Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Get the Best Use of Your Gutters Year Round

You may have heard negative reviews about gutter guards.  Some people think that gutter guards make gutters harder to clean.  They do not prevent the accumulation of small debris, so people need to hire professional cleaners.  This is the downside to gutter guards.

If you decide to install gutter guards, you will still need to clean your gutters again.  Gutter guards block large debris like leaves, sticks, and pesky animals. However, they cannot always block smaller debris like dirt and pine needles.  Before installing gutter guards, consider your surroundings.  For example, if you have many pine trees around your house, you will need to clean your gutters every year – even if you have gutter guards installed.

Gutter guards ensure that you get the best use of your gutters throughout the year. Gutter guards reduce build-up in-between cleanings and increase water outflow. They keep standing water out of your gutters and prevent the accumulation of mold, spiders and other pesky visitors.

How Do Gutter Guards Work?

Gutter guards form a physical barrier against fascia boards, making it difficult for rodents to make their way into your roof.  They will also keep mice, birds, and other small animals from crawling around in your gutters.  During the winter, gutter guards can reduce the amount of ice forming along the roof of your house. Since gutter guards reduce debris and standing water, fewer icicles form during the winter.  These icicles can be dangerous when falling or cause water damage as they melt. Furthermore, if you live in an area with a lot of wildfires, consider gutter guards because they can keep dry material out of your gutter.

Benefits of Gutter Guards for Your Home Exterior

Gutter guards have a variety of advantages:

  • They assist your gutters in draining water away from your home to prevent water pooling or flooded walkways.

  • They protect your home from foundation damage.

  • They prevent frequent gutter clogging caused by leaves or debris getting stuck in your gutters.

  • They block the potentially damaging accumulation of snow and ice in your gutters.

  • They combat pest infestation, saving you hassles and money.

  • They protect your home from unwanted wood rot around your home’s perimeter.

  • They help protect your roof, soffit, and fascia from being damaged.

  • Installing Gutter Guards Minimizes Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are not good for your house.  They also aren’t good for your health.  That’s one reason that installing gutter guards can be a real win-win.  To break it down, the most common materials to clog gutters are leaves, dirt and other types of natural debris.  These materials can also harbor mold spores, which can flourish inside clogged gutters.

Clogged gutters don’t only cause mold and mildew to develop outside the home, either.  When there is a clog that causes water to spill over onto the roof or side of the house, the housing materials are susceptible to rot.

 Gutter Guards Help With Pest Control

In addition to preventing clogged gutters, gutter guards also help with deterring or blocking pests from setting up their homes in your gutter system.  By creating a barrier between rodents, birds and even snakes and the roomy gutter below, gutter guards are a vital first line of defense against a bigger pest problem.  Without this barrier, pests living in the gutter can potentially damage the home.  Clogged gutters can also offer a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.

How Can I Properly Maintain My Gutter Guards?

After installing gutter guards, periodically check for debris build-up.  With gutter guards, your cleaning might be as simple as brushing leaves and sticks off the cover.  Sometimes you can run water through the gutters without taking the guards off.  When more intense cleaning is necessary, you need to remove the guards from your gutter.  Release the fastening clips and set the guards onto the roof as you clean.  While this might sound trickier than cleaning an uncovered gutter, gutter guards will significantly reduce your need to clean.

Gutter Guards Save you Money in the Long Run

You will save money on home repairs by installing gutter guards.  Without a gutter guard, you will need to spend money on gutter cleaning or water damage.  It will simplify your home maintenance to let the gutter guards do the work for you by keeping debris out of your gutters.