The gutter system is an important part of your home's defenses because it prevents water running off your roof whether it be from rain or melt from saturating the ground next to your foundation. But in order to make sure your gutter system is working properly, you need to maintain it and protect it. One way to protect your gutter system is with gutter guards. They help to keep out the unwanted items that might harm your gutters but still let water in, in order to protect your foundation.
Once you decide that you want gutter guards you need to decide what type of gutter guard will be best for you and your home. The first variety is the gutter screen. Gutter screens are just what they sound like because they are mesh screens that cover the gutter system openings. The gutter mesh is definitely the less expensive type of gutter guard, but they still are quite effective at blocking large debris from getting into the gutters. The only issue is that sometimes the screens can get covered by leaves so that not even the water you are trying to divert can get in.
The second choice you have for gutter guard systems is a guard that covers the entire opening of the gutter with a solid piece except for a small slit at the very front. These gutter guards work under the principle of water adhesion. As rain water runs off the roof carrying debris with it, the debris will fall off the edge while the water will cling to the edge of the slit for just a tiny bit longer allowing the water to fall into the gutter. They often get very good gutter guard reviews.
Gutter guards are a smart choice for many reasons, but the most important is that they prevent you from having to clean your gutters as often. If your gutter guards prevent unwanted debris from entering the gutter system then you will not have to worry about gutter cleaning. Instead of doing this unpleasant chore twice a year, you might be able to go down to once every eighteen months.
A secondary benefit that comes from the decision to install gutter guards is that you will be safer in the long run because you do not have to work on a ladder as much. Since you will not be cleaning twice a year, you will not be climbing a ladder with a gutter brush to work twice a year and your chance of being injured in a ladder accident is much less.
A final reason that you might want to choose gutter guards is the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. A gutter system with solid gutter guards especially looks very nice from the curb. They can help with aesthetic appeal and the resale value of your home.