Gutter guards are a smart and easy way to protect your roof and foundation by limiting the amount of debris accumulation in your gutters. However, if not properly installed, they can create more problems than they solve. Fortunately, there are just five things to consider before your gutter guard installation. We’re here to make the decision process a breeze and provide expert advice specifically for your unique gutter situation.
1. Size of Debris
To keep your gutters clear of debris and working efficiently, it’s important to first assess the size of the debris that accumulates on your roof. While the best way to do this is to climb up on a ladder and do a quick inspection, you can also take a look around your yard to give you an idea of what you’re dealing with. If you have mature trees that shed leaves, full-length pine needles, or twigs, a gutter guard might be your best bet as it’s designed to stop larger debris from clogging up your gutters. They can even help prevent snow from causing blockages when it melts, depending on the type of guard you choose.
However, it’s important to note that even the best gutter guards struggle to block tiny forms of debris such as sand, broken pine needles, and dirt that are carried by the wind. While it’s impossible to completely block these kinds of debris, using a liftable guard can be helpful for easy cleaning. Foam gutter guards can also be effective for catching smaller debris than the mesh or grille types. If you’re not sure which type of gutter guard to choose, a specialist can recommend the best one based on what you find in your gutter when cleaning it, ensuring you get year-round top performance.
2. Willingness to Clean
Installing gutter guards can significantly reduce the need to regularly clean the gutters to ensure proper water flow off the roof. But don’t think that it’s a set-and-forget solution. Even with guards in place, you should still clean them at least once a year. Usually in the fall. Otherwise, leaves or pine needles can clog them up, defeating the whole purpose.
A reliable solution is to hire a professional to clean your gutters once or twice a year. Otherwise, if you live in a wooded area, you might end up doing it monthly without guards. Who wants to be stuck regularly doing that or paying extra for home maintenance? So, to reduce the need for regular gutter cleaning, consider installing guards and free up your schedule.
3. Condition of Gutters
It’s critical to have properly attached and appropriately tilted gutters to ensure a good water flow. Installing gutter guards can go a long way in improving gutter performance, but they can’t fix serious gutter issues. If you need help, we’re happy to repair any damages before attaching gutter guards.
Most gutter guard systems are lightweight and won’t add much weight to the gutters and their hangers and come with their own attachment hardware. However, to be safe, inspect that gutters aren’t bent or crushed before installing covers.
4. Roof Edges
If you’re considering installing gutter guards, there are a few things to consider. The amount of space on the roof’s edge, known as the fascia board, can limit the type of system you can use. Modern designs may minimize this board, which can make it difficult to mount gutters and gutter guards.
Gutter guards generally rest a few inches below the roof’s edge. However, some systems can be mounted under shingles for a clean look. While these systems can be pricey, they require less installation work than retrofitting the boards.
It’s also important to check the condition of the fascia boards. If they’re damaged or rotting, it’s necessary to make repairs before upgrading to gutter guards.
5. Type of Guard
Gutter guards come in many different types, making it sometimes difficult to pick the right product for your gutter guard installation. But the good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone! Leave it to the pros to recommend the perfect fit based on your gutter size, the debris it gets, and how often you can handle the cleanup. You’ll likely encounter aluminum, foam, and plastic guards, with metal and plastic ones available in mesh, grille, or micromesh designs, all designed to catch even the smallest debris. It’s super important to choose the right design from the beginning, so you can enjoy hassle-free maintenance and keep cleaning to a minimum!
Prevent gutter clogging by installing durable gutter guards to your system. Reach out to us today at Bluff City Gutters for a personalized consultation about a gutter guard installation that suits your home. We have a range of guards that can prevent any leaves and debris from cluttering your system.
