Architecture Adrenaline
Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage to a home's roof, foundation and surrounding landscape. Standing water can wreak havoc with roofing materials, promote mold growth and lead to soil erosion that disrupts landscaping - so homeowners must regularly clean their gutters of leaves, pine needles and debris in order to prevent clogs. Gutter guards are specifically designed to reduce debris entering gutters while still allowing rainwater flow down freely into them.
But do gutter guards really work? While some manufacturers claim their product can make you never need to clean your gutters again, professional roofers know better. No gutter guard can offer 100% protection from debris like leaves, pine needles and dirt; therefore some debris will always pass through these protection systems and end up in your gutters, necessitating regular cleaning sessions to avoid build-up and potential clogs.
The most prevalent form of gutter guard is a screen that covers the top of both gutter and downspout, allowing rainwater to enter while keeping debris out. Commonly made from aluminum, these screens tend to rust over time and require occasional repair; additionally, they tend to clog more easily than other kinds due to ice dam formation in wintertime.
An increasingly popular form of gutter protection is mesh covers with small holes or squares designed to let water enter while filtering out larger debris such as leaves, pine needles and dirt. Mesh guards tend to be more durable than screens but may still become susceptible to holes, cracks and algae growth; they may need replacement more frequently than other forms.
Other types of gutter guards include hood systems or one-piece reverse curve systems which channel water into the gutter while keeping out debris. Although more durable than screen or mesh gutter guards, they're less reliable compared to professionally installed systems - especially during autumn when leaves accumulate easily in them; and one-piece reverse curve systems may become blocked with debris, leading to water flow obstruction that could potentially cause leakage issues.
Professionally installed stainless steel micro-mesh gutter systems offer long-term gutter guard protection at an economical price, including limited lifetime transferable warranties and can add significant value to your home. When comparing prices, be sure to factor in installation, replacement parts, cleaning services and any special offers from companies included in their quotes.
