Winter rain and strong winds can be a nightmare for homeowners as they often result in debris gathering in your property’s gutters which then cause drainage problems. Anything from moss, insects, and leaves to general household rubbish can end up in the gutters and cause problems later down the line.

What Is A Gutter Guard?  

A gutter guard is a plastic cover that prevents debris from entering your gutters which will then cause a blockage. Gutter guards work by letting through liquids, such as rainfall while preventing debris from getting stuck in the guttering. Many different types of gutter guards can be used depending on what works best for you, let’s explore the different options:

Gutter Brush – Consisting of wire entwined with bristles, they’re one of the easier gutter guards to install and are effective at keeping leaves out. However, due to the nature of the bristles’ material, it’s less proficient at keeping smaller mounds of moss and pine needles out of the way. This product also needs to be fastened to the gutter to prevent the wind from blowing it away.

Mesh – This product is most popular with residential, rather than commercial, guttering systems. It’s made of plastic and comes with clips to tie to the guttering. Mesh is lighter than a lot of other gutter guards, is straightforward to install, and can be cut to the correct length so is suitable for all properties. However, as it is lightweight, the mesh may collapse under the weight of heavy debris.

Gutter Grid – One of the stiffer and more resilient types of guards, the gutter grid can hold its own under significant weight. Due to its solid build, it can be difficult to cut and so you may need a saw, but otherwise, it’s still relatively easy to install. However, it does have big holes in the material, so may not protect against smaller pieces of debris such as pine needles. 

Gutter Foam – Initially seeming like a flawless product, the gutter foam can become blocked and cause the debris to collect on top of the product, preventing water from getting into the gutter. Aside from this, gutter foam is installed very simply and keeps out all types of debris.

Why Do I Need Gutter Guards?  

Despite the harsher weather conditions experienced in the winter, gutter guards can be equally beneficial in the spring and summer as well, for the following reasons:

• Prevent petals and pollen from gathering and causing a blockage.
• Leaves that are caught will rot away without you having to lift a finger.
• Gutter guards can also protect from heat damage which can affect the shape and structure of the guttering system to avoid incurring any expensive repairs.

For an initial expense, gutter guards can protect your gutter and reduce the risk of damage occurring to your property as a result of a blockage. With so many options on the market, it’s difficult to find one that won’t suit you and your requirements. If you need help with your gutters, fill in this contact form and one of our team will be in touch or give us a call on 01869 277 100 to find out how we can help.