Gutter capping, gutter covers, leaf guards, gutter screens. They go by many names, but really, they are all trying to achieve the same thing; Keep junk out of your gutters! Leaves, pinecones, pine needles, moss and many other things can land on your roof and end up in your gutters.
All the different styles of gutter guards aim to prevent mother natures little presents from building up and blocking water flow inside your gutters. There are pros and cons to the many different styles available. Here is our 2-cents.
Long, dense foam-like material generally made of polyether plastic. Installed by slipping it directly into the gutters underneath the gutter hangers. While these are generally inexpensive, they also can get clogged quite easily with small debris and can be hard to clean.
Pros:
Cons:
Plastic or vinyl gutter guards are long, snap-in grates that fit into your gutter system. These are a popular choice for DIY homeowners for several reasons. First, they’re easy to install yourself. Second, they’re more affordable than metal gutter covers. Finally, they tend to perform better than foam, as their design closely resembles professionally installed guards.
However, there are some major drawbacks. Since they’re made of plastic, these guards can warp, bend, or break under the pressure of heat, debris buildup, or strong winds, which shortens their lifespan. Additionally, because they are prone to breaking, removing and reinstalling them for cleaning can be tricky without causing damage.
Pros:
Cons:
Reverse-curve gutter guards are designed to cover your gutter system with a slotted opening at the end that allows water to flow into the gutters. The concept is that debris will slide off the covers and fall to the ground, while the water smoothly enters the gutters for proper drainage.
However, If you have a steep roof where water runoff concentrates in one area, or live in an area where it can rain a lot at one time, the water may come down with too much force for the reverse curve to direct it into the gutters. Instead, it could shoot over the gutters and spill onto the ground. There is also still a high chance debris will follow the path of the water and end up in your gutters.
Pros:
Cons:
Composed of a fine mesh, these gutter guards can filter out even the smallest debris like pine needles. Due to their construction, professional installation is required. Although these products do offer good protection, they are still susceptible to becoming clogged like any other gutter guard. Fine particulates can get stuck in the mesh and are not easily cleaned out.
Pros:
Cons:
Perforated gutter guards are typically made from aluminum. They come as long metal sheets (either flat or wavy) with perforated holes that allow water to pass through. These guards usually sit inside the gutter system and attach directly to the gutters.
Installation often requires a professional, as it can be more complicated. Since they are made of aluminum, the same material used in most gutters, they won’t rust. These guards effectively keep out medium and large debris while letting water flow through. However, some small debris may still find its way into the gutters. Fortunately, heavy rainfall can wash much of this debris out through the downspouts. For maintenance, perforated gutter guards generally only need a basic cleaning or blow-off once or twice a year, depending on how many trees are nearby. In windy areas, the wind can take care of this for you. No gutter guards are 100% maintenance free, despite what some may try to advertise.
Pros:
Cons:
At Blue Mountain specialties we have identified perforated gutter guards as being one of the best options available and have found solutions to remedy the pitfalls of this style of gutter guard.
By offering them as a DIY product cutting the cost to the home owner significantly, we can offer the best protection available at a fraction of the price. Additionally, we have optimized the size of the perforated holes, finding the perfect balance. Too big and you allow potentially clogging debris through. Too small and you limit water flow. Optimal hole size and spacing designed to protect your gutters and stand up to the worst weather mother nature can throw at it. Holey Cap! Get it today.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
September on Vancouver Island means cooler mornings, falling leaves, and the start of the rainy season. For homeowners, it also means it’s time to pay attention to your gutters. A well-functioning gutter system can make the difference between smooth drainage and costly water damage.
Tired of gutter guard quotes that start sky-high, then “magically” drop if you act fast?
We don’t do sales games — just solid products, fair pricing, and zero pressure.
Protect your home the smart way.
