November 2017 - Gutterman of TN

How Do Gutter Guards Work?

Homeowners looking to eliminate the chore of cleaning the gutters surely have come across advertisements for gutter guards meant to keep the debris out of the gutters. If these gutter guards — and the thought of never cleaning your gutters again — appeals to you then read this. You won’t have to wonder if gutter guards work and if they work as well as manufacturers claim. How Do Gutter Guards Work - Nashville TN - Gutterman of TN

How Gutter Guards Work

There are several types of gutter guard systems. All are meant to deflect debris off of your gutters so that water can flow freely through the gutters season after season. Some of these gutter guards can be fitted to your existing gutters, while other types of gutter guards require removal of the gutters for installation, entirely new gutters or installation underneath your roofing.

Types of Gutter Guards

The primary types of gutter guards include:

Reverse-curve gutter guards. Reverse-curve gutter guards cover the top of the gutter entirely. The top of the gutter guard curves around the front edge of the gutter inward toward the gutter opening. The premise of reverse-curve gutter guards is that water will create surface tension over the curve of the gutter. While leaves and debris pour off of the gutter, water follows the curve of the gutter guard around until it falls into the gutter itself. The primary problem with reverse-curve gutter guards is that the reverse-curve can become overwhelmed by heavy rain so that water just floods over the guard. With many models, small debris, like seeds and pods, still make their way into the gutters.
Screening. Screen-based gutter guards are often attached to existing gutters. They feature screening with round or diamond-shaped holes. While water can enter the gutters through the gutter-guard openings, debris can’t. Most screen-based gutter guards feature holes that are small enough to keep out leaves and large debris, but large enough to allow pine needles, seed pods and other small debris in, which means that they eventually will have to be removed so the gutters can be cleared.
Inserts. There also are gutter inserts that are meant to keep debris from entering the gutters while allowing water through. These include brushes and foam. Like screening, these inserts can help to lower the frequency of gutter cleaning by keeping out large debris, but they do allow debris to accumulate in the gutter over time.

The Mesh Gutter Guard Difference

The one type of gutter guard that shows, time and again, that it can keep out debris of all sizes while still allowing water entry to the gutter is mesh gutter guards. Mesh gutter guards are made from a super-fine stainless steel mesh. The mesh is small enough to keep out any debris that could clog gutters, but water still enters the gutters even in the heaviest rains or snow melts. Most mesh gutter guards can be installed over your existing gutters and don’t interfere with your roof.

If you’re looking for gutter guards that truly work to keep debris out of the gutters while safely whisking water away from your home, call The Gutterman of TN! We install SafeGuard micromesh gutter guards that will protect your gutters from debris year after year.

When is it Time for a Gutter Replacement?

Gutters can last for decades, which means that most often, the homeowners who replace them aren’t the same homeowners who installed them. And because homeowners often don’t know when their gutters were installed, or what sort of abuse they’ve endured over the years, it can be difficult to know when to replace them. There are some signs your gutters, or your home might be sent to let you know when it’s time for a gutter replacement.

Cracked or Separating Gutters

Cracks in the gutters, or separation at gutter seams, are an obvious sign that gutters are failing and need to be replaced. When gutters are cracked, water leaks easily through them and gathers around your home, where it can cause damage. While there are ways to repair cracked gutters, it most often isn’t worth the time, energy or money. If your gutters are cracked or pulling apart at the seams, it’s likely time to replace your gutters.

Peeling Paint or Rotting Wood

Your gutters are one of your home’s primary defense mechanisms from water damage. If you notice water damage on the exterior of your home, it can almost always be traced back to failing gutters. Paint peeling from your home’s siding or woodwork, or rotting on your home’s fascia, is a good indication that your gutters are due for replacement.

Sagging Gutters

Cold winters and debris gathering in the gutters put stress on your gutter system. Over time, that stress causes your gutter supports to fail. Your gutters will begin to pull away from your roofline. If gutters aren’t flush with the roofline, they’ll no longer be in a position to collect rainwater as it pours down your roof. If your gutters are sagging away from the roofline, it might be a sign that your gutters are due to be replaced.

Mold, Mildew or Moisture in Your Basement

Believe it or not, failing or faulty gutter systems are often to blame for moisture in your basement. That’s because it’s the job of your gutters to gather water from your roof and deposit it safely away from your home and your home’s foundation. Replacing your gutters can reduce moisture and flooding in your basement and save your home from serious water and foundation damage.

Damaged Landscaping

If your landscape is washing away, you need to look upward toward your gutters. If gutters are failing, they will overflow or fail to hold water, which can send rainwater cascading down onto your landscaping, washing it away. Don’t ignore water-damaged landscaping; inspect the gutters above to make sure that your gutters aren’t in need of replacement.

If your gutters are telling you that they need to be replaced, call The Gutterman of TN! The Gutterman can outfit your home with replacement gutters that will keep your home safe from water damage for decades to come.

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