Saturday, April 13, 2013

Why You Should Include Leaf Guards Along With Your Home's Gutter Replacement

If you need to replace the gutters on your home, you've probably wondered a little about whether it's a good idea to include leaf guards during the process. Before deciding whether a guard system is right for your home, learn about what they do, the best type of leaf guards and whether you should attempt to install them yourself or have a professional gutter replacement company tackle this project.
Why Do Homes Need A Guard System?
A guard system can help keep gutters free from clogs, which means homeowners will spend less time on maintenance issues. Cleaning out the gutters is a regular spring cleaning task and homeowners with a guard system can spend their time doing something a little more fun! Homeowners without the guards who neglect cleaning out their gutters may find that rain backs up and eventually seeps into the foundation or basement.
Additionally, stagnant water caused by clogs can become a haven for mosquitoes. Throughout the country, many communities are plagued by West Nile virus, which was spread through an overpopulation of mosquitoes. Since standing water is a mosquito's favorite breeding ground, this puts your family at a greater risk of contracting disease.
What Are The Different Types Of Leaf Guards?
Simply put, a leaf guard is something that covers the gutters and keeps debris out, while allowing water to enter the gutter. There are two major kinds: a sloped hood that has a very small opening to allow water to flow through, and a mesh system that resembles a kitchen colander that filters out debris like leaves, twigs and pine needles.
Gutter replacement companies typically agree that the mesh version is a better type for most situations. During heavy rains, water will rush past the opening on the sloped version, which can cause erosion damage to the ground below. The mesh leaf guards are more effective and can help homeowners avoid these erosion issues.
DIY vs. Hiring A Gutter Replacement Company
The easiest time to install a guard system is when you're having your gutters replaced. This is because they will need to be clean before the guard can be installed -- without cleaning them, you're not doing anything to solve an existing problem.
Although gutter replacement doesn't seem too difficult, many homeowners choose to hire a professional company to avoid costly mistakes. Professionals will be able to make sure the slope of the gutters are correct, which can eliminate other water flow problems. These professionals will also be comfortable working while on a ladder, which is something many homeowners can appreciate.
If you think that leaf guards could help keep your gutters clean and avoid water problems, talk with a professional gutter replacement company about which type is best for your house. Using a guard system can do more than protect your home from water damage and erosion -- it can actually keep your family safe from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7622048

No comments:

Post a Comment