Are you replacing your current gutter system? Are you a new homeowner and considering adding gutter guards? Whatever the case, it’s great to research different types of gutter systems before installing one. Because gutter systems work year-round to collect and drain water away from a home’s roof and foundation, installing the right one for your home is crucial to protecting it from drainage issues.
From brush gutter guards to gutter filters and everything in between, there are many different types of gutter guards to choose from. Before determining the best type for your home, you’ll need to consider the following factors: climate and durability of the gutter guards. Keep reading to understand the different kinds of gutter guards so you can decide the best option for your home.
Different Types of Gutter Guards
Gutter Screens
Are you contemplating installing gutter screens on your gutter system? Think twice! Gutter screens, in theory, seem like a great idea since they’re placed over the gutter and are intended to keep debris like leaves, seeds, twigs, and silt out of the gutters and downspouts. However, they can be more of a problem than a solution because they don’t prevent all debris from entering the system, acting more as a “shelf” for debris to gather on. Small debris like seeds, roof granules, and insects will slip through the screen, eventually clogging your gutter system.
Another downfall to installing gutter screens is that they can void your roof warranty, making you responsible for repairs, potentially costing you thousands of dollars. Some companies or homeowners doing a DIY installation will place them under the roof shingles, voiding warranties and causing damage to the shingles.
Gutter Filters
While they can keep small debris like roof granules, seeds, and whirlybirds out of the gutter, gutter filters also create a shelf for larger debris like leaves and pine needles to collect on. This will impede water flow, making it difficult for water to pass through the gutters, causing overflowing and leaky gutters. Here in Kansas City, we have a rainy season that can dump large amounts of rain. Also, when the pollen count is high, these seeds will accumulate on top of the filters, making it nearly impossible for water draining from the roof to enter the gutter. You’ll have to perform frequent gutter maintenance to keep up with debris.
Again, depending on how they’re installed, gutter filters can also void your roof’s warranty. They’ll likely void the warranty, making you financially responsible for repairs despite initially having a warranty when the roof was installed.
Gutter Cover
A big no-no, gutter covers are installed by peeling back the shingles and nailing gutter cover pieces directly into the roof. This voids most roof warranties since it punctures the roof, making you responsible for issues and repairs. They can also clog, which, avoiding clogs, is the whole point of installing gutter guards, right? Debris can slip through cracks in gutter covers, so you’ll need to perform frequent gutter maintenance and clean them to remove buildup. Gutter covers can damage your existing gutter system if they warp or pull on your gutters.
Gutter covers are also bulky and unsightly, often altering the appearance of your home. If you want a sleek and unobstructed roofline, gutter guards are not the best solution for your home.
Brush Gutter Guards
One of the most affordable gutter guard options, brush gutter guards aren’t worth the hassle. While they’re easy and cheap to install, homeowners often attempt DIY installations, but you’ll pay more in the long run if you install brush gutter guards. The bristles in the brushes require regular cleaning; a nuisance for homeowners who don’t enjoy cleaning their gutters (honestly, who does?). They have a short lifespan and need replacing often since they degrade with UV exposure, excess rain, and snowmelt.
Brush gutter guards also present aesthetic concerns as they’re visible from the front of your home. They’re not discreet and take away from the beauty of your home.
K-Guard Gutter Guards
The best gutter guard option for homeowners in Kansas City, K-Guard Gutter Guards are a complete system with multiple components working together to keep all debris out of the gutters and downspouts, only allowing water to enter the system. We attach K-Guard to the fascia board, never to the roof, and never voiding your roof warranty with our installation. The rear drainage channel in the back of our gutter system allows snowmelt to drain into the gutter seamlessly, withstanding all weather conditions.
Installing K-Guard Gutters from K-Guard Heartland protects your home’s architectural integrity. Our gutter product blocks debris from entering the gutters or downspouts, eliminating the risk of clogged and overflowing gutters that can damage your home. Installing K-Guard keeps water flowing through the system quickly, keeping up with heavy downpours and rapid ice melt while withstanding severe weather like strong winds and hailstorms. K-Guard Gutters will never overflow, preventing erosion and landscape damage. Therefore, K-Guard is the best option for homeowners in and around Kansas City.
Our gutter covers are also sleek, adding curb appeal to any home. Whether you have a multiple-story colonial, new construction, historic, or a single-story ranch, K-Guard will complement the beauty of your home and add value. Our gutter covers are available in many colors, including earthy neutrals to vibrant blues and greens. We have plenty of color options in stock and access to 25 extra color options, making it easy to customize your K-Guard Gutters.
Never Worry About Faulty Gutter Guards and Install K-Guard Today
From the most extreme weather, like hailstorms and severe thunderstorms, to high humidity levels, K-Guard will last for the life of the home. Our aluminum gutters are so durable that we offer three lifetime warranties, including a lifetime no-clog warranty, a paint warranty, and a workmanship warranty. K-Guard is better than other gutter guards and covers, protecting your home from water damage year-round.
We also have a convenient estimation calculator that gives you a ballpark estimate for installing K-Guard Gutters. In just minutes, you can get a free quote without having to schedule an estimate to get a feel for the installation cost. Our installation process is simple, with three easy steps to get lifetime gutters. Contact K-Guard Heartland today for a free estimate, a detailed analysis of your current gutter system, and estimated costs for installing K-Guard on your home.
