Have you spent too many hours teetering on a ladder to shovel leaves and debris out of your gutters? Are you sick of dealing with leaky or broken gutters? Would you rather never have to think about your gutters at all, ever again?
There’s a simple solution you need to consider. That solution, of course, is gutter guards.
What are gutter guards?
Gutter guards are placed on top of your gutters, allowing rain to pass through but blocking things live leaves, twigs, and other debris from lodging inside your gutters.
There are various types of gutter guards to choose from, including brushes, foam, and screens. Screens are typically the preferred choice as they’re lightweight, simple to install, and highly effective.
Gutter guards also come in a variety of color options and fit with any type of gutter material or style, including:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Vinyl
- K-style gutters
- Fascia gutters
- Half round gutters
Read our blog post about the pros and cons of different gutter styles and materials to learn more.
Why are gutter guards so important?
Left on their own, your gutters can easily become clogged with debris and be unable to move rainwater safely away from your home.
Eventually, your gutters will become so heavy with debris and water that they’ll sag and pull away from your roof, increasing your home’s risk of damage.
In fact, the implications of a poor gutter system on the health of your home are serious. A poor gutter system can lead to problems including:
- Foundation and structural damage
- Wood and home exterior damage
- Home flooding
- Rot, mold, and rust
Gutter guards prevent all this from happening.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of gutter guards and why so many homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest choose to install them.
Did You Know:
The risk of water damaging your home is especially high in the PNW. Ensuring your gutters are working properly is essential to keeping your home safe.
Top reasons to install gutter guards
1. Extend the life of your gutters and save money!
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit, but worth mentioning nonetheless. When you protect your gutter system from debris, you also protect it from serious damage and the need to frequently replace your entire system.
Left to their own demise, an unmaintained gutter system may need to be repaired or even replaced after 5 years. But with a protection system, your gutters can remain in excellent condition for 20-50 years!
If you want to lengthen the life of your gutters, gutter guards are the answer.
Gutter guards will help keep your entire gutter system in excellent condition. That means, no rust or leaks, no sagging, no breaks, and no premature gutter repairs or replacements. This is definitely a home maintenance approach well worth the investment.
2. Protect against pests and nesting
Gutters offer a safe and cozy environment for small pests and creatures to hang out and make their nest. Common pests that cause issues for gutters include:
- Bees
- Ants
- Termites
- Birds
- Squirrels
- Opossums
- Raccoons
If you’ve ever dealt with any type of pest in your gutter or home, then you know how much of a headache it can be taking care of the issue. It’s more than just a hassle though. Pests setting up shop in your gutter can cause expensive and lasting problems for the rest of your home, including:
- Mold, mildew, and rot
- Infestations inside your house, walls, and attic
- Disease spreading
- Roof damage
3. Low-maintenance (keeping you off those ladders!)
Cleaning or fixing gutters is risky and dangerous. In fact, it’s the cause of hundreds falls every year!
Gutter guards are virtually maintenance-free, so you’ll spend less time balancing on ladders and putting your safety at risk. We recommend spraying some water up along your gutters about once a year – and that’s it!
Yes, gutter guards protect your gutters, but more importantly, they protect you.
4. Decrease the risk of gutter fires
Did you know gutters are one of the top sources of home fires?
Without protection system in place, the leaves and other debris sitting in your gutter will dry out and become the perfect kindling.
During the summer months especially, hot and sunny conditions combined with a bit of wind and some cigarette or bonfire ember can set your gutter and home ablaze in no time. Keep your gutters clear of debris and protect your home and family.
5. Increase the value of your home
If you’ll be putting your house on the market at some point in the future, gutter guards are a simple way to add value to your property.
A gutter system is an investment, so a durable and effective solution will be big benefit to future homebuyers. Additionally, well-maintained gutter systems look great and will help the curb appeal of your home.
Are gutter guards right for your home? Get a free inspection
Here at Rainbusters Exteriors, we specialize in installing the highest-quality gutter protection systems available in the Pacific Northwest.
Our Guardian Gutter Guard systems are designed to require minimal maintenance, can stand up to the harsh weather in our area, and best of all are backed by a lifetime warranty!
If you don’t want to think about taking care of your gutters, gutter guards are the answer you’ve been looking for.