If your home does not have covered gutters, it's worth considering gutter guard options. Keeping your gutters clean ensures proper drainage of rain runoff to avoid damage to your home's foundation. If you're interested in learning more about gutter guard options, here are some of the basic facts to know:
Although a covered gutter can't necessarily guarantee you'll be free of issues, it can greatly reduce the amount of time spent cleaning and maintaining your drainage system.
A gutter guard helps in protecting a drainage system from water damage and prevents the spread of waste. Leaves, weeds, feathers and other debris can clog the gutter system quickly and hinder drainage.
Pest populations are also attracted to dripping, dirty gutters and will pose additional risk to your walls, roof and drainage. Installing gutter guards is a simple way to avoid unwanted issues and keep your drainage system clear.
Some gutter guards are made of material meant to trap debris while allowing water to slice through. Micro mesh gutter guards and screen gutter guards are both examples of this concept.
There are also surface tension gutter guards made of metal or plastic, which direct the flow of debris out of the gutter entirely. Surface tension gutter guards, also called reverse curve gutter guards, are generally more costly and trickier to install. Mesh and screen gutter guard varieties are DIY-friendly, affordable and available in dozens of styles and strengths.
If your home is only one story tall, installing gutter guards is a relatively simple process requiring basic tools. However, it's safer to opt for professional installation if your gutters are higher than one story.
Gutter maintenance is a key part of protecting your home from the wear and tear of the elements. By using gutter guards, you can avoid serious clogs and make your own home maintenance job much simpler.
Stephanie Englund Siegel is a successful Realtor with Compass. She was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Living in the city for over almost 20 years has given Stephanie the in depth knowledge of many neighborhoods. Stephanie feels that Chicago's culturally diverse residents are what contribute to the richness and quality of life in its neighborhoods. Before joining the Compass Family, she worked as a paralegal for a real estate attorney which gave her the knowledge about every step in a transaction. From the very beginning of the process all the way to the end, Stephanie is dedicated to her clients and the success of the transaction so both parties get a win-win. Stephanie serves real estate needs in the following neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Loop, West Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, River north, Lincoln Square, Wrigleyville, Ravenswood, Greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.
