October 10, 2023

What Is A Gutter Guard? Discover The 6 Different Types

Why do we need gutter guards?

Are you tired of cleaning out your gutters so that you don’t get gutter blockages? Fed up worrying about overflowing gutters? The solution is easy, you need to install gutter guards.

Without gutter guards, many objects such as leaves, and twigs, are blown into your gutter by the wind and cause blockages so that rainwater cannot flow. This then results in the gutters overflowing and water damage and more serious problems for your property. Accumulation of debris including decomposing leaves attracts insects and contains harmful bacteria if it is not cleared out of the gutter.

Another reason to install gutter guards is that birds and small mammals can build nests in your gutters which again leads to blockages. To solve these problems the gutters need to be frequently emptied and cleaned. This is time-consuming, messy and dangerous, if you get this service done professionally it can be expensive. installing gutter guards takes away all of these issues.

What are gutter guards?

What are gutter guards? Gutter guards are covers that attach to a home’s rain gutter system to filter and block leaves, debris, and animals from entering the gutter system and causing clogs, floods, or damage.

Gutter guards are designed for one purpose, to prevent leaves debris from getting into your gutters and clogging them up. At the same time, they allow rainwater to flow freely through the gutter system. There are different types of gutter guards with varying effectiveness and costs, from DIY brush and foam guards to professionally installed micro-mesh gutter guards.

When making the decision of which gutter guard type suits you, you also need to take into consideration where you live and the weather conditions when deciding on the ideal gutter guard for your gutter system. If you are surrounded by trees you obviously need something very effective, in comparison to maybe someone that lives where there are no trees.

The 6 Different Gutter Guards Types

Brush

These can be installed yourself, they appear like a large pipe cleaner that fits snugly into the gutter, and any large debris collects on the top whilst water can still trickle down into the gutter. These are easy to install and economical, but if small debris gets stuck in the bristles the brush gutter guard has to be completely removed to get the debris out and then reinstalled back into the gutter.

Foam

Foam guards are another inexpensive and easy-to-install DIY option. They require sticking a wedge of foam into the gutter to keep out large debris. However, debris can easily build up on the gutter guards rather than inside the gutters, and they must be completely removed to clean.

Brush and foam guards are the least durable of the different gutter guards, they can be displaced easily by storms and need replacing when this happens.

Screen

Screen gutter guards are made from plastic and fit over the gutter, like gutter covers and have large holes that keep out leaves and other debris. They are economic and can be easily installed. However, they can blow off in strong wind and the plastic becomes brittle over time.

Mesh

This type of guard is made from metal or plastic and has small holes that allow water to flow whilst preventing any debris from getting into the gutter. They can be installed over the top of your gutters, like gutter covers, or attached to the fascia. Mesh gutter guards are more expensive but they are effective at blocking the majority of debris from the gutter. However, harsh weather conditions can tear them off or damage them.

Micro-mesh

These are similar to mesh guards, However, the holes on micro-mesh guards are much smaller than those on regular mesh guards, allowing them to keep out even small debris. These require professional gutter guard installation and are more expensive compared to the other types but they need less maintenance and are more effective.

Reverse-curve or Surface Tension

These guards are metal or plastic solid covers that fit over the gutter; these are generally known as reverse curve or surface tension guards. Water flows across the surface of the gutter guard and flows into the gutter via a slot. The debris is carried over the top of the gutter guard and past the edge of the gutter and drops to the ground below. These are the most expensive and effective gutter guards and need professional gutter guard installation. They are visible from the ground, but they are available in various colors and are the most effective at keeping out debris.

Gutter Guard Stockists – Where Can I Buy Gutter Guards?

Many people obtain their gutter guards from gutter companies that stock different gutter guards and carry out professional gutter guard installation. There are various other stockists including DIY Home stores, they are also available to purchase through roofing companies that stock gutter guards and gutters.

Gutter Guard Brands

There are many well-known reliable quality brands such as Lansing Gutter Systems, and GP Industries who offer 2 excellent systems  The Bulldog Gutter Guard System and the Leaf Sentry Gutter Protection System and Ply Gem’s Mastic Home Exteriors.

Optimal is a reliable, trusted company, well known for our professional gutter and gutter guard installation service. Contact us for professional advice or for more information on gutter guard systems.