They are often advertised as a protective device for gutters so that you will never have to clean the gutter system again. That is either sales hype or wishful thinking. While gutter guards can be a useful tool in preventing water damage to your home’s exterior, the truth is they still require some home maintenance. However, if you think leaf protection would improve the functionality of your gutter system, use this brief guide to determine when you should invest in gutter guards.
Buried Downspouts
Some homeowners prefer to have an underground drainage system. If you have buried downspouts that are prone to clogging or you just want to prevent having to deal with the expense of unblocking underground downpipes, gutter guards could be a beneficial investment.
Mobility and/or Health Issues
Safety first. If you experience mobility or health issues, climbing a ladder and then having to work from it can problematic. Investing in leaf protectors that keep out organic debris and reduce the number times you need to clean the gutters is a smart strategy to keep on top of your home maintenance while staying safe. When reluctance to gutter clean twice or three times a year leads to skipping this task, debris buildup can cause water damage, encouraging mould growth, wood rot, and costly repairs.
Increased Curb Appeal and Resale Value
Because gutter guards reduce the amount of debris that enters a gutter system, it doesn’t accumulate in the trough until it can be seen from the street or cause stains on the outside of the gutters or the siding. A clean-looking home exterior tells visitors and passers-by your property is well-cared for.
In addition to improved curb appeal, a low-maintenance gutter system with gutter guards can increase your home’s resale value and be more attractive to potential homebuyers.
A Mix of Tree Types
What are the types of trees growing on your property? Coniferous trees shed their needles during a six-week period or throughout the year, depending on the family and group they belong to. Deciduous trees shed their leaves over a short span of time in the fall. If you have a mix of tree types, especially growing near the house, since trees will shed at different times, a leaf protection system could be useful in preventing a lot of debris from accumulating in the gutters. Because needles are small and thin while leaves are bigger, to be effective, any gutter guards you install will have to be designed to catch both kinds of debris.
Preventing Nesters
Lots of trees around a house and on your property can look inviting to squirrels, rats, birds, and wasps. Gutter guards are useful in preventing pests from making their homes in a gutter system. Since most types of quality gutter guards are all-in-one or micro-mesh systems, they typically act as a “lid,” barring entrance to the gutters, effectively keeping nesters out.
Cost-Effective
If there are a lot of trees on your property and in the neighbourhood, installing gutter guards will reduce the number of times in a year you have to clean the gutters. If you are in the habit of hiring a gutter cleaning service, and you have to clean the gutter system three or even four times a year, gutter guards could be a cost-effective way to manage the expense.
