5 Things to Look for in a Gutter Protection System

By Chelsea Welsh, Gutter Helmet.

If a homeowner decides they never want to clean their gutters again, they have two choices: either plan on paying someone to do it regularly, or invest in gutter guards.

In the end, most homeowners decide that gutter guards are the most economical and effective option. Here are the considerations they will need to discuss.

Material

Consider the material first. The most common options are aluminum, vinyl, galvanized steel and foam. If they’re looking for longevity and cost isn’t an issue, they should consider galvanized steel or aluminum.

Style

Gutter covers come in many different styles. Fine mesh screen gutter guards are often made of aluminum and sit on top of gutters. They’re easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Perforated gutter covers are almost always metal and sit on the gutters. The cheapest option is an in-gutter foam system that absorbs water while blocking leaves from entering the gutter. The most expensive is the all-in-one gutter that is both the gutter and gutter cover. This isn’t a style many homeowners consider unless they’re already planning to replace their gutters.

Existing Gutters

There will be some added weight on the gutters when installing any type of gutter protection. Look at the current gutters and evaluate if they need additional support brackets. Fine mesh screen gutter guards are very lightweight and generally don’t cause an issue. Although foam is lightweight, depending on the product it can hold a lot of water and become very heavy – especially if it freezes in the winter.

Installation

When installing a product that affixes to the home’s roofline, it’s important to make sure that the installation won’t inadvertently void the homeowner’s roofing warranty.

Warranty/Guarantee

Not all gutter protection comes with a warranty or guarantee. Typically only those systems installed by a professional gutter installer include a warranty. The warranty should cover installation-related issues and materials for many years. Of course, the guarantee should state that the homeowner will never have to clean their gutters again.

When it comes to the best gutter guards for steep roofs, nothing is better than Gutter Helmet®. Our patented design keeps debris out of your gutter while making sure water flows into the gutter and away from your foundation. If you’re ready to learn about the many advantages of becoming a Gutter Helmet dealer, contact us.

Source: Gutter Helmet