What is the Difference Between a Screened Gutter Protector and a Solid One?

Gutter guards can be incredibly helpful in keeping debris from clogging up the troughs of your gutter. Depending on the environment around your home will determine the best guard for your situation. The two types that exist are screened/ mesh guards and solid guards. Here are the differences between the two:

Screen

These guards are made of wire mesh, nylon, or foam. They are very similar to a window screen with small holes throughout. They are the easiest and cheapest type of guard to install and are great for larger debris such as leaves, branches, etc. Smaller debris such as seeds and pine needles tend to easily sneak through the holes in the screen. The downfall of screened gutter protectors are that they can easily become plugged as the debris gets entangled and isn’t easily 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, ice, 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/ cleaning.
• Hard to clean.
• Limited color choices

Solid

Solid guards are also known as reverse curve or surface-tension gutter guards. These position 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.

PROS

• Withstands branches, snow, ice, 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

Make sure your choose the best gutter protector for your home. For more information about gutter maintenance at your home, contact the local experts at Gutter Professionals, Inc.

 

POSTED ON February 24, 2017 // 0 COMMENTS