The seemingly simple component running along the edge of your roof serves a critical purpose. Discover why gutters are essential and how to ensure they perform optimally.
New homeowners and those new to home maintenance may wonder if gutters are a crucial part of their homes’ exteriors or simply a decorative feature. While professionally installed gutters provide a neat, polished edge around your roofline, their primary function is far more critical than just aesthetics.
Contractors install gutter systems on every new house they build because guiding rain and stormwater away from the roof and the home’s foundation is crucial for the structure’s integrity – provided the gutter is kept clean and free from debris.
The Impact of Rainwater on Your Home
Regardless of how gently rain falls on your roof, the water accumulates as it flows off, creating a forceful surge that, if not redirected, can pound the ground next to your foundation. Water and foundations are a dangerous mix. The relentless flow of water along the foundation line erodes the soil and can seep down along the foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks and structural instability.
Gutters that effectively manage stormwater do more than protect your home. They also preserve your yard and neighborhood. Without functional gutters and downspouts to control runoff safely, rainwater could carve paths through your yard and your neighbor’s, creating ditches, pooling in low-lying areas, and killing lawns, flowers, and other vegetation.
Preserving Your Home's First Line of Defense
Neglecting to clean your gutter system invites trouble, as clogged gutters can be almost as harmful as having no gutters at all. Rainwater trapped in a clogged gutter or downspout has nowhere to go but over the edge, rendering your gutter system practically useless. Leaves, twigs, and other debris that remain during winter can cause snowmelt to pool and refreeze in the gutters, potentially weighing them down so much that they can detach from the house. Clogged gutters also increase the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge.
Traditional gutters on your home should be cleaned at least twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall, before winter arrives. With traditional gutters, you have two maintenance options: cleaning the debris by hand using a ladder, which saves money but can be dangerous, or paying a professional gutter-cleaning crew to clear the gutters and downspouts.
However, a third option can save you from ever worrying about your gutters again: installing a patented seamless gutter system that never clogs and never needs cleaning.
A Hassle-Free and Worry-Free Alternative
LeafGuard Brand gutters, as the name suggests, combine traditional gutter functions with a patented curved-hood design that protects against leaves, twigs, and other debris. The LeafGuard gutter hood, roll-formed from sheet aluminum, arches over the top of the gutter, directing roof runoff into the gutter while preventing airborne debris from entering. Even leaves washed off the roof slip over the gutter edge and down to the ground below, resulting in a clean, unclogged gutter.
This system boasts unmatched durability, recognized and backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. The sheet aluminum used to make LeafGuard gutters is thicker than that used in traditional gutters, and trained installers secure the gutter with internal hanging brackets for added stability. These factors combine to create a system capable of handling up to 32 inches of rain per hour—nearly any rainfall Mother Nature can deliver.
Additionally, the gutter can run from one corner of your house to the next without seams, eliminating the risk of leaks at connection points. This is possible because the entire gutter trough is extruded—on
site—from a single sheet of aluminum, tailored to fit your house’s specific dimensions.
Aesthetically, LeafGuard’s innovative design is also a plus. The one-piece construction eliminates unsightly seams, and the gutters come in various colors that can complement, even enhance, your home’s visual appeal. The ScratchGuard paint finish on them comes with a lifetime warranty so that they always look as good as the day they were installed.
Why Choose LeafGuard Gutters?
Investing in a seamless, clog-free gutter system like LeafGuard not only saves you time and effort but also provides superior protection for your home, yard, and neighborhood. Here are some key reasons to consider LeafGuard gutters for your home:
- Efficient Water Management: With their patented design, LeafGuard gutters effectively manage stormwater, reducing the risk of foundation damage, soil erosion, and water damage to your property.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional gutters, LeafGuard gutters are virtually maintenance-free, sparing you from the hassle of regular cleaning or the cost of hiring a professional cleaning crew.
- Durability: Constructed from high-quality, thick aluminum and backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, LeafGuard gutters are built to last and withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Seamless Design: The seamless construction eliminates the risk of leaks at connection points, ensuring optimal performance and protection for your home.
- Aesthetics: LeafGuard gutters come in a variety of colors and feature a ScratchGuard paint finish, enhancing your home’s visual appeal and maintaining their appearance for years to come.
With LeafGuard gutters, you can rest easy knowing your home’s storm-proof roofing system is working optimally to safeguard your property against the elements. Say goodbye to clogged gutters, dangerous ladder climbing, and expensive professional cleaning services. Invest in the long-term protection of your home with the advanced gutter technology of LeafGuard.