Gutters are essential in keeping different parts of your home safe from water damage. When installed and maintained properly, they will divert rainwater to a safe distance away from your house. One of the easiest ways to take care of them is to install a gutter protection system.
Today, we talk about the reasons why it is worth investing in gutter protection.
What Is a Gutter Protection System?
Gutter guards or gutter protection prevents debris, such as leaves and twigs, from getting into your gutter. They come in various types like screen, reverse curve, micro-mesh, brush and foam. This component is also available in different materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, foam and copper.
You can ask assistance from an exterior remodeling expert to help you determine the right size gutter protection for your home. The pro will climb up a ladder and measure the width of your gutter system. Accurate measurement is essential to ensure the gutter protection functions efficiently.
Moreover, it’s best to let the pros handle the installation of your gutter protection system. The job involves climbing a ladder, which can be dangerous if you have no experience using one. Gutter guard installation also requires the use of proper tools and the right application methods.
What Are Its Benefits?
Save Yourself Time and Money on Upkeep Costs
Gutters must stay clean and free from clogs to function well. However, not everyone has the time nor experience to climb up a ladder and clean gutters. With gutter guards, you don’t need to worry about maintenance as much. It’s because they prevent leaves, branches and other debris from entering your gutters.
Keep in mind that you will still need to have your gutters cleaned by professionals, even with gutter guards. They will only minimize the amount of debris that gets into your gutters and the times you need to clean them. Also, like other parts of your roofing and gutter system, they may need some care.
Reduce the Likelihood of Ice Dams and Gutter Freezing
Clogged gutters tend to have standing water that can freeze during winter and cause ice dams. This ice formation is among the last things you want in your home. Why? They can deteriorate shingles, tear off your gutters and cause water to back up to your roof. Ice dams can also harm your attic’s insulation and make them susceptible to water-related issues, such as mold and mildew.
While gutter protection alone may not keep ice dams from forming, they will prevent your gutters from clogging. By minimizing debris in your gutters, you can avoid clogs and reduce the likelihood of ice dams. As a result, both your roofing and gutter system will last longer.
Increase Your Home’s Protection Against Fires
Those who live in areas prone to wildfires can benefit from investing in a gutter protection system. Embers tend to move quickly at long distances during fires. Once they touch branches, dry leaves and other debris, fire will easily spread to other areas of your property. Gutter guards can help reduce the chances of this happening by keeping debris out of your gutters. There are also some types of gutter protection that act as a barrier between debris and embers.
Keep Your Gutters Efficient and in Good Shape
Another reason home improvement experts recommend getting a gutter protection system is that it helps prolong the life of your gutters. Debris in gutters, such as leaves, usually holds moisture, which can contribute to rusting or corrosion. When not addressed immediately, this problem will speed up the deterioration of your gutter system. By minimizing debris in your gutters, gutter guards can help you avoid this issue and extend your gutter’s lifespan.
Investing in gutter guards will improve water flow in your gutters and downspouts as well since they prevent clogs. This is especially beneficial for those with a rain barrel or rainwater tank. With gutter guards, the tank will be filled faster when it rains. The water in your tank will also be cleaner and contain less debris.
Prevent Pests From Entering Your Home
Installing gutter guards can keep pests and small creatures, such as birds, mice, bats, spiders and mosquitoes, from making your gutters their home. Since gutter guards minimize standing water in your gutters, these pests are less likely to be attracted to your home. On the other hand, clogged gutters are a common breeding ground for them. If that is the case, it will not take long before they travel behind fascia boards and into your home. You can save yourself from this problem by investing in a quality gutter protection system.
Why an Efficient Gutter System Matters
All houses must have a properly installed and efficient gutter system. This component collects rainwater and directs it safely away from your house through downspouts. The reason they are so important is that they keep your home protected from rain and water-related damage. Without it, water will accumulate in your roof, which can result in mold, rot and early deterioration. Standing water can weaken various parts of your roof, including shingles, soffits and fascia boards.
With a well-functioning gutter system, water will not overflow to your siding, windows and foundation when it is raining. Excessive moisture can result in condensation, which can potentially harm window sills and interior walls. You also don’t want water to pool around your home because it can lead to various issues, such as basement flooding, erosion and poor structural integrity.
Moreover, debris can clog your gutters and keep them from functioning efficiently. Aside from the weight of debris, standing water in gutters can make them prone to sagging. They will also become more likely to get misaligned during extreme weather. You can avoid these problems by regularly maintaining your gutters and installing quality gutter protection.
For your home improvement needs, turn to AllPoint Construction. We install top-grade gutter protection systems, siding roofs, windows, doors and more! Give us a call at (734) 407-7110, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.