Gutter guards are a great way to protect your house from the damaging effects of rain. They are designed to keep debris, leaves, and other materials out of your gutters, which can cause clogs and other issues. Gutter guards can be made from various materials including plastic, metal, or foam. Some are designed to fit over existing gutters, while others are stand-alone units.
Before installing gutter guards, it’s important to consider your home’s location and environment. If you live in a heavily wooded area, metal gutter guards may be your best option. They are more durable and won’t corrode due to moisture and salt air. If you live in an area that receives a lot of sunlight, plastic or foam gutter guards may be a better option. They can withstand ultraviolet rays better than metal.
Here’s an overview of the most common types of gutter guards and what type of guard your home needs.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards are an increasingly popular gutter guard type. They are usually made from a combination of a piece of foam and metal mesh, or a combination of foam and fine mesh plastic. The foam component works to prevent debris such as leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter while allowing water to flow freely through it. The metal or plastic mesh component helps to keep out birds, rodents, and other wildlife that may try to enter the gutter system. One of the main advantages of foam guards is that they are very affordable compared to other types of gutter guards on the market today. Minimal gutter maintenance is required in this case and DIY installation can be an option with the right tools. Finally, because they’re lightweight they’re easier than heavier materials when it comes time for installation on your roofline or along eave troughs in your home.
Mesh Gutter Covers
Mesh gutter covers are an affordable and effective way to protect your home’s gutters from leaves, twigs, and other debris. Constructed of galvanized steel mesh, these covers are designed to fit over a standard-size gutter and offer superior protection against clogs caused by debris accumulation. The mesh material is strong enough to resist high winds and heavy rains while still allowing water to pass through freely. Mesh gutter covers also feature an open design that allows air circulation around the gutters which helps prevent ice dams in colder climates during winter months. Additionally, the mesh design prevents birds, rodents, and other pests from entering the gutters as well. Installation of mesh gutter covers is relatively easy and can be completed quickly with minimal tools or skill required. With proper installation, they can provide years of reliable service protecting your home’s gutters from becoming clogged with debris while saving you time on regular maintenance chores such as cleaning out leaves every season.
Micro Mesh Gutters
Micro mesh guards are a type of gutter protection system designed to keep out leaves and other debris. They are usually made up of small interlocking metal or plastic wires which form a mesh that acts as a barrier in the gutters and downspouts. The small openings in the mesh will stop leaves, twigs, needles, and other larger debris from entering your gutters while still allowing water to flow through. Micro mesh gutter guards can also be installed on existing systems without having to remove any part of the existing guttering. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who don’t want the hassle or expense of replacing their existing gutters. In addition to being easy to install, these guards boast effective performance in harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains, hailstorms, snowfall, and winds. These micro-mesh filters are also relatively low maintenance since they do not require regular cleaning like some other types of gutter protection systems do. Their durability makes them an ideal choice for long-term use because they won’t corrode or rust over time even when exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures.
Reverse Curve Gutters
Reverse curve gutter guards get their name from their curved design that directs water into the gutter while forcing leaves and other debris away. This helps prevent clogged gutters which can cause damage to rooftops and shingles, as well as foundation areas. Installation is straightforward; the reverse curve pieces fit directly over existing gutters, with little to no cutting required. They come in a variety of colors and sizes to match any home’s exterior décor and are typically made from aluminum or polypropylene for durability against all weather conditions. Although slightly more expensive than some other types of guards, reverse curves offer superior performance that will pay off over time by preventing costly repairs due to clogged or overflowing gutters.
Solid Gutter Guards
Solid gutter guards are a specific gutter guard option designed to completely cover the top of the gutter, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering and clogging the gutters. Some solid gutter guard systems are made from aluminum mesh or plastic that has been perforated so it still allows water to flow through while keeping out debris. Others are entirely constructed from sheet metal or vinyl that rests on top of the gutters blocking all matter from getting into them. One benefit of using solid gutter guards is they tend to be more durable than other types, lasting longer without needing replacement or repair. Additionally, since there is no worry about gaps in coverage like with screens or foam inserts, these guards provide greater protection against overflowing rainwater which can cause significant water damage.
Gutter Leaf Deflectors
Gutter leaf deflectors can be a great addition to any home’s gutter system. They are designed to prevent leaves, debris, and other objects from entering the gutters and clogging them up. These guards are made of either metal or plastic mesh, and they come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of gutters. Some models even have a built-in filter that can catch larger debris before it enters the gutter system. The most common types of gutter leaf deflectors are designs that cover only part of the gutter, allowing water to flow through while blocking out leaves and other materials. There are also full-length guards that completely cover the entire length of a gutter system, which can provide maximum protection against clogging. With these guards installed, homeowners will require minimal maintenance for their gutters since all material will be blocked off before reaching them.
How to Shop for Gutter Guards
When shopping for gutter guards, it is important to consider the gutter material available. The most popular gutter guard materials are aluminum, plastic, stainless steel, and mesh. Aluminum guards are designed to prevent leaf debris from entering your gutters while allowing water to flow freely. Plastic guards are designed with a curved surface that prevents leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters. Finally, mesh guards feature small holes that allow water to pass through while blocking larger debris or other objects.
In addition to material options, you should also consider gutter sizes. It’s important to measure the area where the gutter guard installation will take place in order to get one that fits properly. If you have large trees near your home, then it’s also wise to get a wider gutter guard so that more debris can be kept out of the system. Lastly, check for compatibility with the roof types and existing systems — some gutter guards may require additional components if they don’t fit with existing systems or pipes already installed around the home’s exterior walls.
When shopping for gutter guards, you will want to look for ones with a mesh size that is small enough to keep out debris, yet large enough to allow water to pass through. You also want to make sure the material is durable and will not easily corrode or break down.
Finally, consider the installation process. Some gutter guards come with instructions, while others will require professional installation. If you’re not comfortable doing the installation yourself, it’s best to hire a professional, as the wrong installation can lead to leaks or damage to your gutters.
Conclusion: Best Gutter Guard
When it comes to deciding on the best gutter guard, there are a few key factors that should be considered. The first factor is the type of material used in the construction of the guard. Different materials provide different levels of protection and require different levels of maintenance. Choose gutter guards of higher quality if you only have time for occasional cleaning. However, frequent gutter cleanings are recommended for most standard gutters if you want to maximize the benefits of gutter guards.
The second factor when choosing the best type of gutter guard for your home is cost; some guards are more expensive than others but may also provide better protection and longer-term durability. Finally, it’s important to consider how easy each type is to install – some may require professional installation while others can be done as a DIY project.
Overall, mesh-style guards offer excellent protection against leaves and debris while remaining relatively low-cost and easy to install. For those looking for even more protection, solid guard styles are an option – though they will likely come with a higher price tag and may require professional installation in order to ensure they’re installed correctly.
