With so many gutter guard options on the market, deciding if a gutter guard is worth the extra cost can be confusing. Are they an unnecessary expense or do they prove over time to be a worthwhile investment? In this guide, we’ll examine how gutter guards work and what benefits they provide to help you decide whether these products are right for your home.
From protecting against clogs and reducing maintenance costs to increasing property value, we’ll look at all of the ways that you could benefit from adding a quality gutter guard system to your roofing setup.
Are Gutter Guards Worth the Extra Cost?
For many homeowners, gutter guards are an attractive option for keeping leaves and debris out of their gutters. Gutter guards provide a range of benefits, from reduced maintenance to improved safety and peace of mind. However, gutter guards don’t come cheap and the extra cost can be prohibitive for many homeowners.
Therefore, it’s important to determine if the advantages outweigh the cost before investing in a system of gutter guards. Evaluating factors such as installation cost, material costs, warranty coverage, ease of use, and damage prevention can help you make an educated decision about whether or not gutter guards are a wise investment for your home.
What are Gutter Guards and What do they do?
Gutter guards are an invaluable addition to any home; they’re designed to prevent clogged gutters and downspouts, while also protecting your roof and siding from potential damage. They come in a variety of materials like metal mesh, vinyl-covered wire, or plastic and can be installed in different ways depending on your home’s architecture.
Not all gutters benefit from gutter guards though, so it’s best to consult a professional before deciding which type is right for you. In general, gutter guards act as a barrier between the roof and the gutter system, stopping debris such as leaves and twigs from causing blockages. This extends the lifetime of these parts of the home and lets you avoid costly repairs down the road.
How much do Gutter Guards Cost, and are they Worth the Investment?
It’s important to factor in the cost, but also take into account the longevity of your investment and the practical benefits of keeping your gutters free from tree debris. On average, gutter guards will cost you between $5.50 and $10 per foot. For an average-sized home with 200 feet of gutters, that’s upwards of $2,000 for the materials alone.
However, when you factor in the reduced labor costs for regular gutter cleaning, it can be well worth the upfront expense. Gutter guards can last up to 20 years or more depending on the material and installation. Moreover, adding gutter guards helps reduce water pooling around your home and protects against costly foundation damage which could end up costing more than a few gutter guard installations.
Are there any Alternatives to Gutter Guards that can Provide the Same Level of Protection at a Lower Price Point?
Gutter guards are an important tool for protecting homes from water damage caused by clogged gutters, but they may not be the most cost-effective solution. Alternatives to gutter guards exist that can provide similar benefits without the elevated price point. For example, installing metal sheeting on slanted gutters is a low-cost way to keep debris out of the gutter system.
Additionally, using hinges and clips to ensure the metal sheeting remains in place is another wallet-friendly option. Finally, homeowners can also take a more hands-on approach with regular cleaning and maintenance of their gutters as it helps reduce debris buildup and keeps water flowing freely while helping avoid costly home repair bills.
How Often Should you Clean your Gutters, and will Gutter Guards make this Process Easier or More Difficult?
Cleaning your gutters is an essential part of home maintenance; however, it can be difficult and dangerous depending on the height of your roof. It is generally recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, once before and once after the winter season. Gutter guards may make the process easier for homeowners, protecting the gutter from getting clogged with unwanted debris such as leaves or twigs.
While some gutter guard systems are expensive to install, they could save time and effort in the long run since less frequent cleanings should be needed. Additionally, gutter guards have the added benefit of providing increased protection from water damage to your home’s foundation as well. Overall, it’s important to research different types of gutter guards and then decide if they would be a beneficial addition to your home.
What are Some Common Problems that can Occur with Clogged Gutters?
Clogged gutters cause a variety of unpleasant issues, and it is important to keep them clear of debris year-round. Without proper upkeep, water can begin to accumulate in the gutters causing rotting wood along the roof line and in some cases, even compromising the structural integrity of your home. Clogged gutters can also lead to insect infestations as well as an increased risk of ice dams forming over winter months.
Additionally, without regular maintenance to clear out clogs, you could create an ideal environment for plant life such as moss or ivy to grow and spread their roots into your roof shingles leading to even more damage down the line. Avoid all these problems by regularly inspecting your gutters for clogs throughout the seasons.
How can they be avoided with Regular Maintenance and Cleaning?
To keep your home’s gutters free of damage and clogs, regular maintenance and cleaning are a must. Gutters should be inspected every few months after stormy weather to check for overflowing or sagging sections. Additionally, large debris such as leaves and sticks should be removed from the edges twice a year in the late spring and then again in the fall before cold temperatures come around.
If you happen to find small clogs inside a gutter, these can usually be dislodged using a plumber’s snake or simply by flushing the sections out with water from a garden hose. However, some bigger clogs may require a professional’s assistance. Taking preventative measures such as installing gutter guards or covering sections of the gutter with mesh wire can reduce your need for this kind of maintenance as well.
Conclusion:
In the end, it’s up to the homeowner to decide whether gutter guards are worth the extra cost. While they may not be necessary for everyone, they can certainly save time and money in the long run by preventing leaves and debris from clogging your gutters.
Do your research and talk to a professional before making a decision, after all, your gutters are an important part of your home’s overall drainage system.
