Gutter Screens / Are they worth it?

Keeping your gutters clean is one of those necessary evils that accompany homeownership. It will not only save you time and money by keeping to a gutter cleaning schedule it also helps you avoid any serious problems down the road. Clogged rain gutters can back up water and place unneeded stress along your roof edges. It also can freeze, creating ice dams that can work their way up under roofing materials to create leaks and unsightly drywall damages. It will also cause rapid deterioration to your roof shingles and expedited premature ageing. Hiring a gutter cleaning company may be the better option if you are not used to ladders or afraid of heights.

It is recommended to clean your gutters twice a year. In our hometown, Nashville TN, we would say Mid December and end of March is the best time giving all the leaves on the trees to fall and in March to clear out the system so it will be ready through summer.

Gutters keep water out of your home and away from your foundation, but they can clog and stop working if you don’t regularly clean them. Homeowners who don’t want to climb up a ladder to clean their gutters constantly, can invest in gutter guards. These products don’t eliminate the need for maintenance but significantly decrease how often you have to do it.

There are many different makes and models of gutter screens. Each are installed and cost differently.

Here Are Some Different Types of Gutter Guards

Screen

Screen gutter guards have large holes that keep out leaves and other debris and allows the water to flow inside your gutter pan. You can install them by lifting the bottom row of roof shingles and sliding the edge of the screen underneath it and snap on to the outside lip of the gutter. Screen gutter guards are affordable and easy to install on your own, but they can blow off in windy conditions and become brittle over time. This screen is favorable if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg. Most homes, we have found, these screens can be purchased for right around $100 from your local Home Depot.

Mesh

Mesh guards are typically made of metal or plastic and have small holes that filter water while blocking debris. You can slip them under the bottom row of your roof shingles, snap them directly on top of your gutters, or attach them to the fascia.

These gutter guards are slightly more expensive and more difficult to install than screen guards, but their holes are usually smaller, preventing more debris from clogging your gutters. However, some mesh gutter guard varieties are flimsy, and extreme weather conditions can easily tear or damage them. More importantly, if you are not good about keeping your roof cleaned debris will pile up on the screen and cave it in.

Micro-mesh

Micro-mesh gutter guards are similar to the mesh guards. They have small holes that keep out debris and allow water to flow through them. However, the holes on micro-mesh guards are much smaller than those on regular mesh guards, allowing them to keep out even small debris. While they require professional installation and cost more than DIY gutter guards, they need less maintenance.

Reverse-curved or Surface Tension

Reverse-curve or surface tension gutter guards are made from metal or plastic. Unlike other gutter guards that allow water to flow through the gutter, this type forces water to flow over the gutter and around a downward curve before dropping into the gutter beneath. Leaves and debris then slide off and onto the ground below.

Reverse-curve gutter guards are more difficult to install on your own because they must be positioned at the same angle as your roof, which can be especially tricky for steep roofs. They’re also expensive and visible from the ground. However, they come in various colors and keep out most debris, even in the toughest weather conditions.

Brush

Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners that fit into your gutter. When these guards are in place, large debris collects on top and water trickles down and out through the gutter spout. While this gutter guard type is easy to install, small debris such as pine needles can easily get stuck in the bristles, forcing you to completely remove the gutter guard to shake them out. These work great although they do require annual maintenance.

Foam

Foam gutter guards are another inexpensive and easy-to-install DIY option. They require sticking a wedge of foam into the gutter to keep stuff out. leaves will pile up on top of these screens as well as all, but these do allow great protection to keep the system flowing. These can be purchased at your local Home Depot.

Size

Gutters are most commonly 5 or 6 inches, though 7-inch gutters are sometimes used in locations with heavy rainfall. Measure your gutters before buying gutter guards to ensure they will fit properly.

Appearance

If curb appeal is important to you, choose a guard that either can’t be seen from the ground or comes in a color that matches your gutters color.

Though the best gutter guards don’t eliminate the need for gutter cleaning and maintenance, they simplify the cleaning, decreasing how often you have to do it. Our gutter cleaning and maintenance technicians have analyzed each screen company based on warranties, design, and other services to help you find the best fit for your Nashville home or business. Each screen appears to be great which it is what fits you and your home.

Are Gutter Screens Worth It?

We think they are. They all still require maintenance, but it keeps your guttering system flowing even while debris sits on the screen and roof but it protects gutters from clogs and reduces the risk of expensive damages.