Gutter systems are vital in protecting homes from water damage by channeling rainwater away from your home. However, this area can often pose a problem to homeowners as it can get easily clogged with debris. Gutters require cleaning twice a year at the minimum. Since gutters are high and hard to reach areas, you will need ladders and other equipment or hire a gutter professional to properly clean them.
Either way, it will take time and money. Many homeowners resorted to installing gutter guards to solve this issue. Gutter guards are rolls of unique material fitted into your existing gutters to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. This will avoid the blockage from the gutter, downpipes, and even the storm water drain.
There are several great benefits a home can enjoy from gutter guards. Here are some that you need to know.
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Easy and Less Frequent Maintenance
Gutters are often exposed to debris and substances like branches, pine needles, soil, and shingle granules. There is also the occasional nest or animal carcass. When these accumulate in the gutters and downspouts, it can make it difficult for water to flow smoothly.
As such, while it’s inevitable for some debris to accumulate, cleaning gutter guards is far less of a hassle than cleaning bare gutters. This reduces the number of gutter cleanings significantly, leading to less time and money spent cleaning them. It also lessens the need for storm damage roof repair.
Less gutter cleaning also reduces the safety risk of gutter cleaning. When you are cleaning your gutter, it’s possible to get hurt from working atop a ladder or getting an electric shock from exposed electrical wiring. The cleaning process can also damage your walls, roof, or the same gutter that you are trying to clean.
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Prevent Rust and Corrosion
Debris can absorb a lot of water, which can cause premature rusting on your gutters after sitting on it for a prolonged period. Additionally, mold will also start to grow on your roof once the wet debris overflows onto your roofline. Either way, the outcome wouldn’t be pleasant. This is where gutter guards would be useful.
Since gutter guards act as a barrier, it can prevent wet debris from coming into contact with your gutter. This will lessen the risk of prematurely rusting and corroding, making your gutters last longer.
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Improve Water Flow
A proper functioning gutter will carry that water through a downspout and away from your home. But a clogged gutter does the opposite—allowing water to spill over the sides and pour down your walls. This can affect your foundation and yard’s health as pooling water can cause erosion if it’s not redirected correctly.
Installing gutter guards can improve water flow through the gutters and downpipes as they prevent them from clogging. Rainwater can flow easier and faster without clogs in the way.
This will be especially beneficial for you if you have a rainwater tank. The guards will help your tank refill more quickly. It will also have fewer particulates and contaminants.
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Avoid Ice Dam Formation and Gutter Freezing
If water gets trapped in your gutters during this season, it will most likely freeze. This can result in ice dams and blockage, which can significantly damage your home. Ice dams are incredibly destructive as they can lead to water damage in your roof and other components of your home.
Ice dams are destructive. They often lead to water damage in your roof and in other components of your home. Your gutters and roofing system would also have a shorter lifespan.
While gutter guards cannot stop ice from forming, they ensure that water flows away from your home to prevent ice dam formation and further water damage.
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Prevent Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters would often lead to stagnant water, which usually attracts various pests and insects such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, mice, and spiders. This will lead to your gutters becoming a breeding ground for these critters. Gutters would be less attractive and less likely to be used as a breeding ground if there is no standing water available.
Gutter guards also serve as a barrier to larger creatures such as rodents, birds, and possums that can crawl into your roof space. These types of animals use gutters as nesting areas or highways to get into your roof. Their droppings also contribute to clogs. The guards prevent animals from squeezing in by blocking the entrance.
Fahey Roofing Contractors is the trusty roofing contractor that will help with necessary roof repairs and replacement. As roof contractors, we understand the importance of well-designed gutters and want you to enjoy the benefits of high-quality gutters. Check out our residential and commercial roofing services on our website or contact us at (304) 826-1333 to learn more.