The last thing you probably want to do every other weekend is get on a ladder and scoop leaves and debris out of your gutter. While gutter maintenance is an inevitable chore, there’s a way to reduce its frequency.
Gutter guards can keep large debris, animal droppings, branches, and twigs out of your gutters. They also prevent the entry of insects and rodents that love making nests in gutters.
The gutter guard you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Let’s look at some common types to help you make a decision.
Types of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards differ in their build, material, and efficiency. Here are the types you should know about.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards have a polyurethane or polyether build. They let water pass through while blocking larger particles. The main advantages of foam gutter guards include:
- Ease of installation
- Low cost
If you’re a DIY sort of person, foam gutter guard installation can make a fun weekend project. However, these gutter guards are susceptible to breakage. They may also mold due to dampness, requiring frequent replacements.
Where to Use
These gutter guards are ideal for regions that don’t get too much rain or other forms of precipitation. Do not opt for foam gutter guards in high-precipitation areas since the rain saturates the material, resulting in overflowing gutters.
Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards
Surface tension or reverse-curve gutter guards have an aluminum or plastic hood on top and a curved edge on the side. The curve allows water to seep through, while the hood prevents the entry of debris.
The primary benefit of reverse-curve gutter guards is their effective design. However, they’re highly visible and may affect your home’s aesthetic. You also need to install them under the shingles, which could be an issue depending on your roof’s warranty terms and conditions.
Where to Use
Use surface tension gutter guards to prevent ice dam formation. These gutter guards are also suitable for homes with surrounding trees since they keep acorns, leaves, branches, and larger twigs out.
Brush Gutter Guards
A brush gutter guard works exactly how it sounds. The gutter guard has large bristles that let water pass through but block debris. These gutter guards are easy to install and can be removed for cleaning too.
However, they are high maintenance. Larger debris particles get stuck in the bristles, requiring frequent cleanup.
Where to Use
Only use brush gutter guards if you don’t mind cleaning the guards frequently.
Screen Gutter Guards
A screen gutter guard is like a window screen but for your gutters. The small holes in the screen allow water to penetrate while stopping debris and leaves.
Small dirt particles may pass through the holes, but they’re not too much of a concern. An annual cleaning is enough to keep these gutter guards functional.
Where to Use
Screen gutter guards are ideal for pretty much any home. But you should check the warranty on your shingles before installing these gutters.
Mesh Gutter Guards
These gutter guards are almost like screen gutter guards except that their screen is more compact. So they do not let even smaller debris pass through.
Where to Use
Mesh gutter guards are best for areas with heavy rainfalls. They only need to be cleaned once or twice a year.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Many will say that micro-mesh gutter guards are the best option because they can trap even the smallest debris. Plus, they are made of stainless steel and can last the test of time.
Where to Use
Like mesh and screen gutter guards, these gutter guards are quite versatile. Do note that you’ll need a professional to install them.
Speaking of professionals, Custom Cut Gutters serves you as a full-service gutter company, providing a range of gutter services from gutter guard installation to repair and maintenance. Get in touch to learn more.