Gutters play an important role in maintaining a homes structural integrity. They channel rainwater, from the roof, away from your home protecting your home from water damage.
Everything need protection, even gutters. Have you heard of a gutter guard? Gutter guards are used to prevent fallen leaves, twigs and debris from going inside the gutters. They come in various types such as PVC, aluminum, vinyl and copper ones. We have listed 6 benefits of installing gutter guards, feel free to tell us what you think.
1. Time & Money
Open gutters are exposed to various substances like leaves, sticks and soil from the roof and trees. These substances accumulate in the gutter and lead to clogging which makes it difficult for water to flow smoothly.
If you enjoy your gutter performing its role, then you will have to clean it periodically or hire a gutter cleaning company . Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll be spending time and money.
But you choose to install a gutter guard, you will spend lesser time and money because the debris will be stuck on top of the guard or fall completely off the roof The cost is worth it. You will only clean your gutters occasionally if you have a gutter guard.
Prevent Damage
When your gutters get clogged from ice, the water starts to pool around or flow into your home. This can damage your property and various areas of the house such as the roof, foundation, walls, and the basement. The excess water causes your gutter to have additional weight, and the gutter might give in.
Water damage is not a pretty sight, and you wouldn’t want to expose your home to it. If you want to avoid these problems, then you need to install a gutter guard. It will make your gutters stronger to withstand excess pressure even during the worst weather.
Safety
If you have a gutter without a gutter guard, then you will have to clean the gutter. This involves climbing on the roof using a ladder which is dangerous.
Anything can happen while you are cleaning your gutter. You could fall off the ladder, or get an electric shock if there are exposed electrical wiring. You could also damage your walls or roof in the cleaning process, or even the very gutter you are trying to clean.
A gutter guard will reduce your chances of injuring yourself and damaging your home because you will do significantly less cleaning.
Pest Infestations
When you have a gutter guard, water will not accumulate in your gutters. Stagnant water often attracts various pests and insects such as mosquitoes, spiders, bats, birds, and mice.
Some types of modern guards even prevent birds and rodents from getting on your roof. When your gutter does not have a lot of stagnant water, vermin and insects will not breed in it.
Prevent Fires
If you live in an area that experiences bushfires, then you need gutter guards to give you extra protection. Metal gutter guards would be the best choice for you. When there is a bushfire, the wind carries the embers, and they can go a long distance.
When the embers get in contact with dry materials like twigs and leaves that usually collect in the gutter, they can ignite and cause a fire. The fire can then spread to other areas.
A metal gutter guard will prevent the fire embers from reaching the debris. There will also be none or less debris if you have a gutter guard.
Improve Home Value
If you are looking to buy a home and you come across one that has gutter guards and another one that doesn’t. Which one would you choose? It is automatic that the presence of gutter guard adds a feel of security to the homeowner, which brings more value to the home.
