If you reside in Vancouver, you will realize the importance of gutter cleaning. Homeowners who are aware of the risks involved in gutter cleaning prefer to call upon professionals to get it done. However, some even smarter homeowners choose to install gutter guards to save money on gutter cleaning professionals. While these guards may seem quite helpful, you must dive into the details to decide are gutter guards worth it in Vancouver or not for your gutter system.
An Introduction to Gutter Guards
What do the cleaning professionals usually do when they arrive? Similarly, how do you clean your own gutters? Typically, the process involves removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutter to prevent clogging of the system, which would otherwise block the passage of water. This debris at times mixes with water and creates mess-like stains on the body structure. So, you can keep your gutter body from stains if you can keep the debris and other elements away. The gutter guards will do exactly this work for you.
Gutter guards are covers or shields that protect your gutter from leaves, twigs, and debris that otherwise will clog the gutter system. The guard is installed over the gutter system so that only water flows throw the gutter while the debris stays out of the water’s way. When you get a gutter guard, it reduces the chances of clogging, and you can even reduce the number of gutter cleaning sessions per year.
More About Gutter Guards
Now that you have known what gutter guards are, let us take a glimpse of different types of gutter guards and their pros and cons.
First, let us talk about the different gutter guard options you can have.
- Micro-mesh guards are metal sheets used to cover gutters. The tiny holes on the sheet will allow water to drip into the gutter while debris stays out. While this is one of the most effective types, it is also quite expensive.
- The reserve curve gutter guards are a great solution for the larger debris. It pushes the leaves and other larger debris to the ground while letting the water flow through the gutter.
- A bottle brush gutter guard is another option for installing inside the gutter. The bristles stand straight to catch up the debris while allowing the water to flow out smoothly.
- You will notice the Screen gutter guards quite commonly because of their ease of installation and budget-friendliness.
- Similar to brush guards, you install the foam gutter guard also inside the gutter to keep the draining water free from debris.
Similar to different functioning types, gutter guards also vary based on the materials they are made of. You can choose from a wide range of material options, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, and foam. While steel and copper are highly durable, they are also expensive. However, aluminum is another material that is known for its affordability. Plastic and foam are non-metal materials that you must use, depending on the condition of the gutter system.
Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards
Experts have always recommended gutters with gutter guards to prevent clogging in your gutter systems and save time and money on cleaning. However, it is essential to understand the pros and cons before deciding to install a gutter guard for your gutter system.
Pros of Gutter Guards
When you ask do gutter guards work or not, you first look for the pros of these guards. Here are the pros to talk about.
- Saves your Time and Effort
Without gutter guards, you have to spend time regularly cleaning the gutter. If you hire professionals for cleaning, you will likely spend a significant amount of money due to the frequency of cleaning. When you install a gutter guard, your gutter stays clean most of the time. Of course, you will require cleaning, but much fewer times than usual.
- Reduced Pest Infestations
Open gutters often attract pests that re-enter the house to cause damage. However, when you cover the gutters with a gutter guard, it prevents pests from entering the gutter and house, ultimately stopping further damage.
- Protection from Fire
When there is a fire nearby, the sparks may fly and fall in the gutter, igniting a fire through dry leaves or debris. A gutter guard will keep the gutter free from debris, and hence the chances of a fire breakout are reduced to a great extent
- A Great Help during Freezing Condition
During the winters in Vancouver, the water in the gutter freezes. However, the flow of water after defrosting gets difficult if debris has also frozen with the water. A gutter guard will protect the water in the gutter from debris, allowing a smooth flow of water after the ice melts.
- Prevents Rusting
When the water flows out of the gutter, the moist leaves and debris left out in the gutter cause rusting and corrosion. A gutter guard does not allow the accumulation of such moist debris in the gutter system. So, when there is no water, the gutter is dry, and it reduces the chances of rusting.
- Improved Water Flow
The most significant advantage of the gutter system is that it enhances water flow. The guards will keep the water collected in the gutters free from debris. Thus, there is less clogging and less need for cleaning and maintenance of the gutter. If you have a habit of collecting rainwater, the gutter guard will ensure cleaner water in the gutter that will flow into the water tank. Also, when you have a guard over the gutter, it allows even faster collection of water in the rain tank.
Cons of Gutter Guards
As it is essential to understand both the pros and cons of gutter guards to decide better, let us focus on the cons now.
- May Not Work At Times
While the gutter guards protect your gutter from dry leaves and twigs, it may always happen that small debris still enters the gutter. So, when such smaller debris accumulates over time, it can also clog the gutter. Of course, clogging with small debris will take a longer time than the larger ones.
- Requires Maintenance
While the gutter guard protects your gutter, it also requires occasional cleaning and maintenance. Maintaining the gutter guard can be a challenging task. Therefore, you should consult a professional for this purpose.
- Can Get Dented
Gutter guards can get dented due to several reasons, such as something heavy falling on them or any hard material attacking them. Of course, you can go for the best-rated gutter guard or hard metal options in this case, but this can get a bit expensive.
- Can Sag the Gutter
You cannot leave the gutter guards unattended for an extended period of time. The debris on the guard may accumulate, putting pressure on it and causing it to sag, which can ultimately lead to damage to the gutter. Therefore, you must clean up the debris from the top of the guard at regular intervals to prevent the gutter guard from sagging and causing further damage to the gutter.
- May not be Appealing
While you have several options in gutter guards today, you often have to settle for the available options, even if they do not match the aesthetics of your house. The gutter guard doesn't need to match or complement the exterior design of your house. If you really require a gutter guard, you may have to compromise on the exterior aesthetics to protect the house’s foundation.
- A Compromise with the Roof Warranty at Times
To install the gutter guard, you may at times have to slide the guard under the roof’s shingles. However, when you do so, you tamper with the roof's warranty. So, if some damage happens to the roof, you may not get a free service; rather, you have to invest money for the repair and maintenance. You should carefully consider whether you need a gutter guard for your house.
Once you have considered the pros and cons, you must also understand how much you need a gutter guard in your location in Vancouver. These pros and cons mostly answer the question of whether gutter guards are worth it in Vancouver. However, if you are still confused, you can always consult a professional to help you find an answer.
Keep Your Gutter System Clean
Vancouver is known for its rainy weather, snow, and occasionally breezy evenings. It is essential to keep your gutter system clean and well-maintained to ensure proper water flow. While some homeowners prefer to clean and maintain their gutter system regularly, most modern homeowners opt for a gutter guard for a more relaxed experience. Of cours, the requirement for a gutter guard depends on several factors, such as the location where you reside in Vancouver. When you're unsure whether to install a gutter guard, consider the pros and cons to determine its necessity for your home's gutters. Of course, consulting with professionals will also help you make an informed decision and select the right gutter guard for your home. To know more about other gutter-related information, read our Blog