Gutter guard benefits are far-reaching and can eliminate the need to tackle a dangerous task as a homeowner: cleaning the gutters. On the other hand, some homeowners do not agree they are worth the cost, effort, and time to install which may leave you wondering if you truly need gutter guards. There are a variety of gutter guard options on the market ranging in materials like PVC, vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper. These guards were developed to stop leaves and debris from entering the gutter, which can block underground drains, downspouts, and your gutters.
Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of adding gutter guards to your home!
Added Fire Protection
If you live in an area prone to brushfires, gutter guards prevent debris from building in case a lone ember comes into contact with dry leaves, which can quickly ignite into a fire. Specific gutter guards will act as a physical barrier to stop lit embers.
Alleviate Gutter Freezing and Ice Dams
When water becomes trapped in your gutters and freezes during the winter, the result is often ice dams. While even the best gutter guard cannot prevent all ice dams, they will keep the gutters free from debris which could help eliminate them.
Avoid Infestations
Believe it or not, gutter guards can stop insects, squirrels, mosquitoes, mice, bats, and spiders from building nests and breeding in your gutters. With less stagnant water, your home will be unattractive to rodents and insects. Also, they act as physical barriers against rodents, possums, and birds, which can burrow into your roof space.
Improve Water Flow
Installing gutter guards allow water to flow properly through your gutters and into your downspouts since they prevent clogging. This is a significant benefit, especially if you have a rainwater tank that will refill more quickly when it rains. The tank will also hold cleaner water that has been filtered by the guards.
Save Money and Time
While the cost of installation may not seem worth it, gutter guards end up saving you time and money over the long run. Without gutter guards, you must have your gutters cleaned by a professional at least twice per year which costs money and time, if you do it yourself. If some debris manages to collect on your guards, then they can easily be brushed off.
Stop Blockages
If you experience overflowing gutters during heavy rain, they are likely blocked or clogged. The best gutter guard can help eliminate these blockages. Overflowing gutters can allow water to enter your home or damage your foundation, so it is critical to get the situation taken care of immediately.
Gutter guards are an excellent investment in keeping your home protected from brushfires, ice dams and freezing, infestations, and blockages while saving your time and money from regular gutter cleanings. Depending on where you live, a professional roofing company can help choose the style and material that suits the climate best to maximize your protection and money while keeping the water flowing off your roof.