Investing in gutter guard installation is a smart financial choice that can save you money in the long run. However, many Utah homeowners fall prey to common gutter guard mistakes that end up costing them more in the long run. But there’s good news! By hiring trusted gutter cleaning contractors like Ace Gutter Inc., you can avoid these common errors. We bring decades of experience and only offer the most reliable and effective gutter guard products.
As your local professionals, we’ve seen nearly every gutter guard installation mistake in the book—and we know exactly how to avoid them. In this post, we share our expertise, so you can make informed decisions for your home.
Steer Clear of These Eight Gutter Guard Mistakes
The last thing you want is an improperly installed leaf guard system to wreak havoc on your home. Understanding these mistakes can help you sidestep them and save yourself a lot of trouble and expense down the line.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Gutter Guard
Gutter guards come in all shapes and sizes, each suited for different conditions and debris types. If you pick one that doesn’t match your home’s surroundings, you could end up with less-than-stellar performance and a lot more maintenance than you bargained for.
For a quick review:
- Mesh guards are great for catching small debris, but they can struggle in areas with a lot of leaves.
- Reverse curve guards excel in heavy rain but may let smaller bits slip through.
- Foam and brush guards are super easy to install, but they tend to clog fast and might need you to clean them more often.
Take a good look at your yard and the typical debris you deal with. Choosing the right type of gutter guard based on your specific situation can save you a lot of hassle.
2. Ignoring the Gutter’s Pitch
Gutter guards need to match the slope of your gutters to make sure water flows smoothly into the downspouts instead of pooling up. If they’re not aligned right, you could end up with water spilling over the edges, which can destroy your home’s foundation and landscaping.
To prevent this, grab a level and check that your gutters tilt just right towards the downspouts before you put the guards on. This simple step can prevent a whole lot of water trouble.
3. Not Prepping the Gutters
Before you think about attaching gutter guards, see that your gutters are clean and set up right.
Why? Because a dirty gutter will only undermine all the good your new gutter guard is meant to do. You must check that the gutters are securely attached to the fascia board and have the right slope to keep the rainwater moving.
Here’s a heads-up: cleaning gutters can be risky. It’s safer and probably smarter to hire gutter contractors to get your gutters clean and ready for guards.
4. Overlapping Gutter Guards the Wrong Way
It’s important to get the overlap right on your gutter guards. If you don’t overlap them correctly, you’ll end up with gaps that let in leaves and twigs. Plus, improperly overlapped gutters are less likely to stick on tightly- and might even come loose.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a tee when it comes to overlapping your gutter guards. This allows them to fit snugly and work like they’re supposed to. Taking a bit of extra time to get this step right can save you a ton of headaches later, especially when those big storms roll in and you need your gutter guards to be at their best.
5. Messing Up Your Shingles
For some leaf guard systems, you need to tuck them under the first row of shingles. But if you don’t do this carefully, you could mess up your roof’s water barrier. This type of mistake can lead to serious water damage down the line.
In case you’ve purchased gutter guards that need you to lift your shingles, take a step back and think it through. Understand what you’re getting into and handle those shingles with care.
6. DIY Without Doing Your Homework
Jumping into DIY gutter guard installation without the right know-how or tools can backfire. A botched installation can do more than waste your time and money- it might also damage your gutters and roof.
Take the time to understand the installation process before you start. Gather all the tools you’ll need and watch some how-to videos to get started on the right track. Remember, a little prep goes a long way. Get clued up, get equipped, and get ready to do it right.
A word of advice. If your roof is steep, or if you do not have prior experience working with gutter guards, let a professional gutter services company take over. They have the experience and equipment to handle the task safely and efficiently.
7. Ignoring the Downspouts
It’s all too common to focus on the horizontal gutters and forget about the downspouts. You might think heavy rain will clean out the pipes from time to time, but the truth is, downspouts can get clogged with dirt and debris just like gutters.
Downspouts play an important role in directing rainwater away from your house. Hence, they need attention too. Installing gutter guards helps keep your downspouts clear, so your drainage system can function effectively.
8. Not Handling Warranties and Returns Correctly
Even with the best preparation, sometimes the products you buy may not be up to snuff. In case you’re not clear on the warranty and return policies, you could end up paying extra when you need to replace defective leaf guard systems.
Always read and understand the warranty and return policies before you purchase anything. Keep all your receipts and paperwork safe. This way, if you need to return the product or make a warranty claim, you’ll have everything you need right at hand.
The Bottom Line
Gutter guards can prevent clogs and cut down on how often you need to clean your gutters. But if they’re not installed correctly, they can cause more problems than they solve. We hope this post gives you some insights into how to ensure your gutter guards do their job well and last a long time.
Ready to protect your home and cut down on gutter maintenance? Contact Ace Gutter Inc. to explore our top-quality gutter guard solutions and schedule a professional installation. Don’t let clogged gutters be a problem anymore—call us to help you keep the water flowing right where it should!