What are gutter covers?
Water is a major cause of damage to a home. When water is allowed to collect and accumulate too close to a home, damage to the foundation and structure can result. When it does occur, water damage is often extensive and can be expensive to repair. Water gutters and downspouts are therefore an integral part of a home’s design and it is important that they effectively and adequately direct the flow of water away from a home. A home’s drainage system works best when the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, allowing water to flow without obstruction. However, the exterior location and open design of gutters make them prone and susceptible to debris accumulation. It is therefore important for a homeowner to regularly inspect the rain gutters and downspouts for obstructions and clean them when necessary. Unfortunately, the process of doing this can be time consuming and dangerous. Gutter covers can reduce the amount of times a homeowner will need to check and clean the gutters and dow
These covers are either a screen or a solid covering that fits right on top of your existing gutter system. They allow the water in, but keep the debris out. What types work best? Choosing the right type of gutter cover really comes down to your budget. If you are looking for the least expensive route, a gutter screen is your best option. These screens are cut to fit the length of your gutter and easily attach over it. For those with a higher budget you can buy systems such as Gutter Helmet, Rainhandle R or PermFlow Gutter Guard System to name just a few. These gutter systems have proven effective, but they can cost upwards of $15-$20 a foot installed. Gutter Helmet is one system that must be professionally installed. They do not allow you to do-it-yourself. What are the drawbacks? Any cover can still have problems at times, Gutter screens can still become clogged and cause problems while other systems can become loose over the course of time, although this is not the “norm”. All in al
Gutter covers/Gutter Guard protects the gutter and downspout from falling leaves and other tree debris. This is important because gutters become clogged and allow water to over flow causing dirt erosion and wet basements. Or the gutter becomes to full and begin to pull away from the fascia board. • Why does ice form in my gutters? This is called an “ice dam”. Melting snow often refreezes where the surface is colder. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter and water backs up under the shingles and seeps into the exterior walls. The build up of ice and snow could destroy your gutter. It is also important to keep gutter cleared of debris to help eliminate damming.
