Gutter Guards: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
A storm has come through the Upstate and now your gutters are clogged with storm debris. It’s frustrating because you don’t have the time to clean them yourself and you know it’ll only get worse if you don’t make the time. You also know that seasonal wind and rain will only make it worse. Should you have gotten the gutter guards when your gutters were originally installed? Are gutter guards worth it? At this moment, with your clogged gutters, it probably seems like it
What Gutter Guards Actually Do
Gutter guards prevent debris build up – and ultimately damage – inside the gutters. A clogged gutter doesn’t allow for water to flow freely, causing long-term issues like water damage to your property. While installing gutter guards isn’t going to make the system completely maintenance-free, it will help the gutters perform more efficiently.
There are a few different types of gutter guards: perforated metal, solid covers, and wire mesh. Perforated metal gutter guards allow water to flow through the small holes and slots while leaves and twigs stay on top. If you have lots of trees around your home or experience high winds often with debris falling on your house, this type of gutter guard would be ideal.
Solid cover guards completely rely on the natural tendency of water to follow the curve of the cover into the gutter while forcing debris to slide off completely. This type of gutter guard is better for homes without a lot of trees or debris that could land on your home.
Wire mesh guards let in smaller debris but still prevent large pieces of debris from entering the gutters. Due to the higher pollen count and pine trees in the upstate and surrounding areas, this gutter guard could require more maintenance.
All gutter systems require maintenance, but installing gutter guards can help minimize necessary maintenance while keeping the gutter system effective.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
When you consider your home investment, gutter guards are worth it because they can help prolong the life of your gutter system. With gutter guards, your gutters will continue to work if debris is present. They allow water to continue to flow even when debris builds up. Ultimately, this protects your home’s foundation, crawl space, basement, and fascia. Gutter guards also prolong the life of your gutters, keeping them function properly longer.
While gutter maintenance is still necessary, it won’t be as often. There are fewer trips up the ladder to fix a clogged gutter. And the risk of foundation issues and water damage throughout all the seasons we experience in the Upstate is lower.
The Drawbacks of Gutter Guards And When to Skip Them
While gutter guards are typically worth the investment, there are a few things to consider. Not all gutter guards are created equally. Some are still prone to clogging, especially with smaller debris. Mesh gutter guards could get impacted by large debris like limbs or sticks, which would decrease their effectiveness. If you don’t have regular maintenance on your gutter system, build-up will happen and water will not flow correctly. Regardless of the type of gutter guards you have, they all require maintenance.
Gutter guards may not be necessary on a home with a lower-pitched roof or with minimal tree coverage. It is always recommended to get expert advice and direction when considering an update to your gutter system. Reaching out to a company like HMC Gutters will provide you with a full inspection and expert advice on how to best protect your home.
For Local Oconee County and Seneca Homeowners
If your area has a heavier tree canopy, you probably have more debris build up. Trees like oak and pine put off more debris and the continuous buildup can impact the effectiveness of your gutters even if you have gutter guards. So, do you need gutter guards? The best recommendation, especially if you live in a densely wooded area, is to have gutter guards on your gutters. Rainfall patterns and storm intensities vary during different seasons in the Upstate, so making sure your gutters are working properly is essential.
It can be hard to determine what is necessary and essential for your home. The professionals at HMC Gutters can provide guidance and a recommendation on the best gutter system for your home.
Do You Need Gutter Guards? A Quick Assessment
The quick answer on if you need gutter guards is yes if you have any of the following: Do you have lots of overhanging trees? Do you have a history of clogged gutters or overflow? Do you have difficulty with using a ladder? Are you planning to stay in your home long-term? If you said yes to any of these, you should consider making an appointment for a consultation on installing gutter guards.
Overhanging trees will cause excess debris collecting on your roof and gutters. If you already have a history of clogging gutters or overflow issues, you definitely should consider adding guards. Typically, you need a ladder to access your gutters, so if you have a hard time getting access to one or don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, you should consider gutter guards to prolong maintenance checks.
Do You or Don’t You Need Gutter Guards?
While gutter guards aren’t universally necessary, depending on your area, it could be a wise investment. If you’re in the Upstate of South Carolina or surrounding North Carolina and Georgia areas, you likely experience various weather events year round. Hurricanes, strong winds, heavy rain, and potential ice are all weather events that can cause damage to your gutter system.
The best way to know if you’re in need of gutter guards is to ask the experts at HMC Gutters for an assessment. Find out if gutter guards are worth it for your home and schedule a consultation with HMC Gutters today.