As a responsible Nashville homeowner, the allure of gutter guards may seem like the ultimate solution to a common problem: clogged gutters. With their promise of low maintenance and pristine gutters, gutter guards have surged in popularity in recent years. However, there's one question that often lingers unanswered: do gutters with gutter guards still need cleaning? In this extensive guide by Window Ninjas, we'll explore the real benefits of having gutter guards, the necessity for regular cleaning, and the common issues you might face. If you have any questions or want to schedule a professional gutter cleaning, call us today at 615-988-6699 or visit our website windowninjas.com. Without any further delay, let's discuss gutter guards in-depth.

The Basics of Gutter Guards

Before diving into the true need for maintenance, let's ensure we're on the same page about what gutter guards are. Gutter guards, also known as gutter screens, are coverings designed to prevent debris from entering your gutter system. They come in various types, including mesh, reverse curve, and bottle brush, but they all serve to keep leaves, twigs, and pests out while allowing water to flow through easily. Gutter guards are hailed for their preventive role, which is crucial. By keeping foreign objects from cluttering your gutters, they ensure that water always moves unobstructed towards the downspout. Their installation can save you the time and effort typically spent on regular gutter maintenance. The effectiveness of gutter guards hinges on proper installation. It's not just about laying them out right, but ensuring they are secure and fit to prevent the undesired accumulation of debris underneath them. An improperly installed guard might do the opposite of what it was intended for, trapping debris and water in the gutter. This would lead to major clogs that may even damage your property.

Benefits of Gutter Guards

Incorporating gutter guards into your home's exterior offers several notable benefits that are hard to overlook.

• Blocking Debris

Leaves and pine needles are no match for the right kind of gutter guard. They drastically reduce the amount of debris that would typically find its way into your gutters. While they reduce the amount however, debris will still slowly find its way into your gutters, just at a slower and more manageable rate.

• Clog Prevention

Gutter guards significantly lower the risk of blockages by minimizing the collection of small and large particles, which could lead to the need for more frequent and thorough cleanings. As stated above though, guards will only reduce the amount of particles and debris that accumulate. There isn't a foolproof way to keep things out indefinitely unfortunately.

• Longevity for Your Gutters

Clean gutters are happy gutters. By minimizing the amount of debris that sits and decomposes in your gutter system, guards contribute to a longer life for your gutters. New gutter installation can be very expensive, so minimizing the strain on them is very important.

Do Guards Eliminate the Need for Cleaning?

While gutter guards do reduce the frequency of cleaning significantly, they don't eradicate the need for it entirely. The need for cleaning still exists and is largely dependent on where you live. Heavy foliage and wind patterns can still lead to a buildup of organic material that needs to be removed to ensure the proper function of your gutters. Pine straw especially is hard to entirely prevent from entering due to its small and slender shape. Even with guards in place, you should still plan on inspecting your gutters annually and conducting light maintenance. This includes checking for any blockages or signs of overflow and ensuring the guards themselves are in good condition. If you do find yourself needing to clean gutters with guards, there are special considerations to keep in mind. You cannot use just any method that would be suitable for unguarded gutters, as you might cause damage to the guards or, worse, your roof. The method of cleaning will depend on the type of gutter guard on your property, so it is important to know your hardware.

Common Issues with Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can actually present their own set of challenges. Knowing how to navigate these issues will ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of this addition to your home. Over time, guards can still become covered in fine silt and small particles, reducing their efficiency. Regular checks and maintenance should address this, ensuring that your guards can continue to do their job well. Certain types of guard systems can also interrupt the flow of water, especially during heavy rainfall. It's important to choose a guard that does not impede water flow or to plan for a design that counters this potential effect. While guards are great for deterring most common pests, some rodents and insects can still find their way in and even make themselves a home. Regular checks can help identify and resolve these issues before they escalate, but it is something to keep in mind.

Final Thoughts

Gutter guards are undoubtedly beneficial in maintaining the efficiency of your Nashville home's gutter system. They reduce the frequency of needed cleanings and can prolong the life of your gutters as a whole. However, they are not a universal solution for clogged gutters and it is best to know that going in. Regular observation and light maintenance are still recommended, and a professional cleaning service is still necessary to ensure everything is functioning as it should. So, while the investment in gutter guards is sound, it should not replace the ongoing attention that your gutters require. After all, a little bit of maintenance now can save you a lot of hassle later on. Still have some questions about gutter guards? Feel free to contact our professional team at Window Ninjas! We are happy to assist you in any capacity we can, and if you'd like to schedule a professional gutter cleaning, we are the pros to do it. Reach us today by phone at 615-988-6699 or visit our website windowninjas.com. Back to All Posts