Understanding Different Types of Gutter Protection Systems
September 17, 2018Gutter protection is key to gutter health and longevity. However, not all gutter protection systems provide the same level of performance.
When adding protection for your heated gutter system, it’s imperative to understand the differences between the various products out there. Today, Gutter Helmet® of Eastern NY talks about the most popular gutter guard products on the market.
Inserts
Foam and brush inserts are economical and DIY-friendly. Foam inserts act as a roof for gutters and downspouts except they’re porous to let the water in. They’re designed to block debris from entering your gutters, keeping it above the system so it’s easy to remove. The problem with foam inserts is they don’t dry out quickly, making them vulnerable to mold growth.
A brush insert is placed inside the gutter. Its purpose is to trap debris and prevent it from entering the gutter, while allowing the water to pass through. Your gutter contractor explains that the biggest drawback of brush inserts is they can only perform effectively when cleaned, but they’re very difficult to clean.
Screens
Mesh covers deny entry to debris effectively, while allowing rainwater to flow through the system. While they work okay for awhile, they’ll eventually become blocked with sludge, which requires manual removal. They also can’t handle large quantities of rainfall, making them ineffective in severe weather.
Reverse Curve Covers
Gutter caps sport a solid cover to keep all sizes of debris out. Using the concept of surface tension, their tip is curved inside-out to guide rainwater into the gutters. When all is said and done, these guard covers are easily the closest to perfection. Gutter Helmet systems are a type of reverse curve cover.
Learn about the anatomy of Gutter Helmet. Call Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY at (866) 252-9400 to schedule your consultation and request a FREE estimate.