Choosing Kitchen Appliances You'll Actually Use

Keeping gutters clean and clear of blockages is essential to ensuring proper runoff of rain from the surface of the roof. As rain may carry leaves, twigs and other debris into gutters, it is important for homeowners to install some sort of gutter protection. Gutter guards are one such kind of gutter protection. Here are two common misconceptions to avoid when you're considering installing gutter guards on your guttering.

Misconception #1: Gutter guards eliminate the need for gutter cleaning completely.

Many people mistakenly think they will never have to clean their gutters once they install gutter guards. Though these gutter protectors can keep your gutters clear of clogs that may damage your home when it rains, they may not be able to prevent small dirt particles from entering your guttering system through the small holes on the guards. 

In essence, what gutter guards do is only to reduce maintenance by reducing the frequency of cleanings required. In other words, you may not need to clean your gutters as often as you would without gutter protection, but you will still need to clean the gutters at some point. 

Misconception #2: Gutter guards make gutters last forever. 

For sure, gutter guards help to keep gutters working properly by preventing damaging clogs. However, this should not be taken to mean that the guards can make gutters last forever. Like other products sold on the construction market, gutters and gutter guards too have a limited lifespan, after which they will need to be replaced. 

How long your gutters will last will be impacted by the effectiveness of the gutter guards installed at keeping out the unwanted debris. Debris-laden gutters may not be able to bear up against the extra weight the blockages puts on them, and may thus get damaged too early. 

The longevity of the guards, on the other hand, will primarily depend on the conditions of use. So, keep in mind that your gutters and gutter guards will need to be replaced when they reach the end of their lifetime. 

When properly installed, gutter guards will ensure that nothing other than rain and small debris flows through the guttering system. This minimises the potential for water damage that may occur when rain overflows from gutters onto some components of the roof such as the fascia board, drips down the external walls and ends up in the foundation of the building. This is what you should expect when you install these gutter system add-ons.