Now that you know how gutters work, it’s time to take your knowledge up a notch. Gutter guards shield gutters from leaves and other debris, while still allowing water to flow through. Whether you’re upgrading your existing gutters or getting a whole new gutter system, you may benefit from adding gutter guards. Let’s take a look at what gutter guards do and how they could help your home.
How Gutter Guards Work
Gutter guards are special screens that lay across the top of your gutters. The screens have small holes in them that let water drip down in the gutters. These holes are not large enough for leaves or most debris to get into, so the leaves simply blow off the top of the gutters.
Think of gutter guards much like a colander you’d use to strain food. You can still let out the liquids through the holes in the colander, but the solids remain inside. Gutter guards can last the entire lifespan of your gutters, and they can drastically reduce your maintenance needs.
Benefits of Having Gutter Guards
The biggest benefit to having gutter guards is that you don’t have to worry about clogs or buildup. You may still need occasional gutter cleaning for small debris, but it will be much less than you’d need with exposed gutters. In fact, some homeowners find that they never have to clean their gutters with gutter guards, or that they only need to clean them once a year.
Gutter guards ensure that your gutters are working effectively. This protects your foundation, roofing, fascia boards, siding, and so much more. Foundation damage can cost thousands to repair, and it creates a ripple effect throughout your home. Something as simple as adding gutter guards could save you thousands of dollars in the future.
Gutter guards are barely visible from the street, and some aren’t visible at all. They will not hurt your curb appeal in any way. They may, however, make your home more sellable in the future because buyers can see how well the house was cared for. Combine this with potential repair savings, and this becomes a no-brainer investment!
Types of Gutter Guards – How to Choose Gutter Guards for Your Home
The price of gutter guards ranges from about $.40 to $6.50 per linear foot, depending on the materials you choose. This is why it’s important to select the right type of gutter guards for your home.
The most common styles we use are mesh and screen gutter guards. The mesh has smaller holes, which blocks out debris like pine needles and small twigs. Leaf filters and screens are effective against most types of leaves, but their holes are slightly larger. Learn more: Which Gutter Guards Work Best?
Our gutter experts will work with you to find the best gutter guards for your property. You may need a combination of materials (different gutter guards for the front and back of your home). With Sargent Gutters & Siding, you’ll receive a custom gutter guard plan that aligns with your budget and goals. Give us a call at (800) 465-7460 to get started.
