Do You Still Have to Clean Your Gutters if You Install Leaf Guards?

1. Do You Still Have to Clean Your Gutters if You Install Leaf Guards? If you ask a group of homeowners what they think about leaf guards, 90% will tell you that they’re one of the handiest inventions in existence today. They are excellent when it comes to preventing unnecessary gutter maintenance, and they do a great job of preventing gutter clogs that can ruin your whole day. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is “Do I still have to clean my gutters if I install leaf guards?” The answer varies, and you can learn more here. What Leaf Guards Do Leaf guards are designed to do exactly what their names imply – guard leaves and prevent them from entering the gutter system. For the most part, they do a very good job of it. When you choose the right type for your unique needs, and when you install them properly, they can last for years and prevent not just clogs, but also animal infestations. Some of the different types of leaf guards include: Standard guards: These act much like a screen that fits over your existing gutter to block everything from leaves and twigs to acorns, berries, and more. Mesh guards: Mesh guards are a bit finer than their standard counterparts, which makes them the best choice for homeowners who need to block things like pine needles. Micro mesh guards:For even finer debris, homeowners might choose to install micro mesh, instead. It’s just like traditional mesh, but the holes are much smaller. Hood guard: A hood fits over the gutter but does not have holes like standard or mesh guards. Rather, it relies on water’s surface tension to move water over a curved edge and into a very slight opening – far too small for leaves and debris. Filter guards: Finally, filter guards fit inside your gutters and are made of a foam-like material. These do a great job of keeping fine debris out of the system, but because they do slow the flow of water inside the gutter, they are not ideal for locations with high rates of heavy rainfall. Gutter Maintenance with a Leaf Guard in Place The truth is that your gutters are never 100% maintenance-free, even with the best and most effective leaf guard in existence installed. You won’t have to do maintenance as frequently, and your maintenance won’t be as involved, but you will still need to clean your gutters from time to time. Some leaf guards are hinged so you can simply open them up and clean the gutters, but others may need to be completely removed. To put this into perspective, you may need to clean your gutters three or four times a year (or even more) without a guard, but with one – and with the right one – you should find yourself cleaning your gutters once a year. In summary, though you will still need to clean your gutters even with a leaf guard installed, the cleaning process will be much simpler, and as long as you choose the right gutter guard for your needs, you will probably only need to do it once a year. To learn more about various gutter guards and to pick the right one for you, check out the selection at GutterSupply.com.