Install Downspout Screens And Gutter Guards To Cut Down On Gutter Cleaning
Gutters can get dirty, cost a lot to clean, and be dangerous to work on. Putting in gutter screens and guards is a good way to make your gutter system last longer. Gutter Medics has a solution that works and doesn’t cost too much. Contact us at (630) 922- 3131 or email us today, and we’ll stop water damage to your home and property.
We can help you with various gutter problems. Our team works hard to do good work that exceeds your expectations. See why we are the best gutter cleaning near me on our media and reviews pages.
Types Of Downspout Screens And Gutter Guards
As the leaves begin to fall, many of us start dreading the inevitable gutter cleaning that needs to be done. It is a messy job and can also be dangerous if you need the proper equipment. You can do a few things to make cleaning your gutters less work this fall.
1. Angle Grates
You can put these screens on either the top or bottom of your downspouts or on both. The angle of the grate keeps leaves and other debris from getting into your gutters.
2. Gutter Mesh
Gutters are covered with mesh, which is a type of screen. When in place, it keeps leaves and other debris from getting into it and clogging them up. Some things used to make these screens are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and vinyl. Here are some of the most common:
PVC Mesh
This guard keeps out debris but lets water flow through. This mesh does not rust or corrode when exposed to water for a long time, while metal does. Plastic mesh also lasts longer before it needs to be replaced than metal mesh (about 15 years).
Aluminum Mesh
Aluminum is another popular screen choice because it is both strong and light. The bad thing about aluminum is that it rusts over time. Make sure they have a powder coating to make them last longer if you use this.
There are many different sizes and shapes of aluminum screens. Most, though, are rectangular or square and have holes between 3/4″ and 1″ wide and up to 4″ deep.
Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless steel is a great choice for guards if you have a high-end home or want them to look unique. It comes in brushed nickel, bronze, and copper finishes, among others. Stainless steel costs more than PVC or aluminum types, but they last longer and are less likely to rust over time.
Fiberglass Mesh
This is the type of screen that most people use. It comes in two sizes, small and large, to fit your downspout’s opening. The small screen provides a hole of fewer than 12 inches square. It needs a large mesh screen if it’s bigger than 12 inches.
Fiberglass mesh is known for being strong and long-lasting because, unlike metal types, it doesn’t rust or rot over time. It might be stronger than metal screens. This type can tear easily if animals try to get at food that has fallen into your gutter or downspout.
3. Micro Mesh Screens
This guard is a fine mesh that lets water through but keeps small debris out. It can be hard to clean this kind of screen (the small holes clog easily). Also, it needs to be cleaned and fixed more often than the other types.
4. Half Round Screens
This style has been around for a long time and is still popular. It works well to keep leaves out because it has two holes running the length of each downspout. The top lets water through, and the bottom keeps dirt and other things out. Large pieces of trash can still get through this type of guard, which could be better.
5. Slotted Screens
The holes in these screens let water pass through. But it would help if you avoided bigger things like twigs and leaves. They are made of aluminum, plastic, and galvanized steel, among other things.
Slotted screens are better than mesh screens at keeping small animals from getting into your gutters. They don’t let water flow freely through them, though. They need to be cleaned more often than mesh screens.
6. Vinyl Coated Metal
This type of guard is very common because it is cheap and easy to put up. The metal mesh is covered in vinyl so that it won’t rust or break down over time. It has small holes that let water through but keep dirt out.
7. Drip Edge Screens
This is a popular choice for people who have gutter guards installed. They are put around the top and catch leaves and other things that would otherwise fall into it. Most of the time, these screens come in either metal or plastic.
8. Leaf Guards
This is a different kind of guard that you can buy. It keeps leaves and other things from getting into your gutters and downspouts. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors, so it’s easy to find one that works for any home. The best thing about this guard is that you can put it inside and outside your house. This protects your gutters and downspouts in the best way possible.
9. Foam Guards
Most of the time, these guards are made from polystyrene foam. It has different shapes for each place where you will use it. Most of the time, they are used with screens made of expandable metal mesh. This keeps smaller pieces of trash out of the gutters while keeping larger pieces out.
There are so many kinds of gutter guards that you are sure to find one that fits your needs. Think about how much care you want to give the screens and how long they need to last. If you have a good guard, you can keep it free of leaves and other things all year long.
Benefits Of Installing Downspout Screens And Gutter Guards
Most people want their homes to look nice and feel like a place to hang out. The outside of the house has a lot to do with this. Many things can be done to improve a home’s exterior, from painting the siding to installing new landscaping. People must remember to keep their gutters and downspouts in good shape.
Putting guards and downspout screens on your home has many benefits. Here are just a few:
Prevent Clogs
Gutter guards and downspout screens help keep it clear. The guards go on top of it and stop leaves, twigs, and other things from going in. The screens go on the bottom of the downspouts and catch anything that gets past the guards. This two-part plan makes sure your it stays clear all year long.
Save You Time And Money
It will save you time because you will not have to clean it as frequently. Leaves, twigs, and other things can’t get through the screens, but water can. This means you won’t have to go up on your roof every time it rains, or you see leaves in it.
It will also save you money because it costs a lot to clean out copper or cast iron gutters, which are often used for decoration. The screens are made to be used daily and won’t break down as fast as concrete or plastic screens.
Increase Your Curb Appeal
People often don’t put screens on their downspouts because they think it will make their houses look worse. This is not true at all! The screens can help keep leaves and other things from getting stuck in them. It will keep the drain from getting clogged over time. The screens have small holes that let water through but keep everything else out.
Reduce Water Damage
Water sitting in it for a long time can cause mold to grow. This could hurt the health of everyone who lives in the house. With a gutter cover, the water will be less, so you won’t have to worry about these problems.
No matter what, downspout screens and gutter guards are important to think about. In the end, it’s up to you. Gutter Medics has the best gutters and downspouts on the market regarding how well they work, how much they cost, and how long they last. But don’t just take our word for it; read some of our customers’ reviews.
If you need gutter installers near me, call (630) 922- 3131 or click here to learn more about protecting your home. Let us make your home or business more comfortable and save you money on energy today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is a common misconception that after installing gutter guards, you never have to clean them. Even the best gutter guard systems need to be cleaned, though the better the system, the less frequently it needs to be cleaned. Debris will accumulate inside the gutters over time and should be hosed out.
The answer to the question, “Do gutter guards work?” is quite straightforward. They do, indeed. Gutter guards, covers, and screens are surprisingly effective at keeping debris out of gutters and downspouts. However, proper installation is required to utilize your gutter guards fully.
Keeping the cover clean is essential for the proper operation of your gutters. Downspout covers are useful, but they must be maintained meticulously. If you don’t keep them up, your system will crash and stop working.
They typically last between 10 and 20 years. However, if seeds or other small debris get into your gutters, these guards will be difficult to remove for cleaning.
Gutter guards work in heavy rain—as long as you choose the right one. HomeCraft’s gutter protection system keeps debris out while allowing water to flow, thanks to its raised mesh pattern, powder-coated aluminum frame, and reinforced fasteners.