The gutter is the system that allows you to protect the house from many negative things that occur during the rain. The gutter diverts away from the water drops from falling to your house’s walls. Therefore, it will prevent any paint damage.
Additionally, these gutter guards effectively prevent blockages caused by pine needles, a common issue in certain areas. Understanding how these guards work can help you choose the best type for your home. For example, aluminum gutter guards are the best gutter guard systems for metal roofs.
Besides, installing a gutter can protect the house’s foundation by preventing basement flooding. In that case, it can help to stop mold from growing on the wall.
However, sometimes, leaves or any debris can enter your gutter system. As a result, these unwanted items can block the downpipes. In case you are using a metal roof, you need gutter guards for the metal roof.
Read also: Gutter Apron vs Drip Edge
Types of Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs
1. Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh guards feature a screen that allows water to pass through while blocking leaves and debris.
- Pros: Effective at keeping out small debris, easy to install.
- Cons: Can become clogged with fine particles over time.
2. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
These guards direct water into the gutter while causing leaves and debris to fall to the ground.
- Pros: Highly effective at debris removal, low maintenance.
- Cons: More expensive, may require professional installation.
3. Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh guards use a finer mesh to block even the smallest particles while allowing water to flow through.
- Pros: Excellent at keeping out all debris, durable.
- Cons: Higher cost, potential for clogging with very fine particles.
4. Foam Gutter Guards
Foam guards sit inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through the foam while blocking debris.
- Pros: Easy to install, affordable.
- Cons: Can become saturated and promote mold growth.
5. Brush Gutter Guards
These guards use bristles to block debris while allowing water to flow through.
- Pros: Simple installation, affordable.
- Cons: Can trap debris within the bristles, requiring regular cleaning.
Comparative Analysis
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Gutter Guards | Effective at blocking small debris, easy to install | Can clog with fine particles |
| Reverse Curve Gutter Guards | Effective debris removal, low maintenance | More expensive, may require professional installation |
| Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards | Blocks all debris, durable | Higher cost, potential clogging with very fine particles |
| Foam Gutter Guards | Easy to install, affordable | Can promote mold growth |
| Brush Gutter Guards | Simple installation, affordable | Can trap debris within bristles, needs regular cleaning |
Expert Insights and Research
From my experience, the choice of gutter guard greatly affects maintenance and gutter lifespan. Installing micro-mesh guards in a recent project effectively kept out the smallest debris, significantly reducing maintenance.
“Choosing the right gutter guard for your metal roof can make a substantial difference in the performance and durability of your gutter system,” says an expert. Despite the higher initial cost of some types, the long-term benefits often justify the investment.
Installing Gutter Guards for Metal Roof
Cleaning out the gutter system can be overwhelming for some. That’s why installing gutter guards for the metal roofs can dismiss that difficulty. To install your gutter guards, read this step-by-step procedure to install them easily.
Read also: Learn How to Clean Gutters Without a Ladder
When exploring types of gutter guards, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your metal roof.
Things to keep in mind
Remember to clean your gutter guards at least once every six months. If you own a tree growing near your house, it’s best to clean it more frequently; especially from leaves and twigs.
Gutter guards to choose
There are many gutter guards, especially if you have metal roofing. However, if you want to have sturdy gutter guards, you can have a metal guard, such as aluminum/steel material. It can also prevent leaves, twigs, or any debris that strongly falls on the guards. Besides, it is made from a rust-free material.
It can also prevent leaves, twigs, or any debris that strongly falls to the guards. Besides, it is made from a rust-free material.
Also, you must know that the gutter guard design is crucial in ensuring compatibility with metal roofs.
Installing the gutter guards
Installing the gutter guards for a standing seam metal roof is pretty challenging. For this article, the gutter guard will be the aluminum gutter guard. It’s important to assess the condition of your rain gutters before installing gutter guards.
If you’re considering a DIY gutter guard installation, ensure you have the right tools and safety equipment.
So, along the process, prepare a metal cutter since you may need to cut the gutter guard’s edge to fit the roof.
- First, you will need to give a mark on your gutter guard. Give the guard a mark to provide a bracket that matches the roofline. After that, you will need to cut it with a metal cutter.
- Do this as well for every spot that needs a bracket so your gutter guard can easily slip into the gutter.
- Then, after ensuring your gutter guard is ready, try to place it over the gutter.
- Once you are sure about its position, secure it with a screw on its inner edge that touches the drip edge.
- Next, you will also need to secure the gutter guard with a screw the gutter guard’s outer edge, which touches the gutter outer side.
- Do this repeatedly for the whole gutter.
Other things you need to consider before buying the gutter guards for a metal roof are:
- Make sure that the gutter guard can be installed onto your existing gutters.
- Ensure your gutter guard can prevent small animals from building up a living on or inside the gutter. Small animals here include rodents or birds. To prevent this, choose a micro mesh gutter guard that has fine mesh. But not too tight, so that will make the water stagnant.
- The main feature that’s very important to have in a gutter guard is its filtration feature. Besides preventing the gutter from getting blocked with twigs, leaves, or any debris, this will prevent you from replacing the gutter guard if the gutter guard is broken due to the heavy rain.
Read also: How To Install Rain Diverters for Roofs
Hiring professional installers is a viable option for those less inclined to DIY installs.
Conclusion
Gutter guards are crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your metal roof’s gutter system. By choosing the right type, you can reduce maintenance, prevent clogs, and protect your home from water damage.
Whether you choose mesh, micro-mesh, reverse curve, foam, or brush guards, ensure they are suited to your specific needs and installed correctly for optimal performance.
