What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Gutter Guards?

Are you on the fence regarding whether to install gutter guards? There are things you need to know to decide easily. For instance, what are the advantages and disadvantages of gutter guards?

An answer to this question will help you weigh the pros and cons. The side that outweighs the other lets you know whether the installation is worth it. Remember that you can’t enjoy all the advantages of gutter guards unless you install them well.

Equally important, some of the disadvantages of gutter guards are due to poor installations. No wonder you need experts such as Homebuddy.com when installing your gutter guards. So, let’s look at the two sides of installing them without much ado.

Advantages of Gutter Guards

Why should you spend your money on installing gutter guards? These advantages of gutter guards say it all.

Reduces Pest Infestations

Besides large debris, gutter guards also keep pests such as squirrels, bats, mosquitoes, spiders, and mice away from your gutters. They guarantee minimal stagnant water in your gutters as well.

Therefore, it is hard for such pests to breed around your home. Consequently, homeowners with gutter guards register a few pest infestations.

Ideal for Fire Protection

Do you live in wildfires-prone areas? If nodding, consider installing gutter guards for fire protection. Leaves, debris, and twigs often accumulate in gutters.

So, you can imagine how quickly they could ignite your house if a wildfire were to start. Fortunately, gutter guards avoid such an accumulation, thus preventing your home from easily catching fire.

Improves Water Flow in Downspouts and Gutters

white plastic rain gutter of roof of house. vinyl rain gutter and downpipe.

The importance of good water flow along the downspouts and gutters is indisputable. After all, it avoids water and moisture damage on your home. Besides, you get to fill tanks with rain water quickly.

However, debris can hinder that, and that’s where gutter guards come in. They keep away the debris, thus enhancing water flow.

Simplifies Gutters’ Maintenance

Since debris can clog gutters, it is important to clean them often. That task usually takes up much time and energy to complete. If you seek professional gutter cleaning services, you will also pay a substantial amount of money for that.

Installing gutter guards reduces the frequency of cleaning your gutters. After all, it keeps away from the debris. Consequently, you save a lot of time and money, and maintaining your gutter system becomes easy.

Reduces Chances of Ice Dams and Gutter Freezing

Water must exist for ice dams and gutter freezing to occur. So, an ample flow of water can significantly reduce their occurrence.

Gutter guards facilitate that by keeping your gutters clean and unclogged. They keep debris away, thus improving water flow along your gutter system.

Prevents Gutter Rust and Corrosion

There are several consequences of debris in your gutters. First, they hinder water flow, and water is a catalyst for rust. This debris, especially the ones that decay can also cause corrosion.

That’s why you must keep this debris away from the gutter system at all costs. Installing gutter guards can make a huge difference by blocking the debris from entering the gutters. Consequently, you won’t have to worry about rust and corrosion, which reduces your gutters’ lifespan.

Disadvantages of Gutter Guards

Whereas gutter guards have a fair share of advantages, they also have demerits. The disadvantages of gutter guards include the following;

Need for Maintenance

Installing your gutter guards isn’t enough for you to enjoy their benefits forever. On the contrary, you also need to maintain the guards for effectiveness.

For instance, it is vital to clean your gutter guards regularly. As important as it is, the process isn’t easy. It also takes up a substantial amount of time. Besides cleaning, one also needs to check the gutter guards often. Do it at least once or twice annually.

Nevertheless, if you reside in an area prone to storms, you may need to clean or check them more.

Don’t overlook maintenance, no matter how hard it is. You may have to climb a ladder if you have a story building. Alternatively, you can seek professional assistance, and Homebuddy is a perfect choice.

Adverse Effect on the Gutters

It is no secret that guard gutters are important in ensuring the gutters work well. However, if you don’t clean the guards often, debris and leaves will accumulate.

Consequently, there will be extra weight on the gutters, thus making them sag. That’s the beginning of even bigger problems since sagging gutters will cause water overflow. Remember that the water can damage your home’s foundation.

Negative Impact on the Roof

How you install gutter guards differ from one model to another. For some models, installation requires you to slide the gutter guards under the roof shingles. For most roof manufacturers, that’s enough to void its warranty.

Compromises Curb Appeal

Every homeowner wants a visually appealing house. In most cases, installing gutter guards usually has the opposite effect. So, it may be a bad idea for such individuals.

Gutter Guards Are Prone To Dents

As you check or clean your gutter guards, the ladder you use can easily dent them. The same applies to falling tree brands and hail stones during a storm.

Even someone working on other parts of your home, such as the gutters, walls, and roof, can easily dent these guards. Once you dent your gutter guards, you have no choice but to repair or replace them. Such fixes come at a cost, which means you need to dig into your pocket.

Gutter Guards Aren’t 100% Effective.

By design, gutter gutters can only bar large debris from reaching the gutters. Unfortunately, even the accumulation of small debris is enough to clog your gutters over time. That’s why you should also clean your gutters regularly.

Conclusion

A gutter guard is a sword that cuts on both sides. The above discussion focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of gutter guards. Do the advantages convince you to install them?

Are the disadvantages compelling enough to discourage you from installing them? The answers to these questions can help you decide the best course of action.

If you are still confused about the way forward, professionals can help you decide. It is up to you to ensure that your home has the best solutions, including the absence or presence of gutter guards.