Your residential roof is one of the most important features of your home. Without it, your family and belongings would be exposed to damage from the elements. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of regular maintenance and keep your rooftop clean. One way to do that is to consider gutter guards to keep water flowing and draining properly.
Having your gutters cleaned regularly is one way to accomplish this. You may be wondering if gutter guards are more cost-effective than hiring a roofing contractor. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of gutter guards for your residential roof.
Pros Of Gutter Guards
Let’s start with some of the benefits gutter guards can have for your home:
Helps Avoid Clogging The Downspouts
Clogged downspouts can cause water to overflow the gutters, which can lead to leaking. Gutter guards can direct leaves and other debris away from your home so water doesn’t seep into the foundation.
Makes Your Roof Easier To Maintain
Gutters are easier to keep clean when there’s less debris collecting in them. That’s what gutter guards help to accomplish. You’ll have to clean the gutters less frequently, allowing you to focus on other housing projects.
Cons Of Gutter Guards
To help you make an informed decision, here are some commonly reported cons of gutter guards:
There Is No Perfect Gutter System For Every Property
The success of gutter guards depends on the type of roof you have. A residential roof that is poorly designed or has too much surface area would require a special kind of gutter system that may not work well with guards. Ask your local roofing contractor whether gutter guards will work with the type of roof your home has.
Covered Gutters Can Slow Down Water Flow
Gutters that are covered may not get filled with debris, but the water flow can decrease significantly. However, this depends on the type of debris your gutters are most commonly filled with: leaves, pine needles, etc. Choosing the wrong type of gutter guard can worsen an existing problem rather than solve it. Depending on the type of trees in your yard, your roofing contractor may recommend a certain type of gutter guard, if one is recommended at all.
Different Types Of Gutter Guards
There are hundreds of gutter guards to choose from. For simplicity’s sake, here are two popular types:
Screen Gutter Guards
Made from wire grids or plastic, these gutter guards allow for water flow while preventing outside materials from getting into your gutter system. The holes in the cover will keep out larger leaves but may still allow pine needles and smaller natural objects to get through. These gutter guards may work for your roof, depending on the trees you have near your home.
Micromesh Gutter Guards
These guards, made from fine mesh, lay directly on the gutter, preventing large objects from obstructing the gutter system. This helps your gutters stay clean for a significant period of time, reducing the amount of maintenance involved. The material is fine enough to even stop pollen from getting into the gutters.
Gutter Guards And More For Your Residential Roof
At ABC Roofing, we understand the importance of a healthy, well-made roof. We also understand wanting to make rooftop maintenance as smooth and easy as possible. Gutter guards could help do that, depending on the type of roof you have. To learn more about gutter guards and other roofing services we offer in the South Florida area, call today at 954-344-4622.
