Your gutters prevent water damage to your foundation and walls by diverting water from your home. However, gutters can become clogged over time. As a result, water does not drain properly and spills over the sides instead. Gutter screening can help address this problem.
Gutter screens sit atop your gutters. They keep large and small debris out of your gutter system while allowing rainwater to pass through. Gutter screens have diamond-shaped holes that allow water in a while, keeping debris out.
Gutter screens can catch large and small debris, such as twigs and leaves. If your neighborhood in Marin County has large trees, you know it can be a hassle to get onto the roof to clean out your gutters regularly. With the installation of screens on your home’s gutter system, say goodbye to frequent gutter chores.
There are a several options when deciding what type of screens are right for your home or property. The team at ARS Roofing & Gutters is here to help. We want to ensure you select the best screen option for your gutter. That is why we have put together a guide to the pros and cons of gutter screens for your home or property.
Types of Gutter Screenings
There are two main types of gutter screenings or coverings – wire brushes and full covers. Though different gutter screenings have different designs, they serve a common purpose – keeping debris out of gutter systems. When choosing between them, weigh their pros and cons.
Wire Brushes
A wire brush has a cylindrical shape. It sits inside the gutter. Wire brushes feature clumps of bristles facing outwards. They look like giant pipe cleaners. Wire brushes take up space in your gutters, so large debris can’t collect.
Pros: Wire brushes are very easy to install and remove. Their wire bristles catch large debris while still allowing water to pass through.
Cons: Debris can build up on wire brushes, impeding drainage. To prevent drainage problems, you must remove your wire brushes and clean them periodically. Wire brushes are expensive. Strong winds can blow them away.
Full Cover
As the name implies, full covers, also known as gutter helmets and leaf guards, completely cover the gutters on which they are installed. Most full covers have a patented design that allows water to drain into gutters.
Pros: Full covers completely cover gutters, which are more effective than wire brushes. They are mechanically secured and are not easily displaced. Thanks to their design and installation, full covers stay in their place even during high-wind events.
Cons: Most full covers are proprietary products. Anyone working on them, other than the contractor who installed your full covers, will void your warranty. If installed on existing gutters, full covers can permanently alter their shape. Some systems are made of substandard materials, such as different types of plastic. Once established, full covers are difficult to remove.
ARS Roofing & Gutters is a leading roofing contractor in Marin County. We address the root causes of roofing problems. To schedule a gutter repair in Marin County, call (707) 584-5900.