Best gutter guards consumer reports
If you are like most homeowners, keeping your gutters clean and clear of debris is probably not at the top of your list of priorities. However, clogged gutters can lead to a variety of problems, including roof damage, water leaks, and even structural problems. Thankfully, there are several gutter guard products on the market that can help keep your gutters clean and free of debris. So, if you are looking for a way to protect your home from potential water damage, installing a gutter guard system may be the solution for you.
Top 10 Best Gutter Guards
What is gutter guards?
Gutter guards are devices that are installed on top of gutters to keep debris from entering and clogging them. There are several types of gutter guards available on the market, but they all serve the same purpose of protecting your gutters from leaves, twigs, and other debris. Many homeowners find that gutter guards are an essential part of keeping their gutters clean and free flowing.
Factors to consider before buying gutter guards:
When it comes to gutter guards, there are many things you need to consider before buying. Here are a few of the top factors:
Cost
Gutter guards range in price from $30 to $250. The most cost-effective gutter guards are simple, mesh-like materials that can be affixed to your gutters with screws. These types of gutter guards cost around $30. For better performance, however, you may want to invest in gutter guards made of aluminum or stainless steel. These types of gutter guards cost around $150-200 and will last for years.
Warranty
Your gutter guards should come with a warranty that covers everything from manufacturing defects to installation issues. This way, if anything goes wrong within the warranty period (usually one year), you’ll know who to contact!
Customer Service
You’ll want to make sure that the company you buy your gutter guards from has good customer service—that way if something does go wrong with your new product, they’ll be able to resolve any issues quickly and without hassle on your end!
Cleaning Mechanism
Gutter guards come in two styles: manual and automatic. Automatic cleaning devices use a pump to suck water out of the gutter and send it through a hose to a collection area, where it can be pumped back into your garden or lawn. Manual cleaning devices require you to go out and clean them yourself by hand. Automatic devices tend to be more expensive up front, but they save time in the long run because they require less maintenance than manual ones do.
Height
The height of your roof and the slope of your roof determines how much water will flow into your gutters. If you have a large roof, install taller gutter guards that fit more tightly against the top of your gutter. If you have a steeply sloped roof, consider installing shorter gutter guards that sit lower on top of your gutter so that they don’t block water from flowing out of them easily enough to cause flooding or damage to other areas around your home or business building’s foundation structure such as basement walls built below ground level etc.
Material
Gutter guards can be made from a variety of materials including aluminum, plastic, or even steel mesh. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages—for example, aluminum is durable but heavy; plastic is lightweight but doesn’t last if other materials. Make sure you know what kind of material you’re getting before you commit!
Price
Gutter guards are relatively affordable when compared with other types of home improvement projects such as replacing shingles or fixing an entire roof. However, they do vary widely in price depending on what they’re made from and how much material is used in their construction. It’s important to compare prices before making a purchase so you know what kind of value you’re getting for your money.
Animal Nest Prevention
If you have animals that nest in your gutters, or if you live in an area where this is a common problem, then you should look for a guard that has been designed specifically to prevent animal nests from forming. These guards will be designed with holes that only allow animals as small as squirrels to pass through.
Durability
While there are many different types of gutter guards available on the market today, some are better than others when it comes to durability. You want something that will last for years without losing its effectiveness or needing to be replaced frequently because it has become damaged over time due to normal wear-and-tear (such as weathering).
Brand
There are many different brands of gutter guards available today; choosing one can seem like an overwhelming task at first glance. However, it’s important to remember that not all brands are created equal: some offer better quality than others while others simply aren’t worth the money they charge for their products. Take time to do some research on your options before making a final decision about which brand will be right for you!
Size
You will want to make sure the guards you purchase are large enough to cover all your gutters, but not so big that they get in the way of other items on your roof or in your yard. Size can also be affected by where you live. For example, if you have a lot of trees around your home and they tend to drop leaves into your gutters during the fall months, it may be wise to invest in larger gutter guards than if you lived somewhere with less tree coverage or snowfall during the winter months.
Installation
Gutter guards should be easy to install. You don’t want to have to hire a professional to install the guards, because that will add significantly to the cost of the product. Look for guards that are easy to install yourself or with the help of an experienced DIYer.
Benefits of gutter guards:
Gutter guards are a great way to keep your gutters clean and free of debris. They’re also an effective way to protect your home from water damage, which can occur when water flows over the top of your gutters and starts to seep inside the walls of your home.
Here are some benefits of gutter guards:
- Gutter Guards Help Prevent Water Damage
Gutter guards keep leaves, dirt, and other debris from clogging up your gutters, which helps prevent water from pooling at the top of your gutter. When this happens, mold can grow in these areas and eventually cause rot in your home’s foundation. If you don’t have gutter guards installed on your home, you could end up with significant water damage that costs thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars to repair!
- Gutter Guards Keep Your Gutters Clean
When leaves and other debris accumulate in your gutters, they can clog up the downspouts and cause them to back up into your roof or rainwater system. With gutter guards installed on all sides of these downspouts, however, this won’t happen! These screens will catch all kinds of debris before it has a chance to make its way back into your roofing system.
- Gutter Guards Are Affordable
Gutter guards are a lot more affordable than you might think! They typically range in price from around $200 to $500, depending on the size and style of your home. And, when you compare that to the cost of repairing water damage, it’s easy to see why gutter guards such a wise investment is!
- Gutter Guards Save You Time
Cleaning out your gutters is no fun—trust us, we know! But when you have gutter guards installed on your home, you won’t have to do this tedious task nearly as often. In fact, with most types of gutter guards, you’ll only need to clean your gutters out once a year! That’s a huge time-saver, especially if you have a large home.
- Gutter Guards Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Gutter guards come in a variety of colors, so you can easily find a set that matches the trim on your home. This added touch of curb appeal can really make a difference when it comes time to sell your home!
Common mistakes when using gutter guards:
- Not cleaning the gutters before installation. This is a big one! The best way to ensure that your gutter guard stays in place and lasts if possible is to make sure that you clean out all the debris from your gutters before installing the gutter guard.
- Failing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Most manufacturers have very specific instructions for how to install their products, and if you don’t follow those instructions exactly, you risk damaging your gutter guards or causing them to fall out of place.
- Using an old-style guard when you should be using a newer one. If you already have some gutter guards in place, but they are old or damaged, it may be time to replace them with a new style of gutter guard that has been improved over time by innovators in the industry who have made improvements based on customer feedback and feedback from insurance companies who cover homeowners’ claims against water damage caused by clogged gutters due to improper installation of old-style guards (or no guards at all).
- Not getting a professional opinion before making a purchase. If you’re not sure which style or brand of gutter guard is right for your home, it’s always best to get a professional opinion before making your purchase. An experienced contractor will be able to assess your gutters and give you his or her recommendation based on years of experience in the industry.
- Not regularly cleaning your gutters even with gutter guards in place. Just because you have gutter guards doesn’t mean that you can forget about cleaning your gutters altogether – especially if you live in an area with a lot of trees! Depending on the type of gutter guard you have, it may be necessary to clean them out every few months or so to ensure that they are doing their job properly.
Types of gutter guards:
Gutter guards are a great way to keep your gutters clean, but there are many different types of gutter guards on the market. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common gutter guard types:
Screen
This is a metal mesh that covers the top of your gutters. It can be made from metal or plastic and comes in a variety of colors. Screen guards can be hard to install and may not last if other gutter guard options.
Mesh
Mesh is a type of screen that has been perforated to let water through but keep debris out. It’s easy to install and lasts longer than standard screen. It’s also more expensive than standard screen because it requires less material per square foot.
Micro-mesh
Micro-mesh is like standard mesh, except it has smaller holes—making it even more effective at keeping out debris while letting water through. It has a lifespan like that of regular mesh but costs more than both standard screen and regular mesh because it requires even less material per square foot than regular mesh does.
Brush
Brush gutter guards are made from synthetic fibers that form a brush-like structure that can be pushed into the gutter for installation. They’re lightweight and easy to install, but they can clog with leaves and debris over time.
Reverse-curve/Surface
Reverse-curve/Surface tension gutter guards are made of a flexible material that conforms to the shape of your gutters, and they’re held in place by surface tension between the guard and the gutter. They’re easy to install, but they may fall off or get caught on tree branches if you have them on your roof.
Foam
Foam gutter guards are made from polyurethane foam, which is then covered in a waterproof coating to protect it from weather damage. They’re very durable and long-lasting—but they’re also heavy and difficult to install properly because they expand significantly when wet or dry.
Common mistakes when using gutter guards:
- Not having the right size gutter guard – Gutter guards come in many sizes, and it’s important to have the right one for your house. If the guard is too small, it won’t cover all of your gutter, which means water will pool around its edges and cause damage. If it’s too big, you may need to remove sections of it or cut them down. You should also measure your gutters before you buy any gutter guards to make sure they’ll fit properly.
- Not installing them correctly – Gutter guards are relatively easy to install, but there are a few things that can go wrong during installation that could cause problems later on. For example: if you don’t secure them tightly enough, wind will blow them out of place; if you don’t seal them properly around corners and other points where water could get through; if you don’t make sure all the seams are sealed so water doesn’t seep through cracks; or if you don’t use the right kind of screws or nails so they’ll hold up over time without rusting away completely (this is especially important if you live in an area prone to high winds).
- Using cheap materials – Cheap materials are one of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying gutter guards. Not only will they not last as long, but they may also not do a good job of keeping debris and animals out of your gutters. This means you’ll still have to clean them out periodically, which kind of defeats the purpose of having gutter guards in the first place!
- Not cleaning your gutters regularly – Even the best gutter guards won’t keep all debris and animals out 100% of the time. That’s why it’s important to clean your gutters regularly, even if you have gutter guards installed. Depending on the type of guard you have, you may need to clean them out once a month or so; for example, if you have a screen-type guard, you’ll need to remove any debris that’s accumulated on top of it.
- Not repairing damage promptly – If your gutter guards get damaged, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible. Otherwise, water will start seeping through the cracks and holes, which can cause all sorts of problems down the road. So, if you see any damage, make sure to fix it right away!
How to install gutter guards?
- Choose the right type of gutter guard for your home.
- Measure your gutters for proper fit, and then cut the guards to size with tin snips or a hacksaw.
- Lay out the bottom section of the guard, so that it rests on the roof edge closest to the ground, then install shingles over the top of it using roofing cement or silicone caulk.
- Install the upper section of the guard onto the upper edge of your gutters with screws or nails, starting at one end and working your way across until you have installed them all (be sure to allow enough space between each piece so that it doesn’t meet other sections).
- Seal the seams between each section of guard with silicone caulk or roofing cement, then attach any end caps or other trim pieces as desired.
- Test the guards by pouring a small amount of water onto your roof and watching to see where it flows off. If it seems to be draining properly, then you’re all set! Otherwise, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
FAQs about Best gutter guards consumer reports
Do I need to clean gutters if I have gutter guards?
The gutters on your house can be one of the most overlooked components. They’re there to catch rainwater so it doesn’t damage sidewalks and landscaping, but if you don’t clean them often enough or at all then that water will end up going somewhere else instead! So, check over those drainage systems twice per year for clogged sections (and remember always call an expert).
How long do gutter guards last?
Gutter guards typically last for several years, though the specific lifespan will depend on the type and quality of the guard. Many guards come with a warranty, so be sure to check with the manufacturer if you have questions about a particular product. In general, though, gutter guards are designed to last for many years with proper maintenance.
Conclusion – Best gutter guards consumer reports
We’ve looked at the best gutter guards on the market and how they work. Now it’s time for you to decide which one is right for your home. All the options we’ve discussed have their own benefits and drawbacks, so take some time to think about what you need from a guard and then choose the one that fits your needs best. Remember, gutters are an important part of your home’s infrastructure; don’t wait until they start overflowing to take care of them!
I’m Ella Andrews, owner of the website https://bestconsumerstips.com/
I give you valuable information about good products to help you choose the best product.