Gutter guards aren’t free—in fact, good ones can cost a fair chunk of change. But are they worth it? Yes, they are! Gutter guards are a great way to help homeowners protect their homes, save time and reduce the amount of maintenance required by their gutter system.
There are a number of different gutter guard systems on the market. Be wary of ones that are overly cheap, though. The old adage proves true here: you get what you pay for.
Some of the most common gutter guards include foam inserts, mesh screens, surface tension helmets, and PVC covers. Although gutter guards cost money for materials and installation, they may pay for themselves in the long run by protecting your home and reducing the need for gutter cleanings.
Gutter Cleanings
While gutter guards won’t negate the need to have your rain gutters routinely checked for clogs other problems, you’ll likely find that upon inspection, the gutters either don’t need cleaning or need far less cleaning than they would have otherwise. This can lead to savings over time.
The easiest gutters to clean are mesh guards, because you can just brush off the top and lift the cover to take care of anything clogging the gutter underneath. Some guards, however, are securely installed in place, and therefore need a professional to open and clean them.
Home Protection
Gutter Guards protect your home from clogged gutters. When gutters become clogged, nasty things happen, and homes can be seriously damaged.
For example, water could spill onto the roof and leak into the home. Water could pool against the fascia board that runs in between the gutter and the home, causing the fascia to deteriorate and the structure to be damaged. Water could also pool at the base of the home, damaging the foundation and resulting in leaks. These are big, costly problems, and gutter guards help to avoid these. By protecting your gutters from the accumulation of debris, and avoiding clogs, you’re potentially saving yourself some costly emergency repairs down the road.
Minimizing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are bad not only for your home, but also for your health. When gutters get clogged, it’s most commonly with organic debris such as leaves and mud. These types of materials can also harbor mold spores, which can flourish inside the clogged gutter.
Gutter guards also protect against mold and mildew on the inside of the house. That’s because when gutters clog, water spills onto the roof or side of the house, making the housing materials susceptible to rot. This is an opportunity for mold and mildew to make their way into the interior of the home. This can be hazardous to the people living there, especially if they suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
Getting rid of mold and mildew once it’s been established isn’t easy or inexpensive. This is especially true if new basement walls or flooring is needed. If the mold is in an attic and requires new insulation be installed, that can be even more expensive. Gutter guards reduce the risk of clogs, which minimizes the risk of mold and mildew in the home.
Pest Control
Gutter guards not only help prevent clogged gutters, they also protect against pests taking up residence inside your gutter system. Gutter guards act as a barrier for rodents, birds, snakes and other critters that can create a big problem with pets. Without this barrier, animals could start living in the gutter system, causing damage to the home.
If the gutter system is clogged, the still water can create a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Cleaning gutters is also easier when you don’t have to worry about finding rodents or other animals living inside.
Conclusion
In short, while gutter guards might seem like an added expense, they do a valuable job protecting your home, and may pay for themselves in the long run. For these reasons, you may want to consider adding gutter guards to your home gutter system.
