debris, such as branches
– Easy to install
– Easy to clean
– Works with all roof types
– Can add strength to your rain gutter

CONS
– Not as widely available
– May need occasional maintenance and cleaning
– Limited color choices

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Also called Surface-Tension gutter guards, this structure positions the water downward while directing the leaves to fall to the ground. Sometimes smaller debris gets into the gutters, but easily washes out the downspouts. These must be installed at an angle that is similar to the roof’s slope in order for them to work properly.

PROS
– Withstands branches and strong winds
– Keeps out big debris
– More color choices
– Needs little to no maintenance
– Long-lasting

CONS
– Most expensive
– Not as readily available
– More difficult to install
– More visible
– Water can shoot over the guard when there is a heavy downpour
– May not be usable on steel, tile, slate, or wood roofs

As you can tell, gutter guards do offer an additional level of protection to your home by helping to prevent many issues that may arise from a blocked or clogged rain gutter. For more information about gutter guards gutter installation at your home, contact your local experts at Gutter Professionals, Inc.

 

POSTED ON February 9, 2017 // 0 COMMENTS