A gutter system is a common feature on a home. It’s so common that many people don’t give it much of a second thought until it comes time to clean them, which can be a colossal undertaking. However, without a gutter system to move water away from the home, the foundation, whether it’s a slab foundation or basement walls, can be extensively damaged from moisture laden soil. Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues that face a gutter system outside of age is clogged gutters. Fortunately, with Gutter guard systems, these issues, as well as regular cleanings of the gutters, can be avoided.
A gutter guard is basically a porous material that is placed over the opening of the gutter. This still allows water to flow into the gutter, but it avoids the gutters getting clogged with large amounts of debris that usually cause the system to become completely useless. However, it’s important to understand that the free-flowing of water through the gutters can benefit things other than the foundation of the home.
Excessive amounts of standing water can prove to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The fact is that with issues like West Nile virus being so common, the standing water that is so common in clogged gutters can pose a significant risk to people as well as animals. With no standing water in a gutter system, mosquitoes are robbed of a fertile breeding ground.
One way that a gutter system can be compromised is from the expansion of water that freezes inside of it. Fortunately, if the gutters move away moisture properly, there will be little if any water that can freeze when temperatures drop. This can help eliminate the need for repairs that have to be made prematurely because of water freezing inside of the system.
The fact is that this barely scratches the surface of the benefits of Gutter guard systems. If your gutter system isn’t working properly, or you’re tired of having to clean them out every few months, especially over the fall season, gutter guards may be a good investment.
