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 decide whether they are worth the investment for your home or business.
what are gutter guards?
Gutter guards, also called leaf guards, are an aluminum gutter accessory that sits in your gutter to prevent debris from entering and clogging them, preventing water overflow and damage to your foundation, basement, and/or landscape. They 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 leaves and debris are allowed to dry out and be 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, gray, 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™ proudly installs Shur Flo’s Gutter Guard Protection System, a product of the leading manufacturer, U.S. Aluminum, Inc. 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. First of all, they 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.
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.
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. First of all, they 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.
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.
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 drawbacks?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
If you are considering having gutter guards installed or having your existing ones replaced, request your free inspection and estimate by filling out our free online request form and we will provide you with a quote based on your unique property’s condition and needs.
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.
If you are considering having gutter guards installed or having your existing ones replaced, request your free inspection and estimate by filling out our free online request form and we will provide you with a quote based on your unique property’s condition and needs.
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.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It
Blog by Weather Stop Roofing™
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