Rain gutter guards come in all shapes and sizes. Some homeowners are drawn to certain types of gutter guards mainly because they can be easily installed even as a DIY project. While these types of protection systems save people money from hiring a professional gutter specialist, their effectiveness at actually doing their job remains questionable.
The two most common DIY gutter protection systems are foam and whisker guards. These materials certainly have their own advantages and disadvantages and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before making a purchase.
Foam Guards
Out of all the types of gutter protection systems, foam guards are the easiest to install. In this system, durable foam is pre-cut to the width of your gutters. They are installed by simply putting the foam on the troughs. The foam allows water to flow through while stopping larger pieces of debris like leaves and dirt. Unfortunately, this same dirt and debris can settle on the foam’s top which means the gutter guard itself can be clogged.
Whisker Gutter Guards
Rough brush-like bristles give whisker guards their unique signature appearance. Its gutter protection capabilities are similar to foam guards but they have the added benefit of discouraging pests like rats and birds from nesting in your gutters as well. They also face the same problems as foam guards as debris can still get trapped within the bristles. Additionally, they can also look unsightly from the ground.
Gutter Helmet®
Gutter Helmet combines the effectiveness of mesh and screen rain gutter guards with the added protection of gutter covers. This system is best installed by a professional to maximize their benefits. Gutter Helmet is an excellent alternative to other less effective means of protecting your gutters.
Get Gutter Helmet and other gutter protection systems like Helmet Heat® from our professionals at ABC Seamless Siding. Give us a call at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form and get a free quote today. We serve homeowners in Anchorage and other nearby areas in Alaska.
