If you have gutters, one of the questions you’ll consider at some point is whether gutter guards are worth it. The reality is that there are pros and cons of gutter guards. There are five main types of gutter guards, all with positive and negative aspects to consider.
Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards or screen gutter guards are metal sheets with holes that let water into the gutter but keep most debris out – they sort of look like the screens on your windows. These are the cheapest solution, and they’re among the easiest to install. You may need to sweep debris and ice off of them from time to time, but that can be done from the ground, using a broom. They can’t be seen from the ground, which is a plus for some homeowners because they don’t change the exterior aesthetics of your home.
However, when fine dirt and shingle granules get through the gutter guard, it is a pain to take off the tops and clean the gutters out. You may have to replace the gutter guards more frequently than other types, too. Nor do these gutter guards solve every problem; mid-sized debris can clog the mesh guards and render that section of the gutter useless, with water spilling over the sides. Micromesh guards do an even better of blocking debris as small as one hundredth of an inch, but you’ll need to clear the mud and sludge from the gutters once a year or more, depending on where you live. We’d recommend micromesh covers if there are evergreen trees near your home. All types of mesh gutter guards can be damaged by high winds or falling branches.
Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
Reverse curve guards let rain in while directing leaves toward the ground. They’re lower maintenance than any other option on this list. They keep out nearly every type of debris, and their design follows the roof’s natural slope, so they may not be very noticeable if the color matches the roof.
One downside is that they cost more than mesh gutter guards. Another potential concern is that they can lead to water collection during heavy storms.
Bottle Brush Gutter Guards
Bottle brush gutter guards, also called whisker gutter guards, hold debris up while water flows away. One point in their favor is that they’re easy to install in your existing gutters without special tools, and no one but you will see them. Another unique point in favor of these gutter guards is that they’ll prevent birds, mice and squirrels from nesting in your gutters. They’re also easy to remove and clean by hand if you live in a dusty environment.
You may need to clear away debris from these gutter guards though, since they will catch on to pine needles, large leaves and heavier debris. Nor is this something you can do by sweeping a broom across the top like you can do with the mesh gutter guards. Furthermore, they reduce the ability of the gutter to move a large volume of rain. Their purchase price isn’t a clear pro or con, since it isn’t either the cheapest or most expensive option on our list.
Nylon Gutter Guards
One point in favor of nylon gutter guards is that you don’t have to attach them to the roofing shingles; you can get them in place quickly and typically without any tools. Their porous material lets water in as fast as it falls, so there is no reduction in the ability of the gutters to move a large volume of water.
Nylon gutter guards are unique in preventing snow from building up in the gutter and freezing, potentially creating ice dams that lead to water sitting against the roof and seeping in as well as heavy ice building up on the roof to the point something could collapse. These are ideal if you live in a cold climate with heavy precipitation. But because they also keep debris out of the gutters, they’re still useful in warmer climates.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards fit directly into your gutter. They are a cheap retrofit that prevents debris from going into the gutter. They’re easy to install and can be installed by most homeowners.
One downside of foam gutter guards is that they trap dirt, sand and dust. Mix dirt, sand, and dust with water and after this combination dries, you have a concrete-like material preventing water from reaching the gutters. Cleaning that material out is difficult unless you choose to replace the foam gutter guards. Another downside is that they deteriorate within a year or two and often trap debris in the gutter you’ll still have to clear out at some point. In a worst-case scenario, they collect debris while letting water pass through, making them little better than not having gutter guards at all.
Affordable Cincinnati Gutter Company Available to Help
All gutter guards force you to make the decision as to whether the expense of installing them and possibly maintaining them is worth it compared to the cost of paying someone to clean the gutters, the danger of getting up on a ladder and doing it yourself or the damage to your home caused by failing to maintain them. If you’re considering gutter guards, you’ll want to discuss the pros and cons of different types with a gutter guard company in your local area. If you feel gutter guards may be a good option for your Cincinnati home, contact Harper Siding and Roofing today for a free gutter inspection and estimate.