As a professional in the home maintenance industry, I am often asked about the effectiveness of gutter guards. The short answer is yes, they do work. However, it's important to understand that they are not a foolproof solution and will still require some maintenance. In this article, I will share my expert insights on gutter guards and whether or not they are worth the investment. Let's start with the basics.
Gutter guards, also known as leaf guards or gutter protectors, are designed to prevent debris from clogging your gutters. They come in various designs and materials, but their main purpose is to keep your gutters free from obstructions and allow water to flow freely. While gutter guards can significantly reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters, they are not a magical solution that will eliminate the need for maintenance altogether. As someone who has tested almost every gutter guard design on the market, I can confidently say that most of them fail to provide complete protection against all types of debris. For example, reverse curve designs may allow small pieces of dirt to be carried into the gutter, making it impossible to clean. Other designs may have holes or crevices that can easily get clogged with small debris.
And during springtime, when small debris falls from trees like snow in a snowstorm, most gutter guards fail miserably. However, this doesn't mean that gutter guards are completely useless. In fact, they can do a very good job of keeping your gutters flowing freely, especially if you have large trees in your yard. Gutter guards can save you time and effort by preventing clogs and reducing the risk of damage to your home and property. As someone who has seen the long-term costs of gutter guards, I can say that they are not worth the investment. While they may save you from the hassle of cleaning your gutters, they still require routine maintenance, which goes against the purpose of investing in gutter guards in the first place. Moreover, gutter guards can introduce new problems and make it more difficult to clean your gutters.
In some cases, you may even need to remove the gutter guard to clean it, which can be more expensive than a standard gutter cleaning service. As someone who has worked as a Vancouver gutter cleaner, I have seen firsthand what happens when gutters are not regularly cleaned. It's important to note that gutter guards are a controversial topic, and companies that sell and install these systems often make bold claims about their effectiveness. However, as someone who has recorded several videos of failed gutter guards and has personally installed micromesh protectors in my own home, I can say that a professional gutter cleaning service is a safer, more cost-effective, and more reliable way to keep your gutters in good working order. Now, let's talk about the different types of gutter guards and how they work. One popular design is the K-style gutter protector, which goes under the roof shingles and slightly lifts the first row of shingles.
This design allows smaller debris, such as pine needles, to pass through and accumulate in the main channel of the gutter. While this may still require occasional cleaning, it is much easier than dealing with a completely clogged gutter. Another common type is mesh gutter protectors, which are sheets filled with holes that cover the gutter and adhere to the roof tiles. While some designs may work better than others, heavy rain can still overwhelm the gutter protector and cause water to overflow, especially on large or steep roofs. In conclusion, while gutter guards can be a helpful addition to your home maintenance routine, they are not a perfect solution. They can reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning and prevent clogs, but they still require routine maintenance and may introduce new problems.
As an expert in the field, I recommend investing in a professional gutter cleaning service instead of gutter guards. It's a safer, more cost-effective, and more reliable way to keep your gutters in good working order.
