Before investing your money in any home improvement product, you should understand its pros and cons to figure out whether it can really make your life easier. So, are gutter guards a waste of money, and do you even really need them?
At Trusted Roofing, we’re here to help you find the answer to this question and a little bit more. In this blog post, we’ll explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of gutters guards, and if it turns out you need them, we’ll also explain which product can meet your needs.
So let’s get started!
Who Needs Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are particularly useful for homeowners who don’t want to frequently clean their gutters, or deal with water damage. They also benefit those who live in areas with lots of trees and want to avoid the hassle of clogged and dirty gutters. Gutter guards allow rainwater to flow smoothly through the gutter system while preventing potential damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. So, if you want to keep your gutters clean and functional without exerting too much effort or spending much money, consider installing gutter guards.
Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of gutter guards in order to better understand whether they’re worth purchasing.
7 Benefits Of Gutter Guards
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, and regular cleaning can be a tedious and time-consuming task. That’s where gutter guards come in! Here are seven benefits of installing gutter guards that can make your life easier and save you money:
#1 Prevent Clogs And Water Damage
With good-quality gutter guards in place, you can say goodbye to clogged gutters and the water damage that comes with them. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that rainwater is flowing freely through your gutter system, protecting your home’s foundation, walls, and roof.
#2 Reduce The Need For Frequent Gutter Cleaning
Who wants to spend their weekends cleaning gutters? Gutter guards can help you avoid this chore by keeping debris out of your gutters. You’ll still need to clean your gutters occasionally, but it will be less frequent and more cost-effective than having a gutter system without them.
#3 Enhance The Lifespan Of Gutters And Downspouts
Clean gutters remain sturdy, and therefore, the downspouts are also less likely to get clogged. By investing in suitable gutter guards, you can ensure the longevity of the overall gutter system.
#4 Protect The Fascia Boards From Water Damage
Fascia boards are often overlooked, but these long boards are crucial parts of your home that hold the gutters in place. Gutter guards protect your fascia boards by keeping water flowing through your gutter system without overflowing and leaking down the fascia boards.
#5 Reduce The Maintenance Cost of Your Home
Home maintenance can be expensive, and gutters are no exception. When gutters are clogged, water can back up and reach the adjacent parts of the house, like the fascia boards, starter shingles, and soffits. This may lead to costly repairs and replacements in the future. So if you are wondering whether gutter guards are a waste of money, consider how gutter guards eliminate the need for such costly repairs that may arise due to clogs and overflowing rainwater.
#6 Avoid Damage Caused By Pests
Gutter guards can also protect your house and gutters from pests and rodents. Clogged gutters become an attractive nesting ground for insects, squirrels, rats, and other pests. They may lead to your gutters and downspouts becoming damaged, and the pests reaching the inside of your home. Installing suitable gutter guards prevents such organisms from entering the gutters.
#7 Heat Cables Sit Well On Gutter Guards
If your home is in an area with harsh winter weather, you may be familiar with the problem of ice dams forming on your gutters. When snow melts on your roof, the water can freeze along the gutters and create a blockage, preventing water from draining correctly. This may cause water to back up onto your roof, seep under your shingles, and cause damage to your home’s interior and exterior.
One solution to this problem is to install heat cables on your gutters, which helps prevent ice dam formation. With gutter guards installed, you can easily install heat cables on top of them to keep your gutters clear of ice and snow. This smart investment will help protect your home from winter weather damage.
As you can see, gutter guards are not a waste of money if you live in a rainy or windy area. Now, let’s look at some common concerns homeowners have about gutter guards.
Common Concerns Regarding Gutter Guards
Some homeowners may feel that gutter guards are a waste of money due to ineffectiveness or upkeep requirements, and you may feel the same way if you choose low-quality, or the wrong type, of gutter guards.
Here’s a detailed explanation:
Cost Is Not Everything
One of the main concerns surrounding gutter guards is the initial cost of the product and its installation. Most homeowners spend between $600 to $2,000, but the cost depends on the height and length of your gutter system. It’s important to note that the right type of gutter guards may not be expensive, you just have to look out for the right specifications.
The Wrong Product Will Most Likely Be Less Effective
Another concern is whether gutter guards will effectively prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters. While most gutter guards are effective, you should pick the best gutter guard which is appropriate for your specific needs. For example, screen guards are better for areas with heavy rainfall, while reverse curved gutter guards are suitable for areas with high winds, lots of trees, and average rainfall.
Maintenance Requirements
While gutter guards can reduce the need for gutter cleaning, they still require some maintenance. Over time, debris can accumulate on top of the gutter guards, which is vital to clear away. Thankfully, cleaning gutter guards is incredibly easy, and you just need to brush away the top debris, and you’re all set!
Installation Process
Installing gutter guards may be a DIY project for some people, but they require professional installation for many homeowners. Depending on the height of your roof and the type of gutter guard, installation can be challenging and dangerous.
You can solve this issue by hiring a reliable gutter contractor. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and other benefits like warranty extensions. Plus, professional installation is inexpensive and can save you money in the long run by eliminating installation faults.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post helped you determine whether gutter guards will be a waste of money or a good investment for your home. It’s best to discuss concerns with a gutter contractor, as they can provide the best possible solution quickly. If you live in Middle Tennessee, you can contact us for more information.
Free Consultation & Estimate On Gutter Guard Installation
At Trusted Roofing, we understand how important it is to protect your home. Our team has extensive experience in gutter guard installation, and we’re committed to helping our customers find the best solution for their homes. With our free consultation, you can trust that you’re getting expert advice on the correct type of gutter guard to suit your home and budget.
We believe in honesty, transparency, and quality workmanship, which is why we use high-quality materials and installation techniques. By choosing us, you can rest assured that your gutters will remain functional for years to come. Call us at (615)-714-4300 for a free consultation and estimate.
