How Gutter Screens Can Help Save You Time And Money
Posted: Friday, June 26, 2009
by Terry Edwards
Gutter screens are sometimes called leaf guards or gutter covers. They were created as a means of keeping debris out of household gutters while still allowing them to do their jobs: safely allowing water to leave a rooftop and flow away from your home's foundation.
The idea is that the screen itself is porous, much like a window screen, but not so porous that leaves, twigs and other materials can get through. The idea seems pretty simple, but the biggest problem with some, but not all, screens is that they themselves get covered up with debris and won't allow water to pass through.
Many people choose gutter screens because they figure that installing them will save quite a bit of money and/or time. After all, it is far easier to brush debris off of a screen than it is to clean the gunk out of gutters. Screens also help to keep the downspouts of a dwelling from getting clogged up as well, which means that the homeowner will not have to pay a professional gutter cleaner to come and clear out the clogs.
Of course, the screens themselves are not that expensive, but may require some assistance when it comes time to install them. There is more to installing them than simply setting one on top of your gutter! It needs to be securely fastened in place or else you'll lose them in the first heavy wind that comes along. Thankfully, you do not usually need a professional installation expert to properly install them. In most all cases you and a friend or family member can quickly accomplish the task.