When heavy rain is falling, your home’s gutter system is your first line of defense against potential leaks and water damage. Gutters are expertly designed to redirect water flow away from your roof and the rest of your home’s foundation; however, when these channels become blocked or clogged, often by leaves and other natural debris, problems can arise! This is where gutter guards, sometimes called leaf guards, enter the picture. But can these addons truly protect your home from the wrath of Mother Nature? Here’s what you need to know.
How Do Gutter Guards Work?
Simply put, gutter guards are protective covers or screens that sit on top of your gutters. They can be made of metal or plastic mesh screens, or sometimes they include foam or brush inserts that fit inside the gutters. Their main goal is simple: to block leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering your gutters while still allowing rainwater to flow through uninhibited.
How Do Gutter Guards Perform During Heavy Rainfall?
If you’ve lived in Texas for a while, you already know that when it comes to the weather, things can change very quickly—and sudden, torrential rainfall isn’t unheard of. However, heavy rain is what truly tests a gutter system. When rainfall is light, most gutter guards hold up just fine; however, during heavy downpours, their effectiveness can vary. One key factor is the type of gutter guard being used.
During heavy rain, your gutter system needs to do two things at once: keep debris out, while also letting large volumes of water pass through quickly. Micromesh gutter guards are well-suited for this, as their fine, stainless steel mesh can block even tiny particles while letting water filter through. Other designs, such as reverse-curve guards or perforated aluminum screens, can do the trick too, assuming they’re installed properly and cleaned often.
Needless to say, older gutters that haven’t been maintained or systems without leaf guards are extra vulnerable. Also keep in mind that homes with steep roof pitches or lots of trees surrounding their roof might see more debris accumulate.
How Can I Ensure My Gutter Guards Don’t Fail?
A premium gutter guard system will last for several years if you’re able to stay on top of maintenance! Some tips to keep your home well-protected from heavy rainfall include:
- Be sure the system is installed properly with a gentle slope to assist with proper water flow. Each section also needs to be secured firmly with no hanging or sagging.
- If your yard has several trees, try to keep them trimmed to minimize the amount of debris they leave in your gutters.
- Inspect your gutters after major storms, looking for signs of damage or buildup and removing any excess debris.
As we enter the fall season and begin seeing more rainfall, it’s important to be certain that your gutters are up to the task of defending your home—and gutter guards are a key difference-maker!
About Platinum Gutters
Our team here at Platinum Gutters has been helping DFW homeowners for over 15 years, offering a wide variety of gutter repair, replacement, and maintenance services. If you’re thinking about getting gutter guards to further protect your home from the elements, our team would be happy to help you upgrade your existing system. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a FREE estimate, reach out online or call today!
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 993-4237.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (972) 346-1590.