Are Gutter Guards Worth The Investment?

Gutter Guards: Help or Headache?

Here at Clear Cut, we're known for our window cleaning expertise, but we also clean rain gutters. Keeping your gutters in good working order is essential for prevention of major issues. Today we are taking a closer look at gutter guards on your home.

Why Have Rain Gutters?

As you may already know, rain gutters protect your home from damage by catching the water that runs down the roof. The water then goes through the downspout and out on the ground away from the house. This process protects the topsoil around the home as well as your foundation.Without gutters, the rain will fall off the roof around the house, eroding the protective top soil and in some instances – for example a heavy downpour or extended rains – cause problems with the foundation and basement.

The Case for Gutter Guards

The main purpose of gutter guards is to prevent gutters from getting clogged with leaves and other debris. You can have guards installed with the gutters already on your home. There are several types to choose from:

• Mesh – This type is similar to a window screen. It’s attached to the shingles and covers the gutter, keeping out leaves, twigs and large debris.
• Nylon – This protection fits in the gutter but forms a barrier so leaves cannot get caught in it. It is also helpful in preventing ice dams.
• Foam – Made from plastic, these devices fit into the gutters and block debris that could collect there.
• Bottle Brush – They look like a bottle brush with bristles and they fit into the gutters. The bristles prevent leaves and other debris from settling into the gutters, while allowing the water through.
• Reverse Curve – Leaves fall to the ground while the rain water follows the curve into the gutter.

In addition to keeping gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and small branches, gutter guards also help keep birds and rodents from nesting in the gutters. Your gutters will also last longer, with the added protection. If you collect rainwater, gutter guards can make the process move along more efficiently, due to better water flow.

The Headaches

While gutter guards do a lot of good, there are some things you’ll want to consider before making the purchase. Be sure to do your homework. Don’t rush into buying them and don’t be bullied into a particular type by a high-pressure sales spiel. Gutter guards can be expensive, so you want to make sure what you pay is going to be worth the money. You may even want to compare the cost of hiring a professional gutter cleaner to the cost of having gutter guards installed. In some cases, you may be better off just having your gutters cleaned professionally. Keep in mind the guards will need occasional cleaning as well.Don’t lean a ladder against your gutters if you are planning on putting up Christmas lights or doing some work on the roof or gutters. You could easily dent the gutter guards, and this will have an impact on their effectiveness.Also, gutter guards keep out the big stuff, but seeds can still get through, and you could end up with gutter trees!

The Easy Solution

From time to time, your gutters will need to be addressed, with or without gutter guards. Both gutters and the guards will need cleaning. If you have lots of trees around your house, the right kind of gutter guard may be a good idea, particularly if you’ve had a lot of gutter blockage in the past. Since guards and gutters will need maintenance, why not save yourself time and trouble and call on the professionals to take care of it for you? Clear Cut Window Cleaning offers gutter cleaning services to residents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.Calling on us is like calling on an old friend you trust and depend on. We will have your gutters cleaned out and running smoothly. If there are any issues, we’ll be sure to let you know. Use your time doing something that brings joy to your life. Let us handle your gutters and your windows. You’ll be glad you did!