Are Gutter Protection Systems Worth It?

As components of a roof’s overall structure, gutters serve a practical purpose in protecting the foundations of a home by redirecting water and rain flow through channels away from the exterior walls and the foundations. They have to be cleaned and de-clogged regularly, but the task can be tedious, especially during the fall and late winter just before the rain comes.

Gutter guards help minimize the task of frequent cleaning by preventing leaves and debris from falling into the channels. These gutter protection devices come in rolls of special material, usually of soft mesh or mesh material made from cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic. They can be fitted into the existing gutter or installed as a complete system. Here are a few advantages of installing them.

Gutter guards prevent leaves and other debris from clogging up the trough, saving homeowners precious time and the trouble of clearing up clogged ducts repeatedly. It saves them money, as well, for having to pay someone to repair damages. Good covers could buy you time as these protected gutters may be cleaned once every year or, with better systems, much longer.

Gutter guards help in preventing premature rusting by keeping debris full of moisture from accumulating inside the trough, effectively extending the lifespan of a gutter system, and allowing them to be in place longer than they were originally intended.

Gutter guards also help stop insects and other pests, such as mosquitoes, mice, cockroaches, and spiders, from breeding inside the gutters. If water does not pool inside, there is no breeding ground for mosquitoes. Gutter guards also serve as physical barriers to keep rodents, birds, and other small animals from finding their way into the roof’s space.