Water from rain or melted snow can be a big problem for your home, but your gutter system can save the day. As long as your gutters are clean, this water can move through them to downspouts, where it’s directed away from your home exterior. This helps prevent leaks, mold, and other water damage from happening.
Being able to keep your gutters clean is the challenge. Gutters can easily fill up with leaves, twigs, and other kinds of debris throughout the year, especially after stormy weather or on windy days. Gutter guards are a type of screen or covering placed on gutters to let water in while keeping debris out. They sound like a good investment for your home, but are gutter guards worth installing?
Potential Drawbacks of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are designed to make life easier for homeowners. However, there are a few possible disadvantages to consider first. When isn’t it a good idea to have gutter guards installed?
Cost Concerns
Gutter guards aren’t exactly a low-cost solution to keeping gutters clean. If your budget doesn’t include enough to cover the cost of gutter guards, you might look into other solutions or find a roofing contractor who offers affordable ones.
Added Weight
Having gutter guards installed on your gutter system adds weight to your house. This might not be a problem for some homes. However, other homes might not be able to handle the additional weight. Too much weight can lead to problems with your gutter system or even cause structural damage. If this is a concern, look for a local roofer who can help you choose lightweight gutter guards for your home.
Winter Weather
Gutter guards are made to keep debris out, but snow can get through them and freeze into ice in your gutters. This can put your home at risk of having ice dams. Having gutter guards installed in a way that keeps snow and ice from building up inside your gutters helps prevent ice dams from occurring. This is why it’s important to find an experienced roofing contractor for gutter guard installation.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
Now that you know the potential drawbacks, it’s time to focus on the advantages of gutter guards. These guard systems offer some notable benefits for homeowners in the Greater Boston area, including the following.
Cost and Time Savings
One of the biggest advantages of gutter guards is having peace of mind that your gutters are free of debris. You won’t have to worry about finding a way to clean them on your own or having professional gutter cleanings done at least twice a year when you have gutter guards installed. This helps you save both time and money over the years.
Blockage Prevention
The main purpose of gutter guards is to stop debris from filling up your gutters and creating a blockage. When debris stops water in your gutters from flowing through, water can spill over the sides. This puts your home’s foundation at risk of water damage and can lead to unsightly stains on your home exterior. Gutter guards help ensure that water has a clear path through your gutter system.
Corrosion Prevention
Having leaves and other debris in your gutters can lead to corrosion or rust, which can shorten their lifespan. With gutter guards in place, this kind of debris stays out of your gutters, lowering the risk of rust and corrosion. This helps ensure that your gutters are able to reach their expected lifespan, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them early.
Pest and Wildlife Protection
Blockages aren’t the only problem to worry about with your gutters. Mice and other pests, as well as squirrels and other wildlife, can get into them and build nests or cause damage. Your gutters can also make it easier for them to get into your attic. Gutter guards stop pests from being able to get into your gutters and stir up trouble.
When to Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are worth the extra cost when you want protection from water damage, pests and wildlife, and other problems that can affect your gutters. Having a guard system installed might cost more, but you’ll save on gutter cleaning costs, repairs, and other expenses over the years.
If you’re having new gutters installed, this is also a great time to have a guard system put in place. Gutter guards can help protect your new gutters from wear and tear, as well as rust and corrosion.
If you’re looking for more information on gutter guards for your Norwood home, please contact O’LYN Roofing. Our experienced team would be happy to give you a quote for gutter guards with your gutter installation or as an add-on for your roof repairs.