How Do Gutter Guards Work?

Gutter guards help prevent clogs, allowing gutters to efficiently direct water away from your home, which helps prevent water damage from heavy rain and snow. They’re a valuable investment, protecting your home from long-term weather damage. Read on to learn how gutter guards work and how to maintain them.

How Do Gutter Guards Work?

Gutter systems protect your home from water damage by diverting rainwater away from the house. However, over time, they can become clogged by things like leaves, twigs, and even bird nests that may accumulate inside of them. In order to prevent this clogging, you can protect your gutters and downspouts by using gutter guards, which stop different types of materials from getting inside of gutters. Installing guards ahead of hurricane season is a great way to prevent costly storm damage to your home.

Gutter guards — which can be made from materials such as mesh, foam, and vinyl — are typically installed on top of gutters. Common types, like screens, are installed by inserting them underneath the bottommost row of roofing shingles. They then allow water to freely flow through the gutters while blocking debris from getting inside. When deciding which type of gutter guard to install, you should think about the type, size, and look of the product that is the best choice for your home.

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

There are several benefits that homeowners enjoy when they install guards to their gutters, such as:

Preventing Damage Caused by Debris and Ice

When gutters get clogged with ice, it can cause a pool of water to form around your house or flow into your home. Depending on the area of the home that is impacted, repairing water damage caused by gutter problems can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 or more to fix.

Gutter guards prevent clogs from ice, leaves, and sticks, keeping gutters clear. Given their low cost, they’re a worthwhile investment that extends gutter lifespan. If your gutters are damaged, consider budgeting for replacements.

Protecting Gutters From Pests

Uncovered gutters can attract pests like rodents and birds, which may build nests inside them. Gutter guards keep critters out and stop insects from breeding in stagnant water.

Reducing Fire Risks

In bushfire-prone areas, gutter guards protect against fire embers carried by strong winds. Guards prevent embers from igniting dry debris that could otherwise accumulate in the gutters.

Reducing Maintenance

Thanks to all of the protection that gutter guards provide from pests and debris, as well as rot and rust, gutters do not need to be cleaned and maintained as often. This makes guards a good investment that will save you lots of time and money in the long run.

How to Care for Gutter Guards

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

The cost of gutter guards depends on the type you purchase and how much material you need for your home. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $2,000 for gutter guards if you install them yourself. If you choose to have them professionally installed, you may pay around $300 to $2,000, depending on how challenging the installation process is.

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Find an Experienced Gutter Contractor

If you want to have gutter guards added to your home, be sure to consult with an experienced contractor to find the best options for your home and your budget.

The pros at Modernize can connect you with trusted, local contractors who will help you choose the best gutter guards and complete the installation. Also, be sure to consult our contractor checklist, which will help you evaluate contractors and make the most informed decision.

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