Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Since the invention of gutter guards, these gutter protection accessories have become a growing standard on homes all over the country. As a relatively inexpensive addition to gutter and downspout systems, gutter guards have significant benefits to both your gutter efficiency and the overall health of your roof. In this article we discuss everything there is to know about gutter guards and their benefits to help you answer the common question homeowners ask, “Are gutter guards worth it?”

What are Gutter Guards

Gutter guards, also called leaf guards, are an aluminum gutter accessory that sits in your gutter to catch debris and prevent clogging, water overflow, and damage to your foundation, basement, and/or landscape. Guards contain small holes to allow water to flow freely off the roof, into the gutters, down the downspout, and away from the foundation of your house while filtering out larger debris such as leaves and sticks. On a well-maintained gutter system, these small debris dry out and are blown away in the wind.

Types of Gutter Guards

There are multiple styles of gutter guards. They typically come in 3-10-foot sections. Most come in black, white, silver, or copper, with the ability to match most gutters in color. Some guards are installed up and under shingles. These styles are more difficult to install and may require the removal and reinstallation of shingles.

Weather Stop Roofing Installs The Industry’s Best Gutter Guards

Weather Stop Roofing proudly installs Shur Flo’s Gutter Guard Protection System, a product of the leading manufacturer, U.S. Aluminum, Inc, in new and existing gutters. We believe these are the best leaf guards on the market for several reasons. Firstly, they come in 4-foot and 10-foot sections, and in either a flat, waved, or step-down style, making them highly versatile. Furthermore, Shur Flo guards sit flat in your gutters, making them practically invisible from the ground, which many find more aesthetically pleasing. This style does not require going underneath your shingles, so installation is much easier and does not affect the integrity of your roof. Secondly, Shur Flo’s products are highly affordable, being relatively inexpensive compared to some other brands while competing at top performance standards. With Shur Flo, we believe you are getting the best bang for your buck. Lastly, Shur Flo boasts the quality of this product with a 20-year warranty!

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

In addition to keeping your gutters uninhibited by clogging debris and thus overflowing, leaf guards also offer other benefits to your home or commercial building as a whole.

1. Less Frequent Gutter Maintenance

Gutter guards greatly reduce the requirement for gutter maintenance. Without guards, gutters regularly become clogged with leaves, pine needles, sticks, and dirt. The presence of seeds, nuts, and berries can not only clog your gutters, but also promote the growth of plants in your gutter system.

2. Extends Lifespan of Gutter System

Regular gutter cleaning is essential to maintain the efficient functioning of your gutters. Gutters with leaf guards do not suffer clogging and therefore do not require frequent cleaning. This significantly reduces the amount of normal wear and tear typically experienced by gutters over time. With leaf guards, you will add years to the life of your gutters, extending their useful lifespan and negating costly and time-consuming maintenance.

3. Reduces Risk of Preventable Roof Damage

The benefit of gutter guards also extends to your roof. With a more efficient gutter and downspout system, roof maintenance is made much easier. The more debris builds up in your gutters, the less or slower water is filtered off your roof’s surface. Overtime, this wears down the outer layer of your shingles or other roof system, impacting your roof’s lifespan. Furthermore, leaf guards help protect the integrity of your home or building’s structure, reducing the likelihood of leaks, rot, and mold or algae growth.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Gutter Guards?

There truly are no drawbacks to having leaf guards installed in your gutters. However, one common misconception is that gutter guards eliminate the need for gutter maintenance. As with any roof accessory system, some maintenance is still necessary with gutter guards.

Maintenance is Still Necessary

To ensure debris does not build up to the point of compromising the integrity of your roof and entire gutter system, the debris must be removed from the surface of your gutter guards on a regular, albeit less frequent, basis. With gutter guards, your cleanings go from 6-12 times per year to as little as once every 1-2 years.

Eventual Wear and Tear

Also, as with all other components of your roof, gutter guards will eventually succumb to the inevitable wear and tear of the elements, reach the end of their life, and need to be replaced. Different brands of gutter guards have varying expected lifespans. Shur Flo leaf guards installed by Weather Stop Roofing are warrantied for 20 years! This mirrors the typical lifespan of shingle roofs.

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

The amount you spend on gutter guard installation will depend primarily on the size and scope of your project. Cost discrepancies may also exist depending on the style of gutter guards you select, with more durable and/or multi-layered guards typically costing a little more. Experts at Weather Stop Roofing believe you’re getting the best bang for your buck with Shur Flo. We will work with you in the selection process to help you choose the best product to fit both your needs and budget.

Conclusion

It is our expert opinion that gutter guards are an inavuable addition to home, protecting both your gutter system and your roof. As a relatively inexpensive roof accessory, you certainly will not be needlessly investing in gutter guards when you consider the extensive benefits which last decades. They practically pay for themselves and then some! Whether you are having gutter guards installed in your existing gutters or you want to have them installed in addition to your new gutter system installation, Weather Stop Roofing has you covered. Request your free inspection and estimate by filling out our free online request form and we will provide you with a competitive quote based on your unique property’s condition and needs. And remember, gutter guard installation does not interfere with the integrity your existing gutters or roof!