Gutter Guard Installation:
3 Things That Might Surprise You
There aren't many people who enjoy cleaning their gutters. In fact, because it's such a time-consuming and filthy task, most homeowners will try anything to avoid it. That's why gutter guard installation has become quite popular in recent years.
The gutter guard installation procedure seems straightforward enough. You just decide which gutter guards are right for your house, purchase the materials, and install them on your gutters. However, sometimes the process isn't as clear-cut as that.
Here are three things about gutter guard installation that might surprise you.
1. Many gutter guards don't live up to their promises. Everywhere you look, you'll see gutter guard products claiming that they will put an end to cleaning gutters forever. Let the buyer beware: some gutter guard products barely even make a dent in the amount of debris found in your gutters. For example, if your house is situated under trees or other foliage, then the thin plastic or metallic gutter screens that you buy at Home Depot for a dollar a foot won't repel small or medium-sized leaves or particulates at all.
2. Clip-on gutter guards only fasten on one side. You might opt for the solid cover or mesh screen gutter guards that clip on to your gutters. If so, you should read the gutter guard installation instructions before getting up on your roof. These products come with clips that you simply push onto the front lip of the gutter. You might be tempted to take the other side of the gutter guard and curl it underneath your shingles. Do not do this. The other side is designed to rest on top of the shingles. Curling it underneath allows debris to accumulate next to the fascia and cause rot.
3. Falling accidents can happen even if your ladder is secured. Obviously, you want to make sure your ladder is balanced and its footings are set on a flat surface. But securing your ladder in this fashion does not absolve you from being careful to avoid falls. Many falls from ladders are caused by clothing getting caught on the ladder itself or footwear or shoelaces getting tangled under or around steps. Reaching for tools on the ladder platform or suddenly shifting your weight can also cause you to fall to the ground and injure yourself. Having a helper spot you and watch the ladder can substantially lower the risks of ladder falling accidents.
Gutter guards can be an effective way to keep your gutters free of debris, ice, and snow buildup. But in order for any system to function properly, you must be fully informed about the gutter guard installation process. Good luck and happy guttering!
