If you have been thinking about installing gutter guards on your home, it helps to know your choices. Here are the three most primary types of gutter guards that you can purchase for your home.

Screen Gutter Guard

The most common type of gutter guards you will come across are screen gutter guards. These guards are essentially mesh screens that are attached over the top of your gutter. They prevent debris from getting into your gutter while allowing water to get into your gutter. Leaves will not clog up your gutters when you have screens in place.

Screen gutter guards require maintenance. You have to remove all the debris that accumulates throughout the year. You still have to clean your gutters a couple of times a year. However, the cleaning process should be easier with screen guards in place. 

Screen guards will help keep your gutters clean and will extend the life of your gutters.

Insert Guards

These guards are composed of foam blocks. The foam blocks are inserted into your gutters and prevent debris from getting into your gutters. These foam blocks have small passages that water comes through while preventing larger objects from getting into your gutters. 

The insert guards are relatively easy to install. You just have to push them into your gutters. They are relatively affordable as well. 

However, gutter inserts have to be cleaned on a regular basis. You will have to pull them out of your gutters and use a hose to clean them off before putting them back in place. Although these guards will keep out debris, they will also require cleaning on a regular basis in order to work effectively. These guards will not reduce your gutter-cleaning obligations but will make cleaning your gutters easier. 

Reverse Curve Guards

This gutter system uses a water-channeling system. A curved panel is placed on top of your gutter. This curved guard prevents debris from accumulating in your gutter and directs it away from your roof. Due to the curved shape, debris slides off instead of accumulating on top of your gutters like it does with screens or insert guards. 

Reverse curve guards do not require much maintenance. They keep your gutters clean and do not require you to clean them that often. 

However, reverse curve guards do compromise water flow a little bit. Water should still be able to make its way into your gutters, but not as easily as with the other two guard systems listed above. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, this may not be the best option for you.

If you want to keep your gutters free of debris, a gutter guard system is a great way to prevent debris from accumulating. The key is to find a system that works well for your specific needs. For more information, see Conifer Gutter Service or other home and garden specialists in your area.

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