What are the Benefits of Adding Gutter Guards to Your Home?

Having dependable gutters and guards to keep them working properly all year round is something every homeowner needs.

There are warning signs that signal that it may be time to re-evaluate your home’s gutter system. In this guide, we want to share with you the benefits of paying attention to those warning signs before things get worse.

The 7 Benefits of Adding Gutter Guards to Your Home

Shingles folded over on a roof

1. You Alleviate Blockages

Clogged gutters are an absolute pain. Water always finds the path of least resistance. I see it all the time. It means that system is full of leaves and debris and will inhibit flow and send that water right over the top onto whatever is below. This can have disastrous consequences on landscaping, paint, or even lead to interior water damage in your home.

Shingles folded over on a roof

2. You Reduce Maintenance

When you have the right system covering your gutters,  it reduces your maintenance big time! I’ve found that “set it and forget it” projects are the best kind of home investments you can make. With gutter guards, you’re not having to drag that ladder out over and over again.

You’re also not helplessly stuck inside during a nasty storm watching clogged gutters overflow onto your brand new garden bed. If you find yourself spending way too much time fixated on your gutters, it’s probably time to consider having someone professionally install high quality gutter guards on your home.

Pro Tip: If you think your home may also need new gutters, along with the guards to cover them, I’ve added a handy checklist of things to consider at the very end of this resource. 

3. You Avoid Risk

Whether it’s getting stuck on the roof because you can’t get back down, or the ladder isn’t secure once you start to climb, everyone’s likely had at least one scare. The reality is ladders can be dangerous. Every year over 200,000 accidents happen from people using them. And here’s the beauty of gutter guards. They serve as a protective covering against debris and build up which eliminates the need for pulling out that ladder yet again to clean up those exposed gutters.

4. You Prevent Water Damage

Clogged or broken gutters don’t properly channel water away from your house. When things back up, the overflow often lands close to your home’s foundation. Over time, or during intense storms, this can lead to water damage in your basement or crawl space.

A properly functioning and covered gutter system doesn’t just reduce maintenance. It’s an investment that’s actively protecting your home year round.

Pro Tip: Our region is prime territory for storm and hail damage. If you think a recent storm may have damaged your gutters, you need to know how to proceed. Check out our full guide called 9 Things To Know When Filing A Hail Claim On Your Home.

5. You Lessen the Impact of Ice Dams

An ice dam is the result of melting snow under a snow pack that reaches the eave of your house and then refreezes. This puts tremendous pressure on your gutters. Here is where the big problem lies. When that ice dam gets big enough, the melted water has no where to go and seeps underneath the shingles of your roof causing significant damage. 

Professionally installed gutters protected with gutter guards prevent the build up of debris throughout the year that would further impede crucial water flow during those snow storms. 

A properly functioning gutter system doesn’t fully eliminate the potential for ice dams, but it’s a huge preventative measure that pays off time and time again.

6. You Get Rid of Pests

It may sound crazy, but clogged gutters can be a haven for all sorts of pests. The reality is standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Built up debris is a welcome site for bugs, spiders, and all sorts of rodents. And exposed gutters without propers guards in place provide access to your attic for animals like squirrels, racoons, and possums.

These pests pose all sorts of health risks to your family and can wreak havoc in all sorts of places throughout your home once they get in.

Professionally installed and covered gutters stop them before they even get started.

7. You Dich Unsightly Stains

Once gutters are overburdened with debris, that water simply has nowhere else to go. As rain water runs back toward your house, it leaves stains, peeled paint, and even mold or mildew in its wake. This is a huge eye sore and incredibly difficult to clean.

Pro Tip: New gutter guards will fix future water flow problems and prevent further stains and ugly marks. They don’t help clean the stains you’re already stuck with though. Here are a few ideas that may help.

  • Have the affected area soft-washed.
  • A simple solution of water and white vinegar often works well for cleaning gutters. It may also help with stained areas beneath the gutters as well.
  • If the affected area happens to be delicate or requires special care, research appropriate cleaning measures before starting.

Schedule An Appointment

Your home’s gutters serve so many essential functions. When working properly, they are a huge ally in the fight against protecting your home from the elements. Your house is more than just another place. It’s where you make memories, and spend time with the ones you care about most.  Ditch the stress of continually worrying about your gutters. We have worked with thousands of homeowners like you. Everyone needs a reputable contractor they can count on to keep their home a place they love. Let’s ensure you have a home that will stand the test of time.

Schedule a free inspection!