Homeowners interested in a sustainable and regenerative house design rely on high-performance gutter systems to redirect rainwater for other uses. This often includes rain gardens, water-smart landscapes, and rainwater catchment systems. The rain that falls on your roof can be reused for different household water needs. An inefficient gutter system can lead to serious landscape erosion problems and the contamination that often occurs with unmanaged stormwater running off roofs, driveways, and landscapes. 

Unfortunately, gutters will become clogged over time due to the accumulation of debris. Even homeowners who dutifully prune the trees near their homes will experience clogged gutters over time. When the downspouts on gutter systems become clogged, several serious issues can occur that may cause more damage than if the home had never installed gutters.

What Are The Benefits of Gutter Guards?

Gutter Guards Reduce Water Damage

Gutter guards offer several significant benefits that can protect your home from potentially severe damage. Most importantly, expertly installed gutter guards will help avoid overflows, which will likely cause damage to the fascia or soffit boards around your roof. Also, gutter guards will safely and effectively move water away from the landscaping around the foundation of your house. Even if your home is appropriately graded, water can cause puddles to form, which subsequently can lead to leaks and expensive water damage. Gutter guards can also prevent leaks from occurring into your roof or attic, which could potentially damage your insulation and lead to costly repairs. 

Gutter Guards Help Greywater Systems

Gutter guards can act as the first part of a filtering system for homeowners with a cistern connected to their gutter and downspout system. This is especially important if you plan on using the rainwater you harvest for potable, household use. In this sense, gutter guards can help extend the filtering system's effectiveness and longevity connected to your cistern. 

Gutter Guards Reduce Fire, Pest, and Ice Risks

Gutter guards can also play an essential role in reducing the vulnerability of your home to fire damage. Dry leaves, twigs, and other debris that collect in your gutters only need one small spark or ember to lead to a potentially devastating fire. Similarly, the collection of twigs and leaves in your gutters can offer a cozy home for mice and other common household pests. Gutter guards can thus serve as a type of natural pest control around the eaves of your house. Gutter guards can help alleviate ice dam problems during winter by preventing debris accumulation in your gutters.

What Are The Best Gutter Guard on the Market?

There are hundreds of companies offering all different types of gutter guards for your home and roof. The best kind of gutter guard for your particular home will depend on your budget, the climate where you live, and how you deal with the rainwater falling on your roof. Nonetheless, the gutter guard products reviewed below are high-quality, durable products that will offer the benefits mentioned above.