Most homeowners don’t think twice about their home’s gutters, and might even assume it’s not necessary to protect them during the year. On the contrary, your home’s gutters play an important role in protecting your home from unforeseen water damage, debris, and more! It’s crucial to protect your gutters, and one of the best ways to do so is by installing gutter guards! But what are gutter covers, and how do they work? Are they worth the investment? Find out more about gutter covers, and why they’re absolutely worth the investment to protect your home!
Gutter covers, also known as gutter guards or gutter screens, are a type of protection system designed to keep debris from clogging up your gutters. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are installed over the top of your existing gutters. These gutter guards are highly customizable, with options to fit different styles and materials of gutters.
For homeowners with trees surrounding their property, gutter covers are a must-have. Leaves, twigs, and other debris often fall onto roofs and into gutters, causing clogs that can lead to water damage and costly repairs. Gutter covers act as a barrier between the outside elements and your gutters, keeping them clean and clear for effective drainage.
Gutter covers work by creating a barrier between your gutters and the elements. Think of a strainer over a sink drain – it allows water to pass through but keeps larger objects from entering. Gutter covers function in a similar way, allowing water to flow through while keeping debris out. They are designed with special features such as small holes or perforations that block larger objects from entering your gutters.
Gutter covers come in various designs and materials, but the most common types include:
Gutter covers have come a long way in recent years and now offer additional features for added convenience and effectiveness. Here are just some of the many additional features you can find to help protect your home even further.
Nothing is worse than having ice dams form in your gutters during the winter. This can lead to water damage and even cause your gutters to collapse. Heated gutter covers come with built-in heating elements that melt frozen precipitation, ensuring proper drainage and preventing ice dams.
For areas with heavy rainfall, high-flow gutter covers are a great option. They have larger openings and can handle more water flow, preventing overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation.
You can now find gutter covers made of foam or plastic that are treated with UV and germicide protection. This helps prevent the growth of mold, algae, and bacteria in your gutters, keeping them clean and free from harmful organisms. Some gutter covers are even fire retardant, adding an extra layer of protection to your home.
The effectiveness of gutter covers depends on the type and quality of cover, as well as proper installation. In general, gutter covers can greatly reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in your gutters, making cleaning much easier and less frequent. They also help prevent clogs and overflowing gutters, which can cause water damage to your home.
However, it’s important to note that no gutter cover is 100% foolproof. Here are some things that can impact how well gutter covers work.
First and foremost, gutter covers must be properly installed to work effectively. If they are not securely attached or if there are any gaps or openings, debris can still enter your gutters and clog them. A roofing contractor or exterior specialist should be hired to ensure proper installation.
In areas with heavy rainfall, gutter covers may not be able to handle the amount of water flow. This can cause overflow and clogs, defeating the purpose of having gutter covers in the first place. Additionally, large and heavy debris such as tree branches or pine cones may still get stuck in the openings of gutter covers, creating blockages. It’s important to get professional help to find the best gutter guard or gutter cover for your area.
Although gutter covers can greatly reduce the amount of debris in your gutters, they still require regular maintenance and cleaning. Over time, small debris such as dirt and leaves may accumulate on top of the covers, blocking water flow and preventing them from working effectively. It’s important to regularly inspect and clean your gutter covers to ensure they are functioning properly.
To get the most out of your gutter covers and protect your home from water damage, it’s important to have them installed correctly and choose the right type for your area. At Hardworking Roofing and Construction, we’re your one-stop shop for exterior home services in Oklahoma City, OK, and beyond! From exterior siding to residential and commercial roof repairs, gutter repair and maintenace, window services, exterior paint services, and more, our team has the expertise and experience to keep your home or business safe and looking its best. Contact us today to get started on installing gutter covers for your home or business!
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