What Are Gutter Guards and Are They a Good Idea?
A gutter cover can often have several names within the marketplace, which can create confusion about the types of gutter guards available and whether they’re a good choice for your home. This is true for first-time homebuyers and those who’ve never had to consider purchasing new gutter hoods.
Making the choice to have gutter covers installed on your home is especially important because the wrong gutter filter can cause wet basements. Here’s what you need to know about making an informed decision about a rain gutter for your home.
What Is the Purpose of Gutter Cover Protection?
The main purpose of a rain gutter is to filter water away from your home’s foundation. This ensures that your basement stays dry, and your landscaping is not washed away. A gutter cover is often used to prevent debris from building up and keep gutter systems clog-free.
You may have heard words used interchangeably for this type of product, and while there’s not much of a difference between them, here’s a quick rundown of some common terms:
- Gutter covers
- Gutter guards
- Gutter screens
- Gutter helmets
What Do Gutter Guards Look Like?
These gutter parts work to discourage anything except water from entering the trough. A gutter filter is often located either on top of or inside a gutter system. These gutter protection systems can take many forms such as:
- PVC guards
- Mesh screen protection
- Foam inserts in gutters
- Metal surface tension hoods
Some Rain Gutter Hoods Can Void Your Roof’s Warranty
Many homeowners may not be aware of the fact that it’s possible that some types of gutter hoods can actually void your roof’s warranty. If the gutter protection interferes with your roof ventilation, the movement of airflow throughout your roof vents can be compromised, causing moisture build-up to occur. Over time, this can lead to rot and mold.
To install gutter hoods, shingles must be lifted up while the system is screwed into the roof. This process creates openings in the roof that allow the opportunity for water penetration. Not only can this cause a roof leak, it can also void the roofing warranty completely.
What New Homeowners Should Understand About Gutter Screens & Filters
New homeowners who are used to apartment life have probably not given much thought to gutter filters. This often changes after heavy rains make them wish their home had clog-free gutters. There are a few things to consider when questioning if gutter guards are worth the cost.
One downside to gutter screens and add-on hoods is that it’s easy for them to fill with leaves and twigs. When this buildup happens gutter systems can clog, which leads to an array of problems, including:
- Wet basements
- Cracked foundations
- Roof leaks
- Sagging
- Washed out landscaping
- A system that pulls away from the home
A Final Word About Gutter Protection
At first glance, gutter hoods can seem like a good way to protect your home from water damage. When comparing LeafGuard® vs. gutter guards, add-on hoods and covers often fall short. That’s because LeafGuard® Brand Gutters have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval. In addition, they’re guaranteed to handle over 32 inches of rain in an hour. The system is the most durable seamless gutter system on the market.
For more information about our gutter replacement services, contact us today. Our team of professionals is ready to serve you.
