Leaf Gutter Guards provide a host of benefits when installing properly on your gutters. It reduces safety hazards from issues like soil erosion, water pooling, soffit and fascia board deterioration, basement flooding and the risk of injuries after a rooftop or ladder fall while cleaning. Here are three additional improvements that leaf gutter guards will provide to homeowners.
1. Leaf Gutter Guards Are Aesthetically Pleasing
While many homeowners think of leaf gutter guards as a convenience, the leading gutter guards come in various sizes, shapes and colors that are aesthetically pleasing. They make your home appear clean and tidy because leaves and debris are not piling up and sticking out of the gutters. The use of guards also reduces the likelihood that the debris will attract pests that build nests and cause your home to appear unkempt.
Some leaf gutter guards also sit within your gutters, which are invisible to onlookers. This style will also improve the roof’s ability to remove water safely because it blocks smaller debris from entering the gutter. As the water pools on the ground, it causes unsightly mud, rising damp and facade deterioration which reduces your home’s appearance.
2. They Save You Maintenance Time and Money
Time and money are two things that most homeowners wish they had more of, which is why it is a benefit when they find ways to save both. Most homeowners are forced to either clean their gutters or hire someone two to four times per year as debris and greenery tend to build up quickly. The average cost to hire a gutter cleaner is between $100 and $200 per cleaning. It also takes about four hours to make your way around each side of the house to remove the debris completely from the gutters.
With leaf gutter guard installations, not only will you be able to reduce maintenance costs, but you will also not have to risk going up on the roof to clean them, which will save you time and energy. You also have more time to spend on other home improvement projects while having peace-of-mind knowing the gutter guards are working properly.
3. Prevents Gutter Clogs and Moisture Damage
Your gutters are a critical component for proper rainwater drainage away from your home’s foundation. Gutters connect to downspouts that keep water from pooling on the ground around your home. Without them, the ground around your home becomes susceptible to soil erosion and flooding that causes the sinking of the foundation.
Leaf guards also reduce clogs and moisture levels when proper drainage reduces the moisture levels on the exterior and interior walls of your home. Construction material is often porous which allows moisture to travel through it. It normally occurs at ground level which is why basement flooding often occurs when moisture levels rise. The foundation will begin to deteriorate which will rot, peel, fester, and grow mold very quickly.
The solution that prevents damage is gutter guards. They must also always be kept free of debris so that your home’s aesthetics and upkeep remain in an optimal condition.