Are Gutter Guards Worth It? | Benefits and Types

October 6th, 2021 | By Dale Chastain

Fall leaves are one of the best and worst parts of fall. With shades of orange, red, and gold, they are breathtaking, but they keep you raking. Also, leaves find their way into your gutters and prevent proper drainage. Gutter guards are a simple solution to minimize your maintenance time and protect your roof. Our roofing professionals at Chastain Roofing want to help you explore your options, so you can make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

  •       Save Time—During the fall, fighting leaves can consume your entire weekend from raking to gutter cleaning. Gutter guards prevent your gutters from being clogged with leaves, so you can maintain proper drainage. Enjoy your weekend doing something you love instead of gutter cleaning!
  •       Save Money—Depending on the type of gutter guard you choose, the upfront cost can seem significant, especially for aluminum ones. The long-term savings are worthwhile regardless of the expense of the material you choose. Gutter guards protect your roof from water damage, minimizing the chances of having to purchase a new roof prematurely.
  •       Discourage Pests—A gutter full of leaves is an open invitation to pests of all kinds. Pests could cause damage to your roof as well as find an entry point to your home’s interior more easily. Gutter guards will prevent organic green waste from accumulating in your gutters and welcoming unwanted guests.
  •       Increase Home Value—Gutter guards make your home look well cared for and sleek. If you choose to sell your home, you should be able to recoup some of your financial investment as gutter guards are an appealing upgrade.
  •       Keep your Family Safe—When gutters are clogged up with organic material, they will retain excess water. Extra moisture will eventually lead to mold and mildew. Not only will this look unsightly, but it could spread to compromise your foundation and air quality. Gutter guards will help prevent clogs and keep spores away from your family.

Gutter Guard Types

There are a variety of gutter guard options which utilize different materials. Each gutter guard type has different benefits. The plastic varieties are more affordable, but they lack long-term durability. The metal ones have a higher upfront cost, but they endure harsh weather for well over a decade. Any gutter guard would be better than no gutter guard, but there are many benefits to consider when choosing the ideal type for your home.

Aluminum Mesh Gutter Guards—These gutter guards are a tough and effective solution for your home. When properly installed, they can last 15 years. They are UV and fire resistant as well as rustproof. Utilizing a mesh filter, these gutter guards can catch the smallest debris and prevent clogs effectively. If your home is surrounded by evergreen trees, you have an asphalt roof, or a considerable amount of bugs or debris on your roof typically, consider a mesh variety.

Perforated Metal Gutter Guards—Perforated gutter guards have larger holes than mesh varieties. These gutter guards are ideal for catching fall leaves, but they are less effective against small debris. Because they are metal, they could last for about 15 years with minimal upkeep. Perforated gutter guards are an excellent choice for homes which endure heavy rain and snowfall.

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards—Otherwise known as surface tension gutter guards, these gutter guards can be made of metal or plastic. The curved design allows for water to naturally flow into the gutter, while limiting the debris that can sneak through. You can choose from a guard with a small or larger gap, depending on the needs of your home.

Brush Gutter Guards—Brush gutter guards are one of the most affordable options in terms of money, but they require more of your time. Imagine a giant craft pipe cleaner that can fit in your gutter, and you have the brush gutter guard! Basically, the brush sits in your gutter and then you must take it out and rinse it out periodically. Although it may prevent some clogs and catch debris, the brush will require more maintenance than the other gutter guards mentioned.

Plastic Gutter Guards—As far as low upfront cost, plastic gutter guards cannot be beat. Plastic gutter guards can effectively trap large debris, but often fail to capture smaller debris. Also, plastic gutter guards can become warped or brittle over time from sun exposure. Although they may be cheaper, the product cannot stand up to the weather and sun exposure like the metal ones.

If you are ready to skip gutter cleaning this fall, schedule a visit from Chastain Roofing! We will be happy to guide you to finding the best gutter guard system for your family.