The Top 5 Reasons You Should Add Leaf Guards to Your Gutters

Whether you are considering leaf guards as part of a new gutter and downspout project or a retrofit to you existing gutters, these engineering wonders can be worth their weight in gold when you add up the many benefits. Although the list of leaf guard pros is long, we thought we’d give our top 5 reasons to invest in leaf guards for your home.

Learn more below.

1. Prevent Clogging:
o Reduced Maintenance: Leaf guards prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering and clogging your gutters. This minimizes the need for frequent cleaning, saving you time and effort.
o Avoid Overflow: By keeping gutters clear, leaf guards ensure that rainwater can flow freely through the gutter system and away from your home, preventing overflow. Build-up of leaves and debris can also clog downspouts, which is a significant problem that cannot be solved by simply cleaning out the gutters later. When this occurs, even clean gutters won’t avoid overflowing water because there is nowhere for the water to drain. This can be prevented from the start by adding leaf guards.

2. Protect Against Water Damage:
o Foundation Protection: Properly functioning gutters direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around the foundation, leading to potential cracks, erosion, and structural damage over time.
o Prevent Damage: Standing water in clogged gutters can seep into adjoining areas, such as roofing materials, fascia, soffit, and siding. Leaf guards help maintain the integrity of these important areas and the overall gutter system by ensuring effective water drainage.

3. Reduce Pest Infestations:
o Deter Insects and Rodents: Accumulated debris in gutters can create a breeding ground for insects, such as mosquitoes, and attract rodents and birds looking for nesting materials. Leaf guards help prevent this by keeping the gutters clean and free of debris. In addition, because leaf guards completely cover the top of the gutters, birds and other animals won’t be able to build nests inside.
o Avoid Mold and Mildew: Stagnant water in clogged gutters can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can spread to the roof and walls of your home. Leaf guards help mitigate this risk by promoting proper water flow and drainage.

4. Extend Gutter Longevity:
o Prevent Leaks: Wet debris sitting in the gutters can put additional strain on joints and caulking causing them to deteriorate more rapidly over time. Leaf guards
reduce the amount of debris that enters the gutters, helping to prolong their lifespan.
o Maintain Overall Structural Integrity: By preventing debris buildup, leaf guards reduce the strain and weight on your gutters, reducing the risk of sagging, warping, or detachment from the house.

5. Enhance Safety:
o Reduce Ladder Use: Cleaning gutters often involves climbing ladders, which can be hazardous, especially for older homeowners or those not comfortable with heights. Leaf guards minimize the need for frequent gutter cleaning, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
o Professional Installation: Opting for professional installation of leaf guards ensures they are securely fitted and functioning correctly, providing you with peace of mind and further enhancing safety.

Although not on the list above, another factor worth considering is the inherent added value leaf guards offer, especially if you might sell your home at some point. Potential buyers will certainly appreciate the value and convenience of leaf guards. And this could very well be a positive differentiating factor when your home is on the market.

By installing leaf guards on your gutters, you can protect your home from potential damage, reduce maintenance efforts, and enhance overall safety, making them a very worthwhile investment. Contact us today for a free estimate.