Rainwater that falls onto your roof is captured by your gutters and directed away from your home. Your gutters can also trap water. Other debris, such as leaves and other debris, can also be caught in your gutters , clogging them and making it less efficient. There is a way to prevent leaves and other debris clogging your gutters.
What is a leaf guard?
The leaf guard is also called a cover or screen. It covers the gutters and prevents any debris (including leaves and twigs) from entering the gutters below. The guard allows water to pass through the gutters so it can be directed away.
Are you still required to clean your gutters using a leaf guard
A leaf guard is a good way to keep your gutters clean of any debris that could clog them. However, it doesn’t mean you should neglect gutter maintenance. There’s a chance that smaller, windy, and rainy debris could still get into your gutters, particularly if you live near trees. Although they aren’t foolproof, they can reduce the amount of maintenance needed if installed properly.
Is it necessary to clean the leaf guard
Regular cleaning of the leaf guard is also necessary. Because debris can buildup on the leaf guard and stop rainwater from flowing through it into your gutters, it should be cleaned regularly. It is much easier to clean the gutters and leaf guards regularly than it is to deal with the clogs in your gutters if you don’t have one.
What are the different types of leaf guards?
You can choose from five types of leaf protection. The best one for you depends on where you live.
SCREEN LEAF GARDS
Screen leaf guards are made of either a plastic grid or wire and simply sit on top of your gutter. To fit it, you just need to lift the roof shingles to place it. There are no screws required. However, it is possible for screen leaf guards to become detached in high winds.
REVERSE CURVE LEAF GARDS
Installing a reverse curve leaf guard can be a little more challenging. The guard must be inserted into the roof’s fascia at the correct angle. They work well to direct water towards the gutters once they are installed correctly. They allow leaves and other debris to slide down onto the ground below, rather than being held on the leaf guard.
MICRO MESH LEAF GUARD
Micro mesh leaf guards are similar to screen guards, but have smaller holes. This allows it to block out all but the smallest particles. The micro mesh leaf guard fits under the shingles, or can snap in place above the gutters. To remove any debris caught in the micro mesh leaf guard, you will need to clean it with a hose sprayer or brush.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Largo Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
