For most homeowners, thinking about gutter maintenance and the addition of gutter guards is always better before there is a problem. Investing in guards gives you the confidence of knowing that you will not need to address clogging in the winter months. By following a couple of the easy tips provided by GutterStuff, choosing guards that are best suited for you will be easier.

Check the area around your house to determine the type of trees and plants that are close enough for leaves to blow into your gutter. If you live in an area where homes are built relatively close together, be sure to check the trees in your neighbor’s yard as well. If you are not sure of the type of trees that blow leaves and needles during the winter months, a professional can tell you the types of trees that cause gutter problems that you should watch out for.

If you have problems with birds or rodents such as squirrels, there are guards that can help with these problems. Discussing your needs with installation professionals to learn about the guards and how they are manufactured will be important. They will also be able to give you suggestions for guards that will not allow pests to nest in your gutters.

The type of weather you have in your area will be a determining factor when choosing the guards. A location that has snow and ice will require a guard that has an ice dam. The dam will prevent ice or snow from becoming packed in your gutter and disrupting the flow of water through your drain. The design of these types of guards is different than a standard guard and contains slits or diamond-shape perforations that keep ice and snow from becoming packed in the gutter.

The cost of guards varies, but is normally selected as a long-term investment. Therefore, it is important to compare costs, but get the best guards available for your home. When you are having the units professionally installed, the provider you select will have all of the equipment needed to complete the project quickly. If you are considering installation as a DIY project, it will be important that you have all of the equipment needed and do research on the proper methods for attaching the guards to your gutters.

There are varied types of guards that are designed using materials such as basic wire mesh, heavy-duty plastic, or resin mesh. The type of guard that you select will be dependent on the area in which you live, the amount of debris that may clog your gutters, and the length of time that you want the guards to remain in place.

The installation of the guards is normally a significant investment. Therefore, it will be important that you read the warranty for the gutter guards, as well as the warranty provided by the installer carefully. An installation warranty will normally ensure that if the guard becomes detached from the gutter or there are other issues, the installer will make the repair at no charge.

Talking to the professionals at GutterStuff will help you to determine the best investment for your home. They will be able to give you information about the options available and will also have information about any additional pieces you may need to keep your gutters flowing freely with minimal effort throughout the year.

Thomas Bleier is a green builder and landscaper. For more information on GutterStuff, visit HardToFindItems.com.