Gutter guards are designed to prevent clogged gutters, reduce moss growth and deter pests from setting up the house in your gutter system. They do not eliminate yearly maintenance but can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to keep your gutters from debris.
They come in several types and styles, including screen, micro mesh, reverse curve (or surface tension), brush and foam. While each has its benefits, choosing the right one for your home and needs is crucial.
Prevents Clogs
Gutter guards prevent clogging by filtering debris like leaves, pine needles, and shingle granules from entering your gutter system. They’re an affordable solution that helps homeowners spend less time and money cleaning their gutters and downspouts.
They also prevent ice dams, which occur when melted snow builds up on the roof and then flows into the gutters. It can cause several problems, including roof leaks and damage to the foundation.
The thawed water can also carve trenches through your yard, causing damage to plants and landscaping. Plus, if there’s too much water sitting in your gutters for an extended period, it can lead to rusting, which can damage your gutters and cause them to fail.
These clogs can be prevented using gutter guards, mesh or screen covers placed over your gutters. They help keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the gutter and block pests and rodents from entering your gutters.
There are many different types of gutter guard Adelaide, each with features and price points. Some are more effective than others, so choosing the best one for your home is essential.
Reduces Moss Growth
If you have gutter guards, it is a good idea to maintain them regularly so that they can prevent clogs and moss growth. Gutter guards don’t eliminate the need to clean your gutters, so you still need to get up on a ladder to clean your gutters, but they can reduce how often you need to do that, saving time and money.
Some reputable companies manufacture high-quality gutter guards from aluminium and stainless steel. These materials are more durable than plastics and won’t rust or warp over time, but they can be expensive.
Another way gutter guard Adelaide help reduce moss growth is by keeping water away from the roof. Water can hold a lot of moisture, and when it reaches the roof, it can erode the surface of wood or asphalt shingles, causing them to crack or deteriorate.
Moreover, the water can penetrate your home, allowing mould to grow and causing damage. It can also lead to a leaking roof, which may need to be repaired or replaced.
One thing that you can do to reduce moss growth is to trim tree branches that hang near your gutter system. These branches can shade the design and reduce the sunlight it gets.
You can also try to remove a lot of debris, such as leaves and twigs, from your roof. Leaving these on your roof can prevent rainwater from draining properly, leading to moss and algae growth.
The downside of gutter guards is that they don’t keep out smaller debris, such as twigs and seeds. These smaller items can decompose and then begin to grow moss, which is more difficult to remove than larger debris.
If you prefer to prevent moss from growing on your roof, you can choose a gutter guard with a copper or zinc sulphate herbicide embedded in the material. This herbicide is effective against moss and should last up to a year. This method is a bit more expensive than other gutter guards, but keeping your roof free from moss can be worth the investment.
Prevents Pests
Clogged gutters are not only a nuisance; they can also be home to pests. Insects such as ants and termites are attracted to a clogged gutter’s damp, dirty conditions. As a result, they can cause severe damage to a house’s wood and drywall before they are detected and eradicated.
Gutter guards prevent these pests from entering your gutter system in the first place. They also help prevent pests from establishing a nest in your gutter.
Birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other animals are attracted to the moisture in dirty gutters and may use them as a habitat or a haven. When they can nest in the gutter, they can access your attic, roof insulation and other areas of the home.
Insects such as flies and cockroaches find nests in clean gutters, too. They are attracted to mud and decaying leaves accumulating in a gutter’s trough. These insects are also attracted to the puddles of water that often form in a clogged gutter.
Keeping your gutters clear of debris and ensuring that rainwater drains away from your home can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run. When water can’t flow away from your house, it pools and erodes your landscaping, sidewalks and foundation.
Clogged gutters can also attract mosquitoes and other pests, as the standing water is an ideal breeding ground for them. Mosquitoes that hatch in puddles in a clogged gutter can quickly spread disease to humans and pets.
Mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards allow water to pass through them while keeping larger debris out. They are available in a variety of colours so they can match your gutters and home’s aesthetic.
Brush-style gutter guards have bristles inside the gutter to prevent larger debris and pine needles from entering them. They are also easier to install than foam gutter guards, requiring no screws or other fasteners to attach to your gutters.