Debunking Common Gutter Guard Myths
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Gutter guards have become a popular solution for homeowners looking to reduce the maintenance needs of their gutter systems. However, misconceptions about their functionality and effectiveness continue. Dimitri Balanyuk, president at PDX Roof Care LLC, with over a decade of experience in exterior home care with a goal to increase every homes lifespan aims to clarify these misunderstandings by debunking the most common gutter guard myths, providing insights based on industry knowledge, expert opinions, and technological advancements in gutter protection.
Dimirti Balanyuk
Over 12 years of industry knowledge.
400+ Five-Star reviews
3200+ homes maintained
Myth 1: Gutter Guards Eliminate the Need for Gutter Cleaning
Reality
While gutter guards significantly reduce the amount of debris that enters gutters, they do not completely eliminate the need for cleaning. Over time, small particles like pine needles, seed pods, or roof shingle granules can accumulate in gutters. Although cleaning frequency is drastically reduced, occasional maintenance is still necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Myth 2: All Gutter Guards Are the Same
Reality
The market offers a wide variety of gutter guard types, each designed with different materials and for different purposes. Options range from simple foam inserts and brush types to more sophisticated micro-mesh and surface tension models. Each type has its unique benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial to select a gutter guard that suits your specific environmental conditions and roofing system.
Myth 3: Gutter Guards Cause Ice Dams in Winter
Reality
Ice dams are formed by the cycle of melting and refreezing snow on the roof, not by gutter guards themselves. Properly installed gutter guards can actually facilitate smoother water flow away from the roof and through the gutters, potentially reducing the conditions that lead to ice dam formation. Adequate attic insulation and roof ventilation are critical in preventing ice dams.
Myth 4: Gutter Guards Are Too Expensive and Not Worth the Investment
Reality
The initial cost of purchasing and installing gutter guards can be offset by the savings on regular gutter cleaning services and repairs from water damage. By protecting your gutters from clogs and ensuring efficient water flow, gutter guards can extend the lifespan of your gutter system and protect your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping, providing long-term value.
Myth 5: Installing Gutter Guards Will Void My Roof Warranty
Reality
Many homeowners worry that adding gutter guards will void their roof’s warranty. However, this concern is largely unfounded. Most gutter guard systems are designed to be installed without interfering with your roof shingles or structure. It’s essential to choose the right type of guard and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to avoid any issues. Still, checking with your roofing manufacturer or consulting a professional installer can provide peace of mind.
Gutter guards offer a practical solution to reduce gutter maintenance and enhance home protection against water damage. By debunking these common myths, homeowners can make informed decisions based on facts rather than misconceptions. When considering gutter guards, it’s important to research different types, consult with industry experts, and select a product that aligns with your home’s specific needs. With the right choice and proper installation, gutter guards can be a valuable addition to any home, providing efficiency and peace of mind through the years.
With gutter guards cleaning frequency is drastically reduced; however, occasional maintenance is still necessary to ensure optimal performance.
There are 6 most common types of gutter guards, each type has its unique benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial to select a gutter guard that suits your specific environmental conditions and roofing system.
Properly installed gutter guards can actually facilitate smoother water flow away from the roof and through the gutters, potentially reducing the conditions that lead to ice dam formation.
Depending of your area gutter guards can be worth the investment by protecting your gutters from clogs and ensuring efficient water flow, gutter guards can extend the lifespan of your gutter system and protect your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping, providing long-term value.
It’s essential to choose the right type of guard and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to avoid any issues. Still, checking with your roofing manufacturer or consulting a professional installer can provide peace of mind.
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