When you have gutter guards installed on your home, they reduce the amount of debris that collects in them. They also make the gutters less attractive to unwanted visitors. Aside from this, gutter guards will protect your home by preventing water from entering your home. This means less work for you and a healthier home.
Cost
There are many factors that can affect the cost of gutter guard installation. For example, the contractor’s expertise, the size of the home and the difficulty of installation can all impact the price. Some companies charge extra for specialized services such as putting up a second-story gutter, which can add anywhere from $600 to $1,000 to the overall cost. In other cases, contractors may use a basket lift or scaffolding to work on a tall roof, which will also add to the cost of the installation.
Another factor that can affect the cost of gutter guard installation is the brand of the gutter guard you choose. A professional will offer warranties for their work, which can extend for years. In addition, a full-service gutter guard installation company will likely be licensed and insured, which is important for work on ladders. However, you should still compare the costs of these services before deciding on which company to hire. Generally, gutter guard installation companies charge more than DIYers, but the warranties are often longer.
Construction materials
When installing a gutter guard, it is important to choose the right material for the job. The type of construction material you use will depend on your home’s climate and location. Different types use different methods to keep debris out of gutters while allowing water to flow freely. Each type of gutter guard also has different failure rates, so you should choose the best one for your home based on your specific situation. Consumer Reports offers an overview of the various types of gutter guards and their performance click here.
There are two major types of materials used in gutter guard installation. First, there are the perforated aluminum covers. These materials are more durable than plastic screens and can last for 10 to 20 years. Another option is a metal mesh guard. Metal mesh gutter covers can be made of stainless steel and cost between $2.50 and $10 per linear foot.
Time
If you’re a homeowner in need of gutter guard installation, then it’s time to think about what to expect. Some homeowners may find the process relatively simple. Others may need to hire professionals. Whichever approach you decide to take, keep in mind that installation costs vary widely. In order to get a reliable estimate, consult a gutter guard professional.
Whether you’re a handyman or prefer to have a professional do the job, you should first assess your skills and equipment. You’ll need a ladder, a handsaw, and other basic tools to complete the installation. Also, you’ll need a circular saw or other tools to secure the gutter guard in place. Make sure that you follow the directions carefully and use the proper tools. Otherwise, you might end up with a poorly installed gutter guard that doesn’t prevent water from getting into the roof.
Safety
Whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, there are certain things you should be aware of when it comes to safety during gutter guard installation. First and foremost, you should be careful when using a ladder and any power equipment. You may not consider the danger of power lines, but touching them can cause serious injury or death. The specialists who install gutter guards are familiar with these hazards, and they know how to avoid them while working. Second, the installation process can take up a lot of time. You might want to consider doing something else at the same time.
Another concern is the weight of the debris. A guard may not be enough if the debris is too heavy. When considering a gutter guard for your home, weigh the weight of the debris. You may need to cut a section of the frame to make room for the filtering material underneath an adjoining section. Also, large volumes of water can build up in these corners, acting as choke points for gunk. To avoid this, many manufacturers recommend installing a water diverter at the bottom of the gutter. This diverter can be made of solid sheet metal or a perforated material.
DIY-friendliness
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can save thousands of dollars by installing gutter guards on your home. There are many types of gutter guards on the market and they’re often easy to install. Foam gutter guards, for example, are triangular pieces of foam that fit into the gutters. These are easy to install, but require more frequent cleaning. Brush gutter guards, on the other hand, are made from long stretches of bristles or large pipe cleaners. These products are easy to install, and are generally recommended for do-it-yourselfers.
Other types of gutter guards are more complicated to install. Reverse-curve gutter guards require more advanced installation techniques than other types of gutter guards. Installing them properly means securing them at the correct angle to the roof fascia. Otherwise, water will overflow the edge and appear like the gutters are full.