Your home’s gutters are arguably one of the easiest places to forget about. They’re located high above your head, and you probably don’t notice them unless you’re hanging decorations or doing some sort of maintenance on your roof. The only other time you probably notice your gutters is when it comes time to clean them, which can be a labor-intensive process if it’s been a while since their last cleaning. Gutter guards are an innovative product designed to make cleaning your gutters a low-maintenance task. In today’s post, we’ll explain what gutter guards are, how they work, and why they’re important. We’ll also explain the most common kinds of gutter guards on the market, and we’ll explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of each.
Blue Springs Siding and Windows is proud to provide Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, and the surrounding areas with unparalleled roofing and gutter services. Our contactors can do everything from siding installation to roof replacement. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home assessment!
What Are Gutter Guards?
Cleaning your home’s gutters is easily one of the most dreaded home-maintenance tasks. Climbing up on a ladder can be scary, and attempting to clean debris and grime from your gutter from the top of a ladder can be a truly nerve-wracking experience. Gutter guards are designed to reduce the amount of leaves, dirt, and litter that collects in your gutters over time. A buildup of debris in your gutters can lead to serious problems, including:
- A composting effect that allows seeds and organic compounds to grow in the gutter
- Mold growth that can damage your roof
- Damage to your deck and the foundation of your home
- Unwanted insects and animals, including termites, mosquitoes, and small rodents
These are not the only problems that gutter guards can address, but they’re the main problems that homeowners are looking to solve when they contact us for help with their gutters. While gutter guards are commonly thought of as simply coverings for the gutter, they’re actually a bit more complex. In fact, there are several different kinds of gutter guards that are ideal for different homes and environments, including:
Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
Reverse curve gutter guards are designed to allow water to flow into your gutter while also directing leaves and other debris away from the opening of the gutter. The reverse curve design has a small opening that allows water in, and this can sometimes allow for small pieces of debris to lodge themselves in the gutter. These will usually wash away along with the water inside the gutter, but if you install reverse curve gutter guards, you may find yourself having to clean your gutters out a few times each year, depending on how close your home is to trees and other sources of debris.
Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards are fairly self-explanatory, but they’re quite different from reverse curve gutter guards. Mesh gutter guards are large sheets of mesh that are attached to the roof and draped over the gutter, creating a barrier between your gutters and the outside world. Not all mesh gutter guards are created equal, and mesh guards with large openings can allow small leaves, pine needles, and other small objects to enter the gutter. Moreover, the screens themselves can become clogged given the right conditions. If you find yourself in an area in which large leaves are primarily clogging your gutters, mesh gutter guards are an ideal solution.
Stay tuned for our next post in which we’ll explain bottle brush gutter guards, nylon gutter guards, and foam gutter guards. Blue Springs Siding and Windows is proud to serve Kansas City with reliable and high-quality gutter services. If you’re thinking about installing gutter guards, or if you’re unsure as to which gutter guard is right for your home, we’re happy to help! Contact us through our website or by phone, and we’ll help you pick a gutter guard that’s right for you – request a free estimate today!
