Gutter Guards and Screens: What You Should Know?
Gutter guards and screens are frequently requested by homeowners. They sell foam gutter fillers, wire screens, covers, and other "devices" that they claim eliminate the need for gutter cleaning. It is understandable for homeowners to want to reduce or even eliminate gutter cleaning, whether for themselves or as a service they must hire. Gutter guards and screens, on the other hand, are not the way to go, and we've put together this quick guide to explain what these devices are and why you should avoid them. The most frequently asked question is:
Gutter Guards and Screens: Do They Work? Gutter guards and gutter screens, according to experts from a variety of industries, do not provide protection from debris such as leaves and dirt that cause gutter clogs. At best, they conclude that gutter guards and screens may reduce the number of times you must have your gutters cleaned throughout the year. In general, it is believed that these devices are more likely to cause problems than to solve them.
The reasons for this are straightforward: gutter guards or screens trap debris rather than allowing it to be carried away by water or wind as it would normally. Debris, such as leaves piled on the top of gutters with a guard or screen installed, prevents water from flowing into the gutter and being safely carried away as the system was intended. Water either overflows or collects behind the leaves, causing roof damage and leaks.
Mesh guards or screens appear to trap more debris than foam or bristle guards or guards that cover the gutters. Even the smallest debris, such as dust, clogs the mesh. Foam filler-type screens frequently fill with dust, which turns into mud when it rains, clogging the foam pores and preventing them from functioning. And bristles only cause leaves and branches to become entangled, causing rainwater to overflow onto the ground below.
How much do gutter guards or screens cost? If gutter guards or screens do not produce the desired results, the cost is unimportant. If you want to reduce the frequency with which gutters need to be cleaned (which is all you can hope for), then price is critical. Screens and installation in the average home can cost between $550 and $1,500, depending on the size and type of screen installed. Guards that fit over the top of the gutters (typically made of metal or high-density plastic) can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. For the same price, you can have your gutters professionally cleaned twice a year for the next five years or more.
Is it necessary to remove gutter guards or screens in the winter? There is no reason to remove the guards or screens in the winter if they are properly installed and the gutters themselves are clean. If they are not cleared of debris before winter weather hits, they can cause ice dams which can damage your roof, fascia, and the gutters themselves. Ice dams can cause gutters to separate from their hangers and fall off, causing damage or injury.
We are also asked if gutter guards or screens add value to a home. Gutters that are clean and well-maintained increase the value of a home. Guards or screens have no bearing on this. Even with them, if the homeowner does not take the necessary steps to have their gutters cleaned and maintained, the guards will be ineffective. Nothing makes a house look worse than clogged, rusted, leaking gutters filled with debris and half falling off, and this can happen with or without guards or screens installed.
Can gutter guards sustain damage? Branches, snow, ice, and animals can cause damage to gutter guards and screens. When they are damaged, gutters clog almost immediately because they create an obstruction that prevents water from flowing through them. When they are damaged, they must be replaced or repaired as soon as possible before larger and more expensive problems arise.
Look no further than Call Us when you are ready to take your gutter cleaning and maintenance to the next level. Our quick and friendly professional service guarantees that your gutters will be clean and functional, protecting your home and family from water leaks, damage, pests, mold, mildew, and other issues. Get a quote or give us a call today to save time and avoid the risk of cleaning them yourself. Gutter Cleaner provides excellent gutter cleaning services.
Gutter Guards and Screens: Do They Work? Gutter guards and gutter screens, according to experts from a variety of industries, do not provide protection from debris such as leaves and dirt that cause gutter clogs. At best, they conclude that gutter guards and screens may reduce the number of times you must have your gutters cleaned throughout the year. In general, it is believed that these devices are more likely to cause problems than to solve them.
The reasons for this are straightforward: gutter guards or screens trap debris rather than allowing it to be carried away by water or wind as it would normally. Debris, such as leaves piled on the top of gutters with a guard or screen installed, prevents water from flowing into the gutter and being safely carried away as the system was intended. Water either overflows or collects behind the leaves, causing roof damage and leaks.
Mesh guards or screens appear to trap more debris than foam or bristle guards or guards that cover the gutters. Even the smallest debris, such as dust, clogs the mesh. Foam filler-type screens frequently fill with dust, which turns into mud when it rains, clogging the foam pores and preventing them from functioning. And bristles only cause leaves and branches to become entangled, causing rainwater to overflow onto the ground below.
How much do gutter guards or screens cost? If gutter guards or screens do not produce the desired results, the cost is unimportant. If you want to reduce the frequency with which gutters need to be cleaned (which is all you can hope for), then price is critical. Screens and installation in the average home can cost between $550 and $1,500, depending on the size and type of screen installed. Guards that fit over the top of the gutters (typically made of metal or high-density plastic) can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. For the same price, you can have your gutters professionally cleaned twice a year for the next five years or more.
Is it necessary to remove gutter guards or screens in the winter? There is no reason to remove the guards or screens in the winter if they are properly installed and the gutters themselves are clean. If they are not cleared of debris before winter weather hits, they can cause ice dams which can damage your roof, fascia, and the gutters themselves. Ice dams can cause gutters to separate from their hangers and fall off, causing damage or injury.
We are also asked if gutter guards or screens add value to a home. Gutters that are clean and well-maintained increase the value of a home. Guards or screens have no bearing on this. Even with them, if the homeowner does not take the necessary steps to have their gutters cleaned and maintained, the guards will be ineffective. Nothing makes a house look worse than clogged, rusted, leaking gutters filled with debris and half falling off, and this can happen with or without guards or screens installed.
Can gutter guards sustain damage? Branches, snow, ice, and animals can cause damage to gutter guards and screens. When they are damaged, gutters clog almost immediately because they create an obstruction that prevents water from flowing through them. When they are damaged, they must be replaced or repaired as soon as possible before larger and more expensive problems arise.
Look no further than Call Us when you are ready to take your gutter cleaning and maintenance to the next level. Our quick and friendly professional service guarantees that your gutters will be clean and functional, protecting your home and family from water leaks, damage, pests, mold, mildew, and other issues. Get a quote or give us a call today to save time and avoid the risk of cleaning them yourself. Gutter Cleaner provides excellent gutter cleaning services.