Simply put, leaf gutter guards are a cover that goes over your gutter. The cover allows water to get into your gutters while keeping the bulk of the debris out. Gutter guards can be a great way to reduce the amount of maintenance that your gutters require.

Here are a few things that you should know.

DIY’er’s(Do It Yourself) Recommended gutter guard types and accessories.
*Buy NOW: A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard 5″ https://amzn.to/35fynd8
*BUY NOW: Shur Flo X Leaf Guard Gutter Protector https://amzn.to/35h0jgJ
*Recommended Brackets https://amzn.to/35jbGov
*Gutter Seal for leaking seams https://amzn.to/2nAPN32
*ladder stabilizer for safety https://amzn.to/2LYCHpE
*5 Gallon Bucket for debris https://amzn.to/31YKJnS
*Hook for ladder clips to bucket https://amzn.to/2M0qeBW
*Ladder can be picked up at your local hardware store:)
*Gutter Installation tool set https://amzn.to/2AYt7fW
*Inside miter, gutter corner https://amzn.to/30VWiLr
*Outside Miter, Gutter Corner https://amzn.to/30YdTlY
*End Caps, Right and Left https://amzn.to/31VWRGh
*Outlets 2 3/4 https://amzn.to/2p8vcUc

Gutter Cleaning Exact List:
*Trash Bags Heavy Duty https://amzn.to/35hBUYB
*ladder stabilizer for safety https://amzn.to/2LYCHpE
*5 Gallon Bucket for debris https://amzn.to/31YKJnS
*Hook for ladder clips to bucket https://amzn.to/2M0qeBW
*Extension Pole https://amzn.to/2OxpcyQ
*Echo Blower https://amzn.to/2AUvZuu
*Bungee Cords for Ladder https://amzn.to/30XBBPf
*16’ Extension Ladder https://amzn.to/35hDXvL
*Pole Scraper https://amzn.to/2B1r8Yc

What Are Gutter Guards? Gutter Guard Types?

Gutter covers come in different styles, and not all gutter guards are created equal. Gutter guards that cover the gutter completely can be difficult to remove, and gutter guards with large, diamond shaped holes can let a lot of debris in, especially in the spring.

Some gutter guards are foam inserts that actually go inside of the gutter. Unfortunately debris can still end up trapped in these gutters and clogs can still happen, with this type first thing that comes to mind is a fish filter these will have to be cleaned.

A. Gutters will need to be cleaned.

B. Gutter guard will also need to be cleaned.

C. The top of the gutter guard WILL need to be blown off in certain area’s were wind is and isn’t restricted.

Reverse curve type this is the solid gutter cover with the front curve. Water runs across the top of the gutter with Debra, once the water goes onto the front curve the Debra separates from the water. So the Debra falls to the ground and the water goes into the gutter and down the downspout. The downsides with this system is the front of the gutter has a one inch opening.  Sometimes Debra will work its way into the large opening in the front of the gutter. This happens more if a tree is at the front of the gutter and less if the Debra is coming from the back of the gutter.  Meaning with the branches past the gutter extending over the roof those leaves will fall hit the roof and separate from the water at the curve, sometimes but rare the Debra will not separate from the water during separation at the reverse curve. Now the branches in the front of the gutter those leaves will fall and some will work there way into the gutter especially the smaller seed pods.   The second biggest downside is during heavy rains some water will over shot the gutter guard especially after the gutter guard has aged.

A. Gutters will eventually need to be cleaned.

B. Water-loss during heavy rain.

C. Almost Impossible to clean if gutter guard becomes clogged.

D. Prone to Wasp nest, bees love this type of gutter guard.

Micro-mesh. The holes in these guards are so fine that they trap very little debris, but all of the water can still get into the gutter. They are also very easy to remove depending on the system. The downside with this type of gutter guard is over time the micro filter will slowly become clogged/restricted and they require good wind and rain to keep the tops of the gutter guard clean.

A. Gutters will not need to be cleaned.

B. The micro mesh will routinely need to be cleaned, eventually the micro mesh will become restricted.

C. The top of the gutter guard could possible need to be blown off in certain area’s were wind is restricted.

Last type we will discuss is the aluminum circular hole type, like Leaf Relief, GutterRX & Shur Flo gutter guards. With experience this type is the most recommended. Reasons they are the most affordable half the price they are made from aluminum and the holes are not to fine, to where they could become clogged. Downside they need a good wind to keep the tops of them clean.

A. Gutters will not need to be cleaned

B. The top of the gutter guard could possible need to be blown off in certain area’s were wind is restricted.

So Do Gutter Guards Work?

Gutter guards work under some very specific conditions.

First, gutter guards work only if you get the right type.

Second, gutter covers work only if you maintain them. Don’t listen to sales representatives who tell you that gutters can keep you from having to think about your gutters ever again.

Instead, be aware that you’ll want to occasionally have to clean the organic debris from the top of the gutter guards. This is easily done with a scrub brush attached to the end of a fiber glass or aluminum pole. Now this is area’s were wind is restricted, so wind restricted ares could possible need to be cleaned this can easily be determined with a routine visual check.

If a cleaning is determined to be needed  use an extension pole and brush witch can be found online by doing a google search or visiting your local hardware store. The advantage of using a pole is that you don’t have to risk getting up on a ladder to do the cleaning as often, since this is a common way that homeowners get hurt. You can simply maintain the gutters from the ground if applicable with the right brush extension.

The other advantage is that the job will take less time. You should do it every fall and every spring if applicable.  Key is doing a routine visual check, witch takes minutes. If cleaning is needed The task should only take an hour or so and not your entire afternoon.

If you would like to explore the benefits of gutter guards for your home just click the link above for a complete list a gutter guard installers in your local area. The link will take you to an online directory with every known gutter contractor in the USA the list can be narrowed down to your local are by using your local zip code.  You can receive a free, timely estimate so you can spend less time on your ladder and more time doing things that you enjoy doing!

Regards,

Everything Gutter | 2 days ago