The benefits of gutter guards are far reaching. But not everyone agrees they’re worth the time and investment to have them installed. If you’re asking yourself, “do I need gutter guards?” or “are gutter guards really worth the cost?” then keep reading.
Today we’re outlining the benefits of gutter guards and the top reasons why so many homeowners throughout the Northwest ultimately decide gutter guards are the right choice.
No more clogs (and no more costly damage)
The whole purpose of gutter guards are to protect your gutters from becoming clogged with debris or ice and stopping the flow of rainwater. But to really understand why that’s a huge benefit, you need to consider how clogged gutters can cause serious and costly damage to your home.
Take a look at the 3 most serious types of damage clogged gutters cause on homes in the Portland area.
1. Foundation damage
Your gutters not only move water off of your roof, they also work with your downspout to divert water away from your home’s foundation. When your gutter becomes blocked and damaged, water will pour over the sides of your roof and pool around your home.
2. Home exterior damage
Clogged, backed up gutters are very heavy. This weight slowly pulls on the wood fascia they’re attached to and can cause problems for your roof. Additionally, water overflowing from your gutters can fall or flood onto your roof, window frames, and doors, eventually causing mold, rot, warping, and weakening.
3. Home leaks & fires
If clogged gutters are left untreated, water can eventually leak its way into your home through your foundation or holes in the rotted siding of your home. Gutters filled with dry debris like leaves and twigs also pose a fire hazard to your home.
Prevents insect and pest infestation
For small pests and insects, your gutters are a cozy place to make their home. In fact, here in the Pacific Northwest, homeowners are often faced with gutter infestations of critters like:
- Mice
- Bees
- Ants
- Termites
- Birds
- Squirrels
- Bats
With less stagnant water in your gutters, your home will be less attractive to insects and more difficult for critters to use your gutters as a breeding ground.
Gutter guards will also pose a physical barrier to critters who may otherwise be tempted to crawl around on your gutters, causing damage and making their way behind your fascia boards and into the roof or attic space of your home.
Taking care of a pest infestation, no matter where it is in your home, can be a huge hassle. Plus, depending on the type of critter in your gutters, you may need to call a professional, which can be expensive.
Require virtually no maintenance (less climbing up ladders!)
So traditional gutters require a little extra maintenance — what’s wrong with that?
Even if you enjoy time-consuming home maintenance activities, taking care of your gutters is risky. In fact, hundreds of homeowners fall off their roofs every year while cleaning or repairing their gutters.
Plus, properly cleaning your gutters is tricky and many people end up damaging their gutters in the process.
Gutter guards, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free. Most require you to simply spray your hose over your gutters once a year and that’s it.
Sick of dealing with leaky or broken gutters?
Gutter guards are the best way to protect your roof, gutters, and foundation from leaks, drips, and unwanted moisture.
Improve home value
It’s true that gutter guards are an additional investment on top of your gutter systems. But as you’ve learned, they’re also an investment in the health of your home. They will save you money in the long run and help keep your home in tip-top condition.
If you ever decide to sell your home, having a high-quality gutter system will be a benefit to the buyer. They will also add to your home’s curb appeal. This increases the value of your property and will help you get the best price.
Stop health hazards
Pooling and stagnant water around your home can also cause health hazards to you and your family. That’s because moisture build-up around your home is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Mold can cause a lot of health issues, such as skin irritation and breathing problems. However if you suffer from mold allergies, you may experience more severe symptoms. Investing in Gutter Guards do wonders for protecting your living space from mold and mildew growth.
Bonus: Which type of gutter guard is right for you?
At Rainbusters Exteriors, we are proud to offer our clients Guardian Gutter Guards. This brand of gutter cover is is highly effective and the #1 gutter protection system available on the market.
Take a look at the comparison chart below to see how this brand holds up to the competition.
| Guardian Gutter Guards | Leaf Relief | Gutter Glove | Leaf Guard | Leaf Filter | Foam | |
| Keeps All Small Debris Out? | Yes! | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Requires Maintenance? | Minimal! | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy Install on Any Roof? | Yes! | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Requires Roof Modifications or Gutter Adjustments? | No! | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Drips & Overflows? | None! | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multiple Colors Available? | Can Match Any Home or Trim! | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Get a free gutter guard estimate today
Rainbusters Exteriors is a family-owned and operated business with over 25 years of providing high-quality gutter systems to homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. Our gutter guards are 100% weather and pest resistance, easy to install, and come in a variety of color options to blend seamlessly with your home.
Interested in installing a gutter guard system at your home?
Still have questions? Visit our gutter guards page everything you need to know about gutter guards from Rainbusters Exteriors.