Gutters are essential for your home’s plumbing, but they can be a pain to clean. Gutters quickly amass all the debris that falls into them and create clogs. The worst part is cleaning these gutters and clearing those blocks.
We heard you! You are wishing for an easier way to handle the gutter mess, right? This is where gutter guards come in!
Gutter guards prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters, making it easier to keep them clean. But how do you choose the best one for your home with so many different types of gutter guards on the market?
Here are 6 tips to help you find the perfect gutter guard for your needs.
1. Consider the Climate
If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you will likely need a gutter guard that can handle a large volume of leaves and other debris. For instance, trees like Maple can drop a lot of leaves, and if they settle in your gutter, it could lead to severely blocked drains.
On the other hand, if you live in a windy area, you will also need a gutter guard that can withstand high winds without being blown away.
Thus, consider the climate and the trees in your yard, and see if you need a gutter guard.
2. Choose a Material that Blends With Your Gutters
We may not know what your home exactly needs, but you surely do not want your gutter guards to stick out like a sore thumb. It ruins the whole look of your property.
So, look for a material that closely resembles your gutters in colour and texture. Try to find a material other than steel or metal because it can rust over time. This rusted material will stand out too much.
Not only that, but this rust may even stain your gutters which are hard to clean. The best option is aluminium. It has a high chance of blending with your gutter material and lasts long as it won’t rust.
Making sure the gutter guard is compatible with your gutter system is more important than anything else on this list.
3. Consider Ease of Installation
Remember, you want to make things easier, not harder. Go for a gutter guard that is easy enough to install by yourself. Not only installing, but it also should be easy to repair or replace when needed.
There are many gutter guards available on the market that homeowners can install themselves, while others require you to call a professional
plumber in Altona.
Also, if you opt for a DIY-friendly option, make sure it comes with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. All it takes is one Sunday afternoon, and your gutters are well-proofed.
4. Say No to Black Foam Gutter Guard
There are several reasons why black foam gutter guards are bad.
Black foam gutter guards fail to do the basic job of eliminating debris from the gutter. The tree debris that settles on the black foam may eventually sprout in it. It makes the situation worse than having no gutter guard.
You need no better reason than this to stay away from foam-style gutter guards.
5. Gutter Guards With Perforated Holes
Instead of going for a wire mesh or screen gutter guard, try one with perforated holes. Perforated holes let water into the gutters but keep tree debris out.
It is quite difficult for pine needles, leaves, or even wiry gigs from maple trees, to fit into these tiny perforated holes. Even if they are small enough to pass through the perforated holes, they are also small enough to be washed away through the downspout.
This is not the case with wire meshes or screens. The leaves and debris can easily get lodged into them. So, it is better to stay away from them and get a gutter guard with perforated holes.
6. Other Factors
Apart from the technical aspects of the gutter guard, there are also other things you should take into account.
● Decide how much maintenance you are willing to do. Some gutter guards require periodic cleaning to prevent leaves and other debris from building up on top of them. Others are self-cleaning and require little to no maintenance on your part.
● Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture. Gutters come in various shapes and sizes to match different styles of homes. Make sure the gutter guard you choose is proportionate to your gutters and complements the overall look of your home’s exterior.
● Factor in the cost. There is a wide range of prices for gutter guards, so find the one that fits within your budget. Do not sacrifice quality for the price, but you shouldn’t overspend on features you don't need either.
● Read reviews. Online reviews give you an idea of what to expect in terms of quality, performance, and value.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a gutter guard for your home. But if you take the time to do your research, you will be sure to find an option that is perfect for your needs.
Just remember the things we discussed in this post when making your decision. If you are confused about it or do not have time to worry about the gutters, find a reliable plumber, and they will take care of it.
One worthy name to consider here is
NLK Plumbing in Point cook. NLK has specialists in every plumbing area—drainage camera inspection, hot water plumber, gas installation, etc.