There are numerous gutter protection products, so many that it can seem overwhelming. From gutter fillers to reverse curve technology, it can be difficult to decide what is best for your home's gutter installation. There are many things to consider when investing in the correct gutter guard. In this short blog, we aim to clear up the confusion, give examples of types of gutter guards, and why you should consider gutter screens on your home!
Gutter guards are protective covers or barriers that are installed over your gutters to keep debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from clogging the system. They are designed to allow rainwater to flow through while preventing blockages that can lead to overflows and potential water damage. Gutter guards come in various materials, including metal and plastic, and feature different designs, such as mesh, perforated covers, and reverse curve models. These options provide varying levels of protection to suit different climates and gutter maintenance needs. By reducing the amount of debris entering the gutter system, gutter guards help minimize the frequency of cleanings and extend the overall lifespan of your gutters.
Gutter screens, on the other hand, are a type of gutter cover that consists of a mesh or perforated material placed over the top of the gutter. The primary function of gutter screens is to block larger debris, such as leaves and sticks, from entering the gutter while still allowing rainwater to pass through. Gutter screens are typically made from materials like plastic, metal, or foam, and they can be installed as standalone products or combined with other gutter protection systems. While gutter screens effectively filter out larger debris, smaller particles like dirt, pine needles, and shingle grit can sometimes still make their way into the gutters, potentially leading to clogs over time.
Before discussing the difference between gutter guards vs gutter screens it is important to understand the type of gutter guards that are on the market. Gutter guards first conception took advantage of the fact that water will adhere to a surface through surface tension, this function later became known as “reverse curve” technology. Essentially a metal piece would be affixed onto the gutter and a curve near the edge of the gutter guard was made. This in theory allowed for water to enter the gutter but debris to fall off the gutter guard.
This product worked for a time but soon homeowners realized that leaves and debris would still get into the gutter, as well the product required full removal of gutters and installation of the whole system. Consumers found this cumbersome and expensive. New developments were made as contractors began to come out with their own version of this tech. Some were made of plastic, some could be affixed without replacing the gutter but all of them attempted to function in the same way. It wasn’t until screens were introduced into the market that great advancements began to be made.
Gutter screens allowed for the original gutters to remain on the home and produced the most consistent results at a cheaper price! The technology that developed focused on making a strong frame that could be manufactured easily while maximizing water throughput. The screens openings became smaller until where we are today where the openings are less than 50 microns. The screens also were developed to be made from surgical grade stainless steel. So, in regard to which is better, gutter guards vs gutter screens? Here is a detailed comparison of gutter guards and gutter screens & tips on how to choose the right one for your home.
Gutter guards such as contractor brands, reverse curve and gutter fillers all have the same flaw, they continue to allow small debris to enter the gutter over time. When this happens, as the old saying goes, “out of sight out of mind” and homeowners realize that their gutters became damaged because debris was allowed to sit inside the gutters for too long. Gutter screens are the only systems proven to prevent ALL debris from entering the gutter.
Gutter screens offer superior protection compared to standard gutter guards by effectively blocking all types of debris from entering the gutter system. Unlike traditional guards that may allow smaller particles like dirt, pine needles, or shingle grit to slip through, gutter screens feature a fine mesh or perforated design that filters out even the smallest debris. This comprehensive level of protection ensures that gutters stay clean and free-flowing, significantly reducing the risk of clogs.
With less debris accumulating in the gutters, homeowners can enjoy a number of benefits:
For homeowners seeking a highly effective and low-maintenance solution, gutter screens stand out as the best choice for gutter protection.
The team at Four Seasons Gutter Filter can help you understand this process with our trained estimators that will guide you through the specifics of your home gutter system! Give us a call for a free estimate at (844) 345-8374. or fill out our online contact form.