If you are having constant trouble with leaves, twigs, and other debris clogging your gutters, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do to prevent this from happening. As you probably already know, clogged gutters are one of the biggest issues with drainage systems. They cause rainwater to back up in the gutters and flow over the sides. Clogged systems can also cause other issues, including gutters coming away from the home due to the weight of debris and water backed up in the system.
Preventing blockages in a gutter system is particularly important because of the damage that can occur to a property if rainwater is not adequately drained from the roof. Is there a solution? Well, according to the experts at Global Gutter Systems, rain gutter coverings could be just what you need. But what do these do, and how much does it cost to install them?
What are Rain Gutter Coverings?
Rain gutter coverings are also known as rain guards, and they are designed to either fit inside or on top of the gutter system to prevent large pieces of dirt and debris from entering the system. There are a few different options to choose from, including foam gutter guards or bottle brush guards that sit inside the gutters, or ones that sit on top. These include:
- surface tension gutter guards
- screen gutter guards
- mesh, gutter guards,
- micro-mesh gutter guards.
How are Rain Gutter Coverings Installed?
Some types of rain gutter coverings, like foam guards, can be installed easily. These guards are typically made from polyurethane or polyether and are placed into the gutters. The idea is that rainwater can still pass relatively easily but large pieces of debris will simply land on top of the foam and should then get blown away by the wind rather than sitting in the gutters causing a blockage. Bottle brush guards work the same way and are also easy to install by DIYers.
Some gutter guard coverings that sit on top of the gutters are also easy for a DIY installation, such as mesh or micro-mesh coverings. Even screen gutter guards that are made from plastic or metal can be installed by the DIYer as they don’t require any heavy tools. However, they are a bit trickier to cut.
How Much do Rain Gutter Coverings Cost?
The great thing about gutter coverings is that they are relatively inexpensive to purchase. Moreover, because most can be installed by yourself, there may not be any labor costs either. According to the home improvement website thisoldhouse.com, the price of a plastic screen can be anywhere from $0.40 to $1.00 per linear foot, while brush guards can cost between $3.00 and $4.25 per linear foot. In terms of installation costs, you could expect to pay between $2.50 and $3.75 per linear foot.
As already mentioned, most types of rain guard gutters can be installed by the homeowner, which will help to keep costs down. If you are a keen DIYer and have the tools required, then you can easily install rain gutter coverings yourself. Nevertheless, if you are not confident working on a ladder, it may be better to have the gutters professionally installed.
Conclusion
If your rain gutters are constantly getting clogged with dirt and debris, rain gutter coverings might be the ideal solution. Placed either in or on top of the gutters, guards work to prevent bulky items such as leaves, twigs, and pieces of trash from entering the gutter system and causing a blockage. Gutter coverings are relatively inexpensive, costing anywhere between $0.40 and $6.50 per linear foot. However, the cost of installation can add to the overall price should you wish to get them fitted professionally.