An Introduction To 3 Types Of Gutter Covers

Your gutters work hard to protect your home's siding and foundation from the detrimental effects of rain, sleet, and snow. However, your gutters may also be collecting branches, leaves, and other debris on a daily basis.

Debris can pack together in your gutters and cause them to clog and overflow. Waterlogged plant matter and dirt may even become heavy enough to cause parts of your gutters to sag and fall!

Fortunately, gutter covers offer an easy solution to this problem. Here's an introduction to three types of gutter guards to help you find the right fit.

Mesh Gutter Covers

Mesh gutter covers use a stainless steel mesh or screen to prevent large debris from landing in your gutters. The mesh is attached to your gutters with two fastening strips made of plastic or metal.

Mesh gutter covers are low-profile and require very little maintenance. They are excellent at preventing twigs, rocks, and other large objects from clogging your gutters. Rarely, twigs and branches can come to rest on top of mesh gutter covers, so you may need to remove this debris manually.

Reverse-Curve Gutter Covers

Reverse-curve gutter covers are sometimes called "helmet covers" because of their characteristic shape. This type of gutter cover consists of a sheet of metal or PVC that shields most of the gutter below. A slope or curve allows water to drain into a small gap at the edge of the cover.

The sloped shape of a reverse-curve gutter cover causes debris to simply roll off. However, the gap at the edge of these covers can sometimes get clogged with leaves and dirt. You may need to clean reverse-curve gutter covers occasionally by spraying them with a garden hose.

Foam Gutter Covers

Foam gutter covers protect your gutters with a layer of foam. This foam allows water to drain into the ducts while keeping debris out. Foam gutter covers are typically made of porous polyurethane or polyether.

Foam covers provide complete protection against all foreign objects in your gutters. Foam covers are easy to install since you can cut them to the exact size and width of any gutters. Unfortunately, they are less durable than other types of gutter covers and will need more frequent replacement.

Whichever type you choose, gutter covers will let you clean your gutters less often without compromising your siding and foundation. Use these pros and cons to find the best gutter covers for your home.

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