Gutter Guard Installation Costs of 2023 – MarketWatch

Different gutters require different types of gutter guard types, some which are more effective for specific types of debris, so select a guard based on the debris your home experiences.

Gutter guards are also susceptible to ridges of ice that form at the edge of your roof, known as ice dams. Ice dams prevent melting snow from draining off your roof, leading to icicles and water damage. We recommend choosing a gutter guard with a heating element if you live in a snowy or icy climate.

Brush gutter guards are easy to install on your own. These guards use large bristles to capture debris but leave enough of an opening for water to pass through. Brush gutter guards are best for large debris, such as leaves and pine cones. Smaller debris like pine needles can get stuck in bristles and clog.

Foam gutter guards are an easy-to-install piece of foam that fits into your gutters. The foam maintains water flow while blocking debris. However, leaves can still build up and clog foam guards, and seedlings can take root and grow inside. These guards are best suited for homeowners who dont have heavy tree coverage.

Micro-mesh gutter guards are a highly efficient option. They have a compact screen made of finely woven mesh that blocks even small debris, such as shingle grit, pine needles and pollen.

Many micro-mesh gutter guard companies claim youll never have to clean your gutters again, which is somewhat misleading. These gutter guards still require cleaning, but they dramatically decrease the frequency. You should clean gutters roughly twice a year without gutter guards. With gutter guards, you only have to clean them every one to two years.

Reverse-curve gutter guards, sometimes called surface tension gutter guards, are among the most efficient options. The guards designs vary by brand, but they all utilize surface tension to push debris onto the ground. Some debris may stick during heavy downpours, but you should be able to brush this off or wait until it dries and falls to the ground.

Reverse-curve gutter guard installation often requires replacing your entire gutter system and moving roof shingles. Be aware that the installation may conflict with your roof warranty.

Screen gutter guards have large holes that block debris as rainwater flows through. These guards are typically made of plastic or metal, but smaller debris may still get through, depending on the size of the holes in the screen. This type of gutter guard is ideal for homeowners in temperate climates who dont have nearby pine trees.

Read the original here:
Gutter Guard Installation Costs of 2023 - MarketWatch