Gutters that line the roof of a house are not always considered one of the more important aspects of home upkeep, but they serve a vital purpose for homes in damp climates. During periods of heavy rain, the gutters catch the water that runs off the roof and direct it away from the house, preserving the foundation. Without gutters, the rain can collect and end up damaging the house’s structure. In order to keep gutters functioning, they need to be kept clear of leaves or other debris.
Do I really need gutter guards?
The answer to this question is, it depends. If gutters get clogged with debris, water can find its way into the roof and walls of the house, causing issues with mold, structural damage and other water damage. When the temperature drops below freezing, snow and ice can be even more of an issue.
On top of that, the sticks and leaves blocking the gutter can attract pests like rats and insects. Often, homeowners will turn to gutter guards to reduce the amount of manual labor needed to keep gutters clean and serviceable. The guards provide a cover for gutters, with holes or a filter that lets water continue running through while blocking debris.
Not all homeowners need gutter guards. Typically, guards protect the gutters from leaves, sticks, seeds or other debris from nearby trees. If a house is in an empty area without large trees within a 50-yard radius, debris won’t be an issue. But many homes have trees that are close enough to either drop debris onto the roof or have their leaves blown into the gutters by the wind. If there are a large number of trees nearby or if the homeowners cannot manually clean their gutters out on a regular basis, gutter guards can prevent any major blockages in the gutters and reduce the need to frequently clean them out.
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