gutter guards

Top Factors To Consider When Buying Gutter Guards

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When it comes to outdoor maintenance, gutters are often the most neglected, leading to clogged gutters. This may seem like a minor problem. However, water spilling over clogged gutters and down the walls of a home can pool on the ground, eventually leading to soil erosion that weakens the foundation. On average, homeowners have to pay around $4,564 to repair such foundation issues. This costly problem can be avoided by cleaning your gutters regularly or investing in gutter guard installation. Gutter guards protect gutters from falling leaves, dust, dirt, and other debris clogging gutters. However, not all of them are created equal. They come in different materials and vary in strengths and features.

To help you make a well-informed choice, here are some key factors to consider when buying gutter guards for your home.

Why Opt for a Gutter Contractor? 

Installing guards on your gutters adds weight to them. To prevent damage to your gutters, it’s advisable to have a trusted gutter contractor in Wisconsin provide you with gutter guard installation and assess if you’ll need additional support brackets.

The contractor will also measure the length and width of your current gutters to determine the correct size of the gutter guard. Buying the wrong size could give poor results, such as inadequate drainage.

In addition to properly sizing and installing gutter guards, a professional contractor can also provide valuable insight into the condition of your existing gutters. They may notice signs of wear and tear or damage that you may have overlooked, which could potentially lead to bigger issues down the road.

Furthermore, hiring a gutter contractor means having access to their expertise and knowledge. For example, they can recommend the best type of gutter guard for your specific needs, whether it be mesh screens or solid covers. They can also offer tips on proper maintenance and upkeep to ensure the longevity of your gutters.

Common Guard Materials

Gutter guards are made from various materials, which make a difference in how effective they are and how long they last. Here are some of the materials used in the manufacture of guards and their average price for 200 linear feet:

  • Plastic: This material is inexpensive and may cost around $80 to $200. While it doesn’t rust or corrode, plastic is susceptible to swelling and cracking.
  • Aluminum: This is often used to make lightweight gutter guards. It costs around $100 to $300. Aluminum isn’t as durable as other materials; however, it can still be an affordable option. However, if your home is close to overhanging trees, we do not recommend this material as the branches may poke through the guard.
  • Foam: While foam is durable and easy to install, it is also a little costly. Prices range from around $400 to $650 for 200 linear feet. Foam is also prone to mold growth because it absorbs water like a sponge. Plus, debris can get trapped in foam gutter guards, creating blockages.
  • Stainless Steel: This material is one of the best choices in terms of durability. However, it tends to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $300 to $700. However, it can resist rust for ten years or more, even in extreme temperatures, making it a wise long-term investment to save you money on repairs.

Gutter Guard Installation

You may be tempted to save time and money by buying gutter guards and installing them yourself. However, going up on the roof to work on your gutters is dangerous. Additionally, you risk installing them incorrectly, which can lead to roof damage. Instead, it’s best to have them installed by a professional.

Although professional installation might seem costly, you won’t have to worry about installing the gutter guards improperly or the dangers of working on the roof. Also, only guards installed by a professional will include a warranty.

Ease of Maintenance

Ultimately, gutter guards cut down on time, energy, and money spent on unclogging gutter and repairing the damage they cause to your home. However, dirt and debris can still build up with most gutter guards, especially after heavy rains.

To make maintenance even more effortless, opt for a gutter protection system like K Guard gutters that require zero upkeep. K Guard will replace your existing gutters with 5-inch gutters and a helmet-like cover guaranteed to keep leaves, dirt, and other possible causes of clogs out.

Gutter Guard Installation Done By Experts

With the wide variety of choices out there, buying gutter guards can be a difficult decision. Don’t make the wrong choice–turn to All Exteriors for K Guard gutter system installation. We install K Guard gutter systems for homeowners throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, and our work comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty. 

If you’re interested in improving your home maintenance with gutter guard installation, contact us today to learn more.