Gutters
Do Gutter Guards Really Work?
  
by Amelia Gray
 
Are you getting sick of the hassle and danger of cleaning out clogged gutters every year? Tired of hauling out the ladder every time a big storm rolls through? Protective gutter guards could be the answer to your gutter problems.
Gutter guards come highly recommended by installers and homeowners alike. But not all gutter guards are created equal. Vinyl gutter guards are easy to install, but can allow smaller leaves and debris to enter the gutter. Makers of micro-mesh guards claim to keep more debris out, but could require some additional installation.
 
Gutter Guards Offer Long-Term Protection
Montana's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) notes a strong recommendation for gutter guards: "Because twigs, pine needles, and leaves can clog gutters and downspouts, the use of gutter guards that are made of one-quarter to one-half-inch hardware cloth screen is highly recommended."The NRCS further warns against gutter problems causing erosion and long-term drainage problems that can ruin your home's topsoil and roof."
 
Trust GutterGuardInstallation to the Pros
The thought of spending your weekend on an unwieldy gutter installation project may inspire dread in even expert do-it-yourselfers. However, the time and energy involved in an installation isn't the only reason why you should trust a professional to your next gutter project.
Proper gutter installation requires specialized tools and an expert level of knowledge. Your existing shingles are installed to shield themselves from wind and other elements, and poor gutter installation can mean voiding your roof's warranty, leading to expensive repairs. "Professional installers know the tricks," says nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Tim Carter. "Lowering gutters is usually not a do-it-yourself project, so consider that when you are thinking about this job."
If you decide to go with a professional for your gutter guard installation, avoid inexperienced gutter companies. Instead, go for trusted gutter contractors with a good track record of successful installations in your area.
 
About the Author:
Amelia Gray is a freelance writer in Austin, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and an MFA from Texas State University.
 
Sources:
Tim Carter     Ask the Builder     

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