Gutter guards are designed to keep rainwater out of gutters, preventing water damage to siding, roofing, fascia board, and shingles. They’re also great for keeping leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris out of the system. If you’ve ever had to clean out your gutters, you know how much work it can be. And if you don’t do it regularly, you’ll end up paying for repairs later.
But there are some things you might not realize about gutter guards. For example, did you know that they can help prevent ice dams? Or that they can protect against mold growth? Or that they can actually save you money over time? Here are seven reasons why you should consider adding gutter guards to your home:
Helps Alleviate Ice Dams and Gutter Freezing
Gutters collect rainwater and channel it away from your house. However, over time, this process becomes less efficient. As the snow melts and freezes throughout the season, the water collects in your gutters. When temperatures drop, the water begins to freeze. Over time, the frozen water expands and pushes against the sides of your gutters. Eventually, the pressure builds up enough to crack your gutters and leak water onto your roof.
To help prevent this, install a gutter guard. These devices act like a filter, preventing debris from entering your gutters. They also allow water to flow freely down the outside of your gutters. Keeping your gutters clean can reduce the risk of ice dams.
Prevent Premature Rust and Corrosion
Over time, gutters become clogged with leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other debris. This accumulation of debris causes water to stagnate inside your gutters, leading to the formation of rust and corrosion.
If you notice that your gutters look rusty or corroded, there are several things you can do to prevent further damage. First, make sure your gutters aren’t blocked. If you see water flowing out of your gutters, check to see if anything is obstructing them. Then, have gutter guards installed. These prevent leaves and debris from getting caught up in your gutters, helping to keep your gutters free of blockages and preventing the buildup of rust and corrosion.
Improve Gutter Water Flow
Gutter guards can bolster water flow through your downspouts and prevent them from getting clogged. This is an excellent benefit of gutter guards especially if you have a rainwater tank (or rain barrel). The guards will help your tank refill quicker and with cleaner water.
Avoid Mice and Insect Infestations
Gutter guards are a simple solution to prevent pests from nesting in your gutters. They keep rainwater flowing down your gutters without allowing it to stagnate. This helps reduce the number of mosquitos, rats, and other small animals that breed in your gutters. Gutter guards are easy to install and maintain, and they won’t cost much money.
Save Time & Money
If you do not have gutter guards, you will eventually have to clean your gutters or hire a professional to clean them. Either way, this will cost you time and money. Even with gutter guards, some debris may inevitably collect on top of the guards. However, gutter guards are exponentially easier to clean than digging into clogged gutters.
Stop Blockages
Overgrown or clogged gutters can lead to serious problems like overflowing downspouts, sagging roofs, and even structural issues. Gutter guards stop these blockages and help prevent damage to your home & foundation.
Prolong the Life of Your Gutters
By preventing infestations, blockages, ice dams, and corrosion, gutter guards are also prolonging the life of your gutters. This helps save you money in the long run, because you can potentially double the working life of your gutters.
Interested in Adding Gutter Guards to Your Home?
Contact Tristate Roofing & Remodeling today to get started!
