Your gutters are crucial to keep water moving in the right direction. Water must be moved off of the roof and far from your foundation. Without gutters, your property runs the risk of foundation damage, erosion, and other water-related issues.
Having gutters installed is only the first step, though. It is important that those gutters are properly cleaned and maintained. Most homeowners find this type of chore to be dirty and time-consuming. Without proper maintenance, your gutters will not protect your home from water damage, and you may even wind up with bigger problems such as mold or pests.
A leaf guard protection system is one way to keep your gutters clean without the backbreaking work. This guide will help you better understand how LeafGuard systems are beneficial for your home.
How Does a Leaf Guard System Work?
Leaf guard systems are an innovative way to protect your gutters from debris. Whether your home is new or old, a leaf guard system can be fitted to your gutters.
A leaf guard is a simple piece of plastic or metal that is added to your gutter to prevent leaves and debris from settling in. Leaf guards come in many styles and material choices as well as colors.
Benefits of Leaf Guard Systems
Simplify cleaning – The most obvious benefit of this system is that it will reduce how often you need to clean your gutters. Remember, a leaf guard system doesn’t eliminate the need to clean gutters. You will still need to inspect and clean your gutters for proper maintenance. However, a leaf guard system will cut down on this chore. When cleaning your gutters, you will notice considerably less debris and accumulation than without the system.
Stops water overflow – If you live in an area that experiences a distinct rainy season, you may notice that gutters can sometimes overflow. This is often caused by a build-up of debris in the gutters. When this happens, the gutter is unable to do its job properly. The entire point of the gutter is to move water off the roof and away from the foundation. If the gutter is clogged, this can’t happen. The water will overflow and run directly down in front of your house. Over time this can cause foundation problems, soil erosion, and even basement flooding.
Reduces rust and breakdown – When gutters are clogged, they will rust more quickly. The build-up of the debris can also contribute to the breakdown of the gutter material. Organic material will naturally decay when accumulated. This decay will also affect the gutter material, causing holes and leaks.
Increases safety – Clogged gutters are a safety hazard to your home. A clogged gutter will become very heavy during rainy weather. It is not uncommon for a clogged, heavy gutter to break away from the home and come crashing down. This can be dangerous for people passing under.
Decreases the chance of fire – Clogged gutters filled with organic material are more likely to catch fire should the home be exposed to embers from a fire or a lightning storm.
For more information about LeafGuard systems, contact Long Island LeafGuard Gutter Company today.