5 Things to Look for in Reliable Gutter Guards
It’s important to note that not all gutter guards are created equal. Each vary in design, the cost of gutter covers, and how they are installed on your home. These variations can make all the difference when searching for an effective debris-blocking solution.
When choosing the best gutter covers for your home, there are various factors that you should be aware. Look for these four things to find a reliable gutter guard system.
1. No Large Holes, Gaps, or Openings
Some gutter guards have large holes, gaps, or openings, which will still allow debris to enter and clog your gutters. This can create even more headaches, as homeowners will be required to remove the gutter guard in order to clean the inside of the gutter.
LeafFilter Gutter Protection is made out of a micromesh and features no large holes, gaps, or openings. The system features the most effective debris blocking technology in order to keep your gutters clear and clog free year-round.
2. The Cost of Gutter Covers
While it’s important to consider the cost of gutter covers, it’s also important to not cheap out. While DIY solutions from Lowe’s and Home Depot are inexpensive, they are usually not a long-term solution. In fact, many homeowners will be required to replace their ineffective DIY gutter system within a matter of months.
When choosing the best gutter covers for your home, be sure to look at the product’s technology and quality, in addition to the cost of gutter covers.
3. How is the Gutter Cover Installed
Gutter covers can be installed in many different ways, however, some gutter guards require installation under your first row of shingles.
Installing gutter guards under your first row of shingles is never a good idea.
This creates three very serious issues:
- Installing gutter guards under your first row of shingles can void your roof warranty.
- The pitch of your gutter guards will be dependent on the slope of your roof. A higher pitched roof will create a steeper gutter guard, and can result in water overshooting.
- Water can get under your shingles, resulting in expensive water-related issues including roof leaks and moisture in your attic.
LeafFilter’s system installs right on top of your existing gutters and will never disturb your shingles. In fact, LeafFilter is installed at the same 11 degree angle every time to ensure debris is diverted over the edge, while water is pulled through your gutters and diverted away from your home.
4. Type of Warranty Included
If you are deciding between a DIY product and a professionally installed gutter cover, one noticeable difference is the warranty that is included. Many times, DIY gutter toppers will not include a warranty or guarantee. This is because DIY gutter covers are temporary solutions, lasting only a few years before they need to be replaced.
Professionally installed gutter systems offer some type of warranty or guarantee. When reviewing a gutter guard product, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How long is the coverage? 10 years, 20 years, lifetime?
- Is the warranty transferable if I happen to sell my home?
- Will anything void my warranty?
- Does it guarantee that my gutter won’t clog or that the company will clean my gutters?
The last question is of particular importance. If a gutter guard company guarantees that they will clean your gutters if they clog, they are acknowledging that your gutters will clog. Products that offer this type of guarantee are aware of their system’s inefficiency.
5. Do I need new gutters?
Some gutter guards require you to purchase all new gutters — even if you have brand new gutters! This can cost thousands of unnecessary dollars.
LeafFilter installs right on top of your existing gutters, saving you thousands of dollars. If your gutters happen to be in rough shape, we can install new gutters at the very same time that LeafFilter is installed on your home.
To learn more about LeafFilter Gutter Protection, explore our product or learn how more about our installation process.
