Every homeowner knows very well that the security and comfort that their own four walls provide is something very pleasant. After all, the home is where we spend the most time in our lives, so it is very important that it is a space where we feel the best in the world. As such, it is natural for us to keep its interior tidy. However, in order for a house to fulfil all its most important functions, it also needs to be properly protected from the outside, which is why we should not forget how important its facade is, as well as its roof.
In today’s article, we are going to take a look at one particular part of the roof that provides us with protection against external factors such as various weather conditions. We are, of course, talking about the gutters, an indispensable element that is responsible for the effective drainage of water from the roof surface of our house.
As we all know, in order for them to fulfil all their functions, it is necessary to regularly take care of them and pay attention to their condition. In this connection, we will take a look at a relatively unpopular solution that can help us with this. Namely, gutter guards, which are nets that protect the gutters from various debris that can clog them. So let’s find out exactly what gutter guards are and why they are worth using in your home.
What are gutter guards?
As we have already mentioned, gutter guards are a relatively unpopular solution, but one that has recently been increasingly recommended by many experts, such as those at A.B. Edward, who stress that it is a great component that improves the functioning of gutters brilliantly. So let’s find out exactly what gutter guards are and why you should opt for their installation.
Namely, this solution is made of mesh guards fitted to gutters, the purpose of which is to provide protection against various debris, such as leaves or needles falling from trees, which can block gutters causing them to not drain effectively. This is a modern, yet simple, solution that can really improve the performance of our gutters and, in addition, can make gutter maintenance much easier, as they mean that we don’t have to worry about whether they are unobstructed.
Types of gutter guards
Now that we have found out exactly what gutter guards are and their most important function, it is time to take a look at what types of this solition are available on the market. Namely, there are many types of gutter guards available, all of which perform the same function, but which are made of different materials, may be more effective or durable, and may be priced differently. So let’s find out what the most popular types of gutter guards are.
Mesh gutter guards
The most common type, which is by far the most popular solution, is a gutter guard made of metal or plastic mesh with small holes that allow water to flow freely, while stopping all waste such as leaves or needles from getting into the gutter and consequently blocking it. It is definitely a cost-effective solution that is easy to install and maintain, so by choosing it we save both our time and money. Furthermore, this type of gutter guards, for its really good price, is relatively durable and resistant even to severe weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection for the gutters.
Bottle brush gutter guards
The second type which is commonly available on the market is a gutter protection made of bristles or brush that is placed inside the gutter. Obviously, its function is the same, they prevent debris from entering the gutter while guaranteeing an adequate and smooth flow of water. This solution, although easy to install, does however require more maintenance than the mesh gutter guards mentioned earlier.
Foam gutter guards
The next type is the porous foam gutter protection, which, thanks to its rough structure, allows water to drain freely while blocking unwanted debris. However, this type, like the previously mentioned bottle brush gutter guards, requires regular maintenance, as the foam from which it is made can unfortunately become clogged by smaller debris, which should be removed regularly.
Reverse curve (Surface tension) gutter guards
This type of gutter guards is distinguished from other types because it is made of a two-part metal sheet, which is curved on top in a characteristic way. This shape ensures that water drains freely into the gutter, however, it also effectively helps to get rid of any unwanted debris that could block the gutter – it simply slides off the surface of the gutter falling not inside, but outside. This solution is really effective, which is why its price is higher compared to the previously presented solutions, besides that this type usually requires professional help for installation.
Nylon gutter guards
The last type is protection made of a really durable material, which is nylon mesh. Its structure is identical to that of the previously described mesh gutter guards, however, its properties are much better – nylon is a really durable material that can provide effective protection for gutters even against heavy debris for years to come. However, it is worth noting that due to its outstanding properties, it is the most expensive of the solutions we have presented.
Are gutter guards a profitable solution?
Now that we have covered all the most popular types of gutter guards available on the market, we know more or less what this solution is, so we can answer the question “Are gutter guards a worthwhile investment?”.
To answer this question, we need to consider what the average cost of installing this type of gutter protection is. Namely, this solution is relatively inexpensive, especially if we consider the numerous benefits it provides. The cost of installing gutter guards on an average house, including the price of the type of protection we choose, ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
As the company which offers gutter guards installation, it is worth noting that the price of all the work involved in the installation of the solution we have described depends on the type of gutter protection we choose, however, the differences are not exceptionally large. Therefore, we can say with a clear conscience that, taking into account the high effectiveness of this solution and the benefits it brings, gutter guards are very cost-effective indeed.
Summary
In conclusion, gutter guards are a relatively unpopular solution that is, however, being chosen by more and more homeowners every year. This fact is not surprising, after all, this solution, as we have outlined, has many benefits and, above all, provides permanent protection of our gutters from unwanted debris.
On top of this, it is also worth noting that gutter guards, the vast majority of them, are available at really affordable prices and are also usually easy to install and do not require complicated maintenance. Therefore, we strongly recommend this solution, as with a really small cost and effort, it can bring a lot of great benefits.
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