How to Choose the Right Gutter Guards for Your Home

 

Not all gutter systems will work with all homes. Though all gutter systems function the same to collect, carry, and disperse water away from the home’s foundation, there are varying levels of protection depending on the material of the gutter system, the width of the gutters and downspouts, and add-ons like gutter guards that can further protect a home from drainage issues.

 

Again, not all gutter guards are a one-size-fits-all solution that pairs perfectly with any gutter system. Many different styles of gutter guards are available, but not all will work well for your home’s existing gutter system and climate. 

 

If you’re considering adding gutter guards, there’s much to consider before installing, like the level of protection they offer, their durability, and the climate you live in. Before you have any gutter installation company in Lynchburg install them, continue reading to learn how to choose the right gutter guards for your home to get the ultimate protection and best results on your investment.

 

Types of Gutter Guards

 

Many types of gutter guards are available in a variety of materials. Below are some types of gutter guards:

 

Screen

Screen gutter guards are a piece of screen similar to a window screen placed directly over the gutter. Screen guards can be installed on the gutter by attaching or clipping to the gutters. Because the screens have small openings, they allow for water to enter the gutter but are supposed to block large debris like pinecones and acorns from entering the gutters.

 

Though they offer some protection, screen gutter guards aren’t the best option for homeowners in and around Lynchburg. First, though they block large debris from entering the gutters, they can still impede water flow. How? If a gutter screen has collected a lot of debris, water can’t enter the screen and ultimately the gutters. Meltwater and stormwater would spill over the sides of the gutter just as if it were clogged or overflowing.

 

They can block large debris from entering the gutters, but there is still a risk of drainage issues and costly damage. Overflowing and clogged gutters force water to spill over the sides and onto the ground near the foundation. This can cause foundation damage, roof damage, damage to the soffit and fascia, siding, and so on.

 

Foam

The most affordable option, foam gutter guards ideally keep the inside of the gutters free of debris. Foam gutter guards are literal pieces of sponges, most often made from polyurethane foam. They don’t require professional installation and are inexpensive, a couple of enticing factors when deciding which gutter guards to install. However, installing foam gutter guards comes with a price.

 

Though they block debris from entering the gutters, they aren’t very durable. They don’t hold up well in heavy rain and need replacing frequently. Lynchburg has higher than average rainfall compared to other states, so foam gutter guards would need replacing often, a nuisance and frequent expense. You’ll also need to remove debris from the top of the foam gutter guards and apply an algaecide to prevent algae, a common issue in humid climates like Lynchburg.

 

Brush

 

Brush gutter guards have bristles designed to trap debris like leaves and pine needles. These gutter guards are installed directly in a gutter with the bristles pointing toward the roofline to prevent debris from entering the gutter. Though inexpensive to install, brush guards need to be replaced often and require frequent cleaning to remove any trapped debris.

 

Brush gutter guards can be an eyesore since the bristles will stick out of the gutters. They can deter potential homebuyers and passersby, especially if debris is stuck between the bristles, and leaves and pine needles are sticking out of the gutter guards. They aren’t very durable and need to be replaced often. You’ll also need to remove debris caught in the bristles by hand, a tedious task that can take a lot of time to complete.

 

Mesh/Micro Mesh

 

Mesh and micro mesh gutter guards are similar to screens, but the material differs. Mesh and micro mesh gutter guards aren’t made from screen material, but often from aluminum. The aluminum has small openings to block large debris from entering the gutters while offering more durability than gutter screens.

 

Mesh and micro mesh gutter guards are a great idea if made from a durable material. Some made from aluminum aren’t strong and can corrode easily, dent, or fold inward from severe storms or heavy debris that lands on the gutter guards like large tree branches. 

 

Though they are a great concept, most mesh and micro mesh gutter guards aren’t the best choice for homeowners in Lynchburg. However, at K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop, our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guard is made from surgical-grade stainless steel, offering extreme durability and protection against the most severe weather. Our gutter guard blocks debris from entering the gutters while ensuring it withstands all extreme weather. It’s a great option for homeowners in Lynchburg who are tired of cleaning their gutters!

 

Gutter Guards & Permanent Gutter Solutions from K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop

Cleaning the gutters is a chore that needs to be done at least twice a year, but let’s be honest… it’s no fun. Installing gutter guards is a great option to eliminate or reduce the need to clean your gutters. However, not all gutter guards work the same and are effective at preventing overflowing and clogged gutters. Some require frequent cleaning and replacing, something you don’t want to do multiple times per year.

 

If you want to eliminate the need to perform gutter maintenance, consider installing gutter guards from K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop. Our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guard is made from surgical-grade stainless steel, a durable material that will resist corrosion even in Lynchburg’s humid and rainy climate.

 

For a permanent gutter solution, consider installing the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter Systemopp[;. The K-Guard System is a complete system with multiple components that work together to keep debris like leaves and pine needles out so water can flush through the system quickly. With its innovative curved hood and seamless design, K-Guard prevents all debris from entering the gutters, ensuring no clogs can form. 

 

If your home needs gutters installed or you need to replace your existing gutters and want to wave goodbye to gutter cleaning, consider installing seamless gutters and guards or the K-Guard System from K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop. 

We’ve been installing and repairing gutter systems for decades with tens of thousands of happy customers in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. We can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free estimate!