Are Gutter Screens Worth The Investment?

The integrity of your home extends beyond just a solid roof. An often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is gutter protection.

At this time of year, the weather is cold, and leaves are falling.

By investing in gutter protection solutions like gutter screens, you can prevent damage, reduce maintenance, and benefit from long-term savings.

In this blog, we’ll explore the world of gutter screens, their types, installation process, and, most importantly, whether the investment is worth it.

What are Gutter Screens, and How Do They Work?

Gutter screens are protective components to a gutter system, serving as shields to debris and leaves from entering and clogging gutters. Below are some key details about gutter screens:

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards come in varieties of designs bringing specific advantages for your needs.

You may have heard about specific types like surface tension guards, micro-mesh guards, and reverse curve guards, among other common gutter solutions.

Some common materials for these guards consist of metals and durable plastics, in hopes of lasting through the elements.

With solid gutter guards on your gutter system, you can prevent leaves, twigs, and debris to clear a path for rainwater to flow and minimize the risks for water damages due to a clog.

Mesh Guards

Mesh guards have a fine screen or mesh, covering the gutter opening. The mesh is a tightly woven screen small enough to prevent debris but large enough for proper water flow.

These screens are commonly made from durable materials like stainless steel, and are especially effective in areas with small debris accumulation.

If you have a home surrounded by trees with smaller leaves and debris, mesh guards are a great option for you.

Gutter Screen Installation

Inspection and Measurement

The installation begins with thoroughly inspecting your existing gutters, allowing professionals to identify any issues and assess the specific needs of your gutter system.

Following the inspection, precise measurements ensure that the gutter screens will fit seamlessly.

Custom Fabrication

Each home is different, and so are its roofing needs. Measurements are taken to match the specific dimensions of your gutters.

With accurate measurements in hand, custom gutter screens can be fabricated to fit your gutters perfectly.

Preparation

Before installation, your gutters undergo a thorough cleaning and preparation process. This step is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of the gutter screens.

By removing any existing debris, it prepares your gutters to provide an optimal foundation for the new screen system.

Installation

The custom screens are then carefully installed by professionals, ensuring a snug and secure fit to minimize the risks of any future issues.

Final Check

Following the installation, a last comprehensive check is conducted to ensure everything is ideally in place and functioning as it should.

This step guarantees that your gutter screens are correctly positioned and ready to tackle the elements.

Is The Investment Worth It?

Despite the upfront costs, investing in gutter screens is a decision that pays off in the long run.

Here’s why:

Reduced Maintenance

One of the primary benefits of gutter screens is the significant reduction in the time and effort required for gutter cleaning.

With fewer clogs, maintenance becomes a less frequent task. As the seasons change, you can let your gutter screens do the heavy lifting.

Prevent Damage

When gutters get full of leaves and debris, water can overflow and seep into your home foundation, causing leaks and water damage.

If you notice any signs of water damage, like discoloration on the walls, ensure you address it with a professional roofing company!

Delaying inspection and repairs can lead to more damage down the road, which can be costly to fix.

Investing in gutter screens is an excellent preventative measure to avoid leaks and water damage in the first place.

Long-Term Savings

While an upfront cost is associated with gutter screen installation, the long-term savings in maintenance and potential damage repairs are substantial.

Gutter guards are priced by linear foot. The average home has around 200 linear feet of gutters, and prices will depend on the materials and professional installation.

With reduced maintenance and the prevention of any damages, the costs of gutter screens pay for themselves over time.

As a homeowner, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment protects your property and helps prevent expensive repairs.

Recommendations for Gutter Screen Installation

Are you considering gutter screens for your home?

Below, we’ll review a few recommendations and considerations for installing your gutter screens.

Best Times of Year

Proper timing for your gutters allows you to prepare for seasonal gutter concerns like falling leaves or spring rains.

While gutter screens can be installed any time, fall or late spring are great times for installation.

DIY vs. Installation

While it’s possible to install gutter screens yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional for the job.

With professional installation, you can ensure the gutter screens are installed correctly and the job is done safely.

Additionally, professional installation often comes with a warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected under warranty.

Customization

Opt for customized gutter screens to fit your home’s specific dimensions.

To find custom solutions for your needs, consult a roofing company near you with experience and expertise that provides a range of gutter protection solutions.

At Austermiller in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, we recommend the best type of gutter protection for your specific situation.

Our gutter screen solutions are custom-made by our sister company, Metal Formers Inc., to ensure your home stays in top condition year-round.

Roofing Best Practices

Aside from gutter screens, we know that regular maintenance can ensure longevity for your home.

In our experience, we recommend the following roof maintenance recommendations to keep your roof in good condition:

Regular inspections
Cleanings and debris removal
Gutter maintenance
Sealant and flashing inspections
Roof coating
Maintenance records and documentation

As part of our expertise and comprehensive maintenance services at Austermiller, gutter screen installation can be a piece of the puzzle in safeguarding your roof.

We can also regularly inspect and clean your gutters to ensure they are clear and debris-free.

Final Thoughts

Investing in gutter screens is worthwhile for homeowners seeking to protect their property from debris, reduce maintenance efforts, and achieve long-term savings.

By incorporating solutions such as gutter guards and mesh screens, you can take a proactive approach to safeguarding your home, allowing you to reduce your maintenance tasks.

If you’re looking to invest in gutter screens in the Nashville area, our licensed roofing contractors at Austermiller have over 30 years of experience in the industry.

We offer free estimates for all your roofing needs.

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