One of the most common misconceptions about gutter guards is that depending on where you live in the country, you may or may not need them. But the truth of the matter is, it’s beneficial no matter where you live to have added protection over your gutters. In North Texas, this rings especially true for homeowners, not just for the added benefits toward a costly home upgrade, but also to prevent any dangers from having to tackle such an arduous task. Some homeowners might not think gutter guards are worth the time or cost to have them installed, but we’re here to tell you why installing gutter guards is important and how the installation will save you time, money, and headache in the long run.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Let’s start with the very basics – what are gutter guards? In short, gutter guards serve one major purpose – to prevent debris and leaves from getting into the gutter, where downspouts and drains can become blocked causing serious long-term damage. Gutter guards come in many different types, whether vinyl and PVC or steel, copper, and aluminum.
Because gutter guards prevent debris and leaves from accumulating, you likely will never experience a gutter clog nor have to have your gutters cleaned by you or a professional again.
Why Are They Important?
Besides the obvious benefit which is keeping your gutters clean and free of debris, there are a few other reasons why gutter guards are important. For starters, you’ll save a lot of time in the long run. Gutters without guards need to be cleaned multiple times a year. This is especially true for anyone who lives near or around trees that lose leaves often. With gutter guards in place, you’ll save yourself the headache of trying to get up on a ladder and the time it’ll take to keep those gutters clean. Imagine getting up in a ladder only to find there is a giant clog of leaves, seeds, twigs, and debris that may end up taking hours to clean out. There goes your entire afternoon.
Gutter guards keep the mice and insects out, too. One of the main benefits of having gutter guards in place is to stop vermin from breeding in your gutters. Gutters are a safe place for creatures like squirrels, mice, bats, birds, mosquitoes, and spiders to live and breed, but having gutter guards can help prevent any issues like this from popping up.
In addition, having gutter guards can help moisture-ridden debris from collecting and sitting in the gutters, which can damage the gutters and create rust and corrosion. Gutter guards can extend the life of your gutters tremendously, preventing unnecessary rust from occurring.
While there is an initial cost to installing gutter guards or having a professional install them for you, the truth is you will end up saving money long-term. Why? Because gutters tend to overflow during periods of heavy rain, which becomes even easier when there is a blockage. Water that overflows anywhere near or around a home can be detrimental to things like the foundation and overall structure, or even getting into the home.
Installing gutter guards can help improve the overall water flow and prevent any unnecessary damage to the house. There are a few risks to your home when water cannot flow freely:
- Water overflowing onto the roof and eventually causing leaks
- Water pooling near the fascia board, causing disintegration
- Water pooling at the base of the home – damaging foundation
These problems are extremely detrimental to a house’s safety and comfort and can also become a very costly emergency that could have been avoided.
What Are The Different Types Of Guards Available?
As we mentioned above, there are different types of gutter guards available for purchase, each offering a different price point and perhaps overall benefit. The most common types of gutter guards that you’ll find on most houses are mesh screen guards, PVC covers, and foam inserts. While the average cost of having a professional installation might seem high at first, the fact is, gutter guards will pay for themselves in time as you will minimize the need for cleanings as well as protect your home from repairs.
Wait, There Are Added Health Benefits?
Here’s something many homeowners don’t think about when it comes to gutter guards – clogs can lead to stagnant water. Stagnant water can lead to mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can lead to serious health problems. According to Forbes Advisor, the “most common materials to glob gutters are leaves, dirt, and other types of natural debris. These materials can also harbor mold spores, which flourish inside clogged gutters.” Once mold and mildew enter a house, removal is not cheap. But also mildew can be dangerous to anyone living in the home, humans and animals alike.
When Is The Best Time To Install Gutter Guards
Truthfully, there is no right or wrong time to install gutter guards, but there is a recommended time – right before spring. In North Texas, spring can mean lots of rain, which is why you’ll want to have your gutter guards in place before any heavy rainfall. In addition, you’ll want to make sure your gutter guards are in place and doing their job before the autumn months. Fall will truly test the ability of your gutter guards. You’ll want to correct any issues within this timeframe so that spring doesn’t result in clogs and overflows.
What Handsome Lawn Service Will Use When Professionally Installing Gutter Guards
We take gutter guard installation very seriously, which is why we use stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards. These guards are UL Certified for rainwater harvesting and diligently keep leaves and pine needles out of your gutter. You can see what the guards look like below:
Anyone looking for some more information about cleaning and installing gutter guards can watch this video from Lowe’s Home Improvement:
So, what do you think about why installing gutter guards is important for your home? Are you convinced that this is the right choice for you? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you are looking to have the professionals install your gutter guards for you, make sure to give us a call over at Handsome Lawn Service today.
