From infomercials to home-improvement ads, gutter guards get a lot of publicity. But what are gutter guards? Do they work? Are all gutter guards created equal?
The term “gutter guard” is applied to a lot of different products. In short, gutter guards are any product that is installed on or in the gutter to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutter and preventing water flow. Some gutter guards do the job efficiently and keep your gutters flowing year after year. Other gutter products will slow the buildup of debris but still require some maintenance to keep debris from building up in the gutter. In the end, not all gutter guards are created equal.
Types of Gutter Guards
No one likes cleaning out their gutters, but it’s a necessary part of home maintenance. That’s why there are a host of gutter guard products all seeking to prevent homeowners from having to climb ladders and clean leaves, twigs and other debris from the gutters. There are two primary types of gutter guards: Gutter inserts and gutter covers.
Gutter inserts can be long brushes or pieces of foam that are placed inside the gutter. The idea is that water will be able to flow through the gutters while the brush or foam deflects any leaves or debris away from the gutters. The problem with inserts is that while they might keep some larger debris from the gutter, they won’t keep out all debris. Eventually, gutters will clog and require cleaning.
Gutter covers are either reverse-curve guards or micromesh screens. Reverse-curve gutters cover the entire top of the gutter, with the surface curving back into the gutter. These guards rely on the surface tension of water. As it rains, water coats the top of the guard and follows the curved surface into the gutter. While reverse-curve covers can be effective at repelling leaves and debris, they can become overwhelmed in heavy rainstorms or snowmelt, and allow water to flow over the gutters. Mesh gutter covers allow water through the gutter cover while keeping debris out. The effectiveness of mesh gutters depends on the fineness of the mesh.
The SafeGuard Gutter Guard Difference
The Gutterman of TN, we are firm believers in the effectiveness of SafeGuard Gutter Guards. SafeGuard Gutter Guards are different from other gutter guard products on the market. SafeGuard Gutter Guards protect your gutters with a fine stainless steel mesh. The mesh keeps out all but the smallest bits of debris. What does make it through, like tree pollen and roof grit, flows smoothly through the gutters with the rainwater. SafeGuard Gutter Guards keep debris out while still allowing water through, and unlike other gutter guard product, they don’t require periodic cleaning!
If you have heard about gutter guards and wonder if they are right for you, call The Gutterman to set up a consultation today! We can check out your current gutters and help determine the best gutter guard solution for your home.