Gutter guards are not only a great way to protect your house and property, but they’re also an amazing investment. They will help you save money on costly repairs by preventing leaves and debris from entering the gutter system.

What Are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards are a more permanent solution to cleaning and preventing clogs in your gutters. They’re made of pre-formed aluminum or vinyl that fit directly over the gutter and protect the rain gutter line. They prevent leaves, twigs, dirt, debris, and other organic matter from entering the gutter system. Here are some of the biggest benefits of installing gutter guards.

1. Protects House From Water Damage

The number one reason for needing repairs is water damage on the outer exterior walls caused by trees or heavy rains. Leaks and cracks can occur if you don’t use some form of protection for your gutters (such as a leaf guard). This will also help reduce mold growth, which can damage your roof and cause other issues.

2. Reduces Maintenance and Cleaning

Gutter debris buildup is annoying to clean out and costly to repair when it accumulates in the gutter system. Your gutters will last longer if they aren’t filled with sticks, leaves, and dirt.

3. Prevents Premature Leaf Blowouts

It’s common for leaf blowers or pressure washers to be abused by running them in overfilled gutters during the fall season in an attempt to remove clogs before the winter months. Leaves are usually wet at this time, which results in heavy splash-back, which wears down motor parts in your equipment. Gutter guards help extend the life of your expensive equipment.

4. Stops Clogging and Ice Dams

Huge snowdrifts, piles of heavy leaves, and other debris can trap water in the gutters, causing a buildup that can cause damage to the exterior wall. Ice dams are also created when snow melts from above but isn’t able to drain below. This causes hundreds of gallons of water to back up against the roof, which melts snow on top first then slowly works its way down, resulting in ice on your roof shingles. Gutter guards will prevent this by allowing any extra water to easily roll out into the yard instead of accumulating with no way for it to run off properly.

5. Reduces Stress on Gutters and Siding

Heavy, wet leaves and debris can cause overworked gutters due to clogging. If left unattended for long periods of time, it will eventually lead to leaks that could cause major structural damage on the exterior wall as well as water damage from rain infiltration entering the house.

6. Cleans up Quicker After Heavy Rains

Trees tend to drop their leaves in heavy rains causing clogs that create pools of water within the gutters. Gutter guards ensure water can easily drain off the roof after a heavy storm instead of being propelled back up against your house with nowhere to go but down into your foundation.

7. Easier snow removal

Snow drifts are common in heavy winters, and wet snow can be difficult to remove from the edges of roofs where the gutter system is located. Gutter guards help prevent melting and buildup that would normally pool at the edge of your roof, which helps prevent ice buildup on the top floor windows or siding.

8. Keeps Leaves Out Year-Round

Using gutter guards also keeps leaves out all year long instead of scooping them out during the fall season. This not only reduces your long-term maintenance costs, but you will save time and effort from needing to clean out the system.

How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

You should have them cleaned when they appear full of leaves and debris, which can be determined from the ground. However, if you are worried about clogs forming during the fall season, you can have them cleaned before the winter months.

The most beneficial way to protect your home from damage is to install gutter guards. It will extend the life of your gutters and save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance and repairs. If you are looking for gutter guards or gutter installation, contact Rainey Gutters today and Get 10% off a scheduled project.