Protecting your gutter system with an effective rain gutter guard safeguards your home from water damage, while keeping rainwater flowing off the roof, into gutters and down to the ground safely. So how do you choose the right gutter protection service for you?
Today there are many choices available in rain gutter covers, but many have drawbacks and can even lead to water damage because of poor functioning. Here we take a closer look at the design and functionality of the different kinds of gutter protection available.
Drawbacks of Common Gutter Guard Styles
Some of the most common drawbacks of different gutter cover designs include:
- Flimsy design.
- Failure to maintain shape.
- Fine meshes that result in clogging.
- Require frequent cleaning to function.
- Short lifespan due to inferior materials.
Slotted: This product consists of aluminum sheet metal with slots punched in the covers. While it does not require screws for installation, it can be blown off when there are heavy winds. It is flimsy and loses shape under the weight of snow and ice. Wasps have been known to build nests on slotted screens!
Micromesh filter: Micromesh products consist of an aluminum frame that rests over the gutter. Although the micromesh filter can keep out leaves and debris, the tiny openings are easily clogged by pollen and other debris, rendering it ineffective.
One-piece gutter/gutter guard: This product consists of one piece of aluminum coil material with a reverse-curve design to direct water into the gutter. The concept behind this product is to minimize gutter maintenance, but it does require cleaning of the front edge to function properly. You will need a power washer or hose to clean out the gutter and cover.
Plastic screens: While cheap, plastic products frequently break down from UV ray exposure. They can also be chewed by squirrels and become nesting spots for birds. The screens are flimsy and bend out of shape under the weight of heavy snow or ice.
Plastic foam: These sections of open-cell plastic foam are installed inside the gutter, allowing water to flow underneath the sponge area. While inexpensive, foam quickly becomes filled with grit, debris and pollen that prevent the steady flow of water. These products also crumble after brief exposure to UV rays.
The Better Choice: Gutter Helmet®
Gutter Helmet is time-tested, durable and delivers on its promise. The patented nose-forward design draws away water from the roof and down through the gutters to the ground safely. Made of durable aluminum reinforced with Horizontal Stiffening Ribs, Gutter Helmet’s textured surface has a special PermaLife™ coating that is weather-resistant and long-lasting. Call us today at (800) 824-377 to discuss the best gutter protection for your home.
Stay tuned next month, when we’ll take a closer look at the drawbacks of other gutter guard systems.
