Leaf Gutter Guards Can Save You Time And Money
Most houses have gutters to capture the rain that flows down the roof lines. Gutters help to move the water and melting snow away from the foundation of your house averting potential flooding or seepage into your basement, or even under your roof eves. If there are tall trees hanging over your home, then leaf gutter guards may be a useful addition to your gutter system.
Leaf gutter guards are often added by homeowners after several seasons of either climbing ladders and attempting this messy job on their own, or paying a handyman, or gutter service to clean out the dead fall leaves and other gunk that can wreak havoc come winter. Or, they may add them after forgetting one year to conduct this annual maintenance and end up with interior damage and leaks in the middle of winter.
If the leaves and sludge builds up and then blocks the flow of water during heavy rainstorms or creates an ice damn in winter, the water or melting snow will have nowhere to go but back under your roof and then soak into your ceilings and walls. This causes visible damage and sometimes actual dripping water inside your home. To avoid this, have your gutters cleaned. This service though has been increasing in cost and hassle the last several years. Advances in gutter technology have also increased, and it is now easier than ever to save a bit of money and aggravation over the long run.
Next time you need your gutters cleaned, schedule an appointment with a professional company, and ask them for an estimate on installing leaf guards. There are several different types on the market. Some are as simple as a metal screen that is inserted in all of your gutters, letting water pass through, but nothing larger than something the size of a pea. Others are solid sheets of PVC that serve as a hood covering all but a narrow opening along the far side of the gutter. This allows water to drain off your roof over the gutter cover and enter into the open area to drain, but again not allow leaves to enter. Another options is a filter-like sponge that sits in your gutter allowing water to soak through and drain, and blocks leaves from entering. It is also treated with pesticide to discourage mosquitoes that breed in standing water.
There are dozens of styles, and materials from which to choose. There are plastic, aluminum, copper or steel. There are multiple color options to match your home and existing gutters. Some lock in, snap in, or sit inside the gutter. Selecting the proper gutter guard for your home may seem overwhelming when presented with so many options. Be sure to obtain more than one estimate from professional gutter companies. Also try to have the estimates from companies that each specialize in a different form of leaf guard, or offer several options, and have extensive knowledge of each. You even may ask them for references from other homeowners to see how they feel about their choice.
The cost of leaf guards will seem quite high compared to an annual cleaning. However, if you spend the money now, you may be able to skip the annual cleanings each year, and save money, or at least break even over the course of just a few years time. It is one less thing you have to worry about causing you problems when you least suspect or need them. Be sure to ask about warranty, and what the contractor’s policy is on annual check-ups to make sure the guards have remained in place, and are continuing to serve their purpose. Enhancing your gutters with guards will give you better peace of mind as a homeowner, and that is always worth the price.
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