Top 3 Best Gutter Guard Systems Reviewed
Choosing a gutter guard system that is best suited for your needs can be daunting. There are several materials, styles, and installation options. How do you know which gutter guard is right for you?
Well, we are going to cover a lot of details regarding each choice. Here we will give you the contractor inside information that will reveal our recommendations and uncover the truth about gutter cover systems once and for all!
Read more to see our top pick and to get the information that you need to make a sound choice!
The Pretense of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are the most controversial subject as it relates to gutter protection! Several manufacturers use operative words such as guard, leaf filter, protection, and other keywords within the names of their products and company branding.
But beware, just because encouraging words are used, this doesn’t mean the cover is worthy of installation or does what it claims.
Knowing What’s Needed
There are several gutter guards on the market. To know which covers work best, we must first assess the protection that’s needed. Three basic types of debris will potentially clog a gutter system leaves/ needles, sticks, and roof granules. A collection of these components can cause plant and algae growth, clogging gutters and downspouts, resulting in additional damages to your home and gutter system.
There are more than three styles of gutter protection. However, for the sake of only sharing notable mentions, we are only covering the top 3 options, which are full coverage, mesh, and micro mesh covers.
Full Coverage Systems
The best full coverage diverter system is LeafGaurd. It’s a well-known company with an excellent reputation and following. The key to this system is both the gutter and cover are one piece.
The disadvantage of a fully closed system is that it essentially diverts water flow and lowers the total capacity of the system. Full coverage protection can cause an unwanted overflow of water during heavy rainstorms.
Complete coverage systems are ideal for small single-story houses. They also work great for smaller, or roofs with less pitch containing limited water runoff. However, the most considerable disadvantage is the cost. In many cases, this system costs 2 to 3 x more than that of a conventional seamless aluminum gutter system!
Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutters systems are the most common, and often improperly installed systems. The fact that mesh guards are readily available and, in many cases, offer misleading marketing pitches likely attributes to the misuse.
If used for proper applications, mesh guards work perfectly. Products such as DoneRight by GutterGlove offer fantastic mid-high tear stainless mesh products. Mesh systems are best for deciduous tree leaves. Mesh Systems will not limit water capacity.
Due to the large mesh opening, needles are prone to either enter the mesh or get caught on the outside of the cover – which in turn will cause debris to collect on the surface. If there are pine trees or needles deposited on the roof, you may want to choose another type of cover.
Micro-Mesh
There are several micro-mesh options; some are better than others. Most high-end micro-mesh covers are slightly more expensive and require more time and materials to install.
We will overtly state that micro-mesh covers are our most recommended gutter cover. It’s the most versatile option on the market. Micro-mesh covers don’t severely limit gutter water capacity. They are also capable of diverting both deciduous leaves and pine needles.
Within reason, the additional cost is well worth the added protection, gutter strength, and versatility. Leaf Solution micro-mesh is our number-one recommended gutter cover company.
Gutter Guard Options to Look for
We recommend a gutter guard system that fastens to the gutter and screws through the fascia board. This style of application will add tremendous gutter strength and integrity. The front of the cover should also screw to the lip of the gutter.
Micro-mesh covers that snap or slide into place are not bad options. However, they will not add strength and are more likely to fail!
Are you looking for the best gutter system for your home? Call the contractor that knows a thing or two about gutters! Call A Touch of Color of Raleigh, NC! Our expert installations will keep your basement, yard, and surrounding areas dry for years to come! We offer expert gutter solutions!
Call or Contact us to schedule your quote today!
