A leaf guard is a barrier installed on top of an eavestrough system to help keep leaves and other debris out of the gutters. Not only is it a pain to have to clean out leaves from your eavestroughs but a buildup of debris can cause a lot of problems for you if not taken care of. Leaf Guards are usually aluminum, mesh, wire, or vinyl and they do a great job of keeping leaves and other things out of the gutters while still allowing proper drainage for water (so your eavestroughs can do their job). Here are 8 reasons why a leaf guard would make your life easier:
- Decrease risks to your safety. With a proper leaf guard, you will never have to climb a ladder to the roofline of your home for the purpose of unclogging your eavestroughs. Decrease your risk of falling by decreasing the number of times you have to climb that ladder!
- As we mentioned earlier, a leaf guard creates a barrier to prevent twigs, leaves, other debris from entering your eavestrough. Keeping these unwanted items out will help prevent clogs.
- Sometimes, you have the option of installing a heating cable with your leaf guard. This can help to prevent ice dams or snow buildup in the eavestrough and prevent flooding or other damage.
- Don’t worry about your leaf guard being an eyesore. You can choose colours to match your existing eavestroughs so that they blend seamlessly with your roofline.
- The benefits you will experience from installing a leaf guard will outweigh the initial installation cost, making it a smart investment.
- By having a leaf guard in place, you can avoid problems associated with clogged gutters, such as a flooded basement or yard erosion.
- Not only can clogged gutters cause the issues mentioned above, but they can also create pools of standing water, which can turn into a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and insects like mosquitos.
- Decrease your required gutter maintenance from twice a year (spring and fall) to once a year or less. Your eavestrough cleanout will be simple and quick because of the protection from the leaf guard!