Gutter guards are designed to keep debris out of your gutters, ensuring water can flow freely and preventing clogs that can cause damage to your home. However, the effectiveness of gutter guards on steep roofs can be a concern for homeowners. Here’s a closer look at how gutter guards perform on steep roofs and what you should consider.
Understanding Gutter Guards on Steep Roofs
**1. Increased Water Flow Steep roofs tend to channel water more rapidly into the gutters due to the angle of descent. This increased water flow can test the efficiency of gutter guards. Quality gutter guards are designed to handle high volumes of water, but it’s essential to choose a type specifically suited for steep roofs.
**2. Debris Shedding Efficiency On steep roofs, debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles can slide down more quickly and forcefully. The type of gutter guard you choose needs to be effective at shedding debris while allowing water to pass through. Mesh or micro-mesh gutter guards are typically more effective in these scenarios as they can block even the smallest debris.
**3. Installation Considerations Proper installation is crucial for gutter guards to work effectively on steep roofs. Professional installation ensures that the guards are secured correctly and positioned to handle the increased water flow. DIY installations may not be as reliable, particularly on roofs with a steep pitch.
**4. Maintenance Requirements While gutter guards reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, they are not completely maintenance-free. On steep roofs, you might need to inspect and clean the guards periodically to ensure they are not overwhelmed by debris. Check for any signs of clogging or water overflow.
Choosing the Right Gutter Guards for Steep Roofs
**1. Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards Micro-mesh guards have very fine holes that block even the smallest debris while allowing water to flow through. They are highly effective for steep roofs where debris flow can be more intense.
**2. Surface Tension Gutter Guards These guards use the principle of surface tension to allow water to adhere and flow into the gutter while shedding larger debris. They work well on steep roofs but may require professional installation for optimal performance.
**3. Foam Gutter Guards Foam inserts are placed inside the gutter and allow water to flow through the foam while blocking debris. They are easy to install but may not be as durable as other options on steep roofs with heavy debris flow.
Benefits of Gutter Guards on Steep Roofs
**1. Reduced Clogging Gutter guards significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs, even on steep roofs where debris flow is higher.
**2. Protection from Water Damage By keeping gutters clear, gutter guards help prevent water overflow, which can cause damage to your roof, walls, and foundation.
**3. Less Frequent Cleaning Although some maintenance is still required, gutter guards reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, saving time and effort.
Conclusion
Gutter guards can be highly effective on steep roofs if you choose the right type and ensure proper installation. Micro-mesh and surface tension guards are often the best choices for steep roofs due to their ability to handle increased water flow and debris shedding. Regular maintenance and professional installation can further enhance the performance of gutter guards, providing peace of mind and protecting your home from water damage.
