Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Are you worried about clogged gutters damaging your home?

Have you ever experienced the stress of a basement flood or foundation issues?

Don’t like climbing a ladder to get to your gutters?

Many homeowners know that clogged gutters can lead to costly repairs. While regular gutter cleaning is essential, gutter guards can be a valuable addition to your gutter system, helping to minimize clogs and protect your home. But are gutter guards worth the investment?

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

Reduced Clogs: Gutter guards act as a barrier, preventing leaves, pine needles, and debris from entering your gutters. This greatly reduces the need for frequent gutter cleaning, especially in areas with many trees.
Minimized Water Damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, damaging your roof, siding, foundation, and even landscaping. Gutter guards prevent this by ensuring proper water flow away from your home.
Less Maintenance: While gutter guards may require occasional cleaning, they reduce the overall maintenance needed for your gutters. This saves you time and effort, especially if your home has high gutters that are difficult to reach!
Protection Against Pests: Leaves and debris can attract insects and rodents that may build nests in your gutters. Gutter guards minimize this by preventing them from nesting in your gutter system and clogging water.

Types of Gutter Guards

There are several types of gutter guards available, each with its benefits:

Screen Gutter Guards: These are made of metal or plastic and have small holes to keep out large debris while allowing water to pass through.
Mesh Gutter Guards: Similar to screen guards but with smaller holes, mesh guards offer more protection against fine debris like pine needles.
Reverse Curve Gutter Guards: These are designed to direct water downward, causing leaves and debris to fall.
Brush Gutter Guards: These guards consist of bristles inside the gutter, blocking debris while allowing water to flow through.

Impact of Gutter Guards on Your Home

Properly functioning gutters are crucial for roof maintenance. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup, causing roof leaks and damage to shingles. One of the most significant risks of clogged gutters is the potential damage to your home's foundation. When gutters overflow, water can pool around the base of your home, leading to foundation cracks, basement flooding, and soil erosion.

Gutter guards help prevent this by ensuring water flows smoothly off the roof and into the gutters, reducing the risk of water stains, wood rot, mold growth, and foundation issues.

Have Water Damage? Work with a Roofing Company in Ann Arbor!

Gutter guards can be a valuable tool in your preventative maintenance plan.

If you're considering gutter guards, we recommend consulting a roofing company in Ann Arbor to discuss the different types available and which option would best suit your roof and surrounding trees.

Considering Gutter Guards? Contact Us Today!