Here at Skywalker Windows and Siding, we know there’s much more to maintaining your beautiful home than meets the eye. One such aspect is managing rainwater, an element that Mother Nature often sends our way. Now, gutters do a mighty fine job keeping rainwater from wrecking your home, but what about gutter splash guards? Are they the unsung heroes of home maintenance, or just unnecessary extras? Let’s dive right into it.
There’s a good chance you might have seen these little attachments on gutters in your neighborhood. You’ll spot them at the corners or ends of a gutter, and their primary job is to stop water from ‘splashing’ or ‘overflowing’ onto the sides of the house. But is that all they’re good for? Heck no! Let’s wade deeper into the benefits of these handy helpers.
When it comes to safeguarding your beloved home, every little addition counts and the benefits of gutter splash guards are multifaceted. Here are some of the benefits:
A sudden downpour can quickly become an onslaught against your home’s siding. Gutters can handle average rainfall, but when it comes to heavy downpours, that’s a different ball game. Gutter splash guards prevent water overflow, protecting your home’s siding from potential water damage.
If you are a gardening enthusiast, you will appreciate how a sudden deluge can disrupt your manicured garden. Gutter splash guards control the water flow, protecting your beautiful blooms from being washed away in a storm.
Uncontrolled water flow can lead to soil erosion around your house. Installing gutter splash guards helps manage the water direction and flow, reducing the risk of erosion and safeguarding your landscaping.
A critical but often overlooked benefit of gutter splash guards is their role in preventing water pooling around your home’s foundation. By directing the rainwater away, these guards can help maintain the structural integrity of your home.
By doing their part to protect your home’s siding, garden, and foundation from water damage, gutter splash guards can save you a pretty penny in potential repair costs down the line.
Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for gutter splash guards is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your home. Here are some key indicators to look out for:
If you notice water stains on your siding, especially near the corners or ends of your gutters, it strongly indicates that water is overflowing during rainstorms. Gutter splash guards can effectively address this issue by redirecting the water flow.
During heavy downpours, if you observe that your gutters are overflowing and unable to handle the volume of water, it’s a clear sign that you need gutter splash guards. These guards help prevent excessive water from spilling over and causing potential damage to your home.
If your plants, flowers, or shrubs are consistently being washed out or damaged after rainstorms, it’s a sign that the water flow from your gutters needs to be controlled. Gutter splash guards can help divert the water away from your garden, preserving its beauty and vitality.
Excessive water runoff near your home’s foundation can lead to soil erosion. If you see signs of soil erosion, such as exposed roots or uneven ground near the base of your house, it’s time to consider installing gutter splash guards. These guards can redirect the water away from the foundation, protecting it from potential damage.
When water accumulates around your home’s foundation after a rainfall, forming puddles or pools, it’s a clear indication that your gutters are not effectively directing the water away. Gutter splash guards can assist in controlling the water flow, preventing pooling and potential foundation issues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install gutter splash guards:
Before you begin the installation process, ensure you have all the required tools. These include gutter splash guards, a drill, screws, a ladder, safety gloves, and safety glasses.
Start by thoroughly cleaning your gutters. Remove any debris, leaves, or twigs that may obstruct the proper installation of the splash guards. This step ensures a clean surface and allows for a secure attachment.
Assess your gutters and identify the corners or ends where water tends to overflow during heavy rain. These are the areas where you will need to install the gutter splash guards.
Position the first splash guard and place it at the corner of the gutter where water overflow occurs. Put the guard under the top edge of the gutter and over the lower edge. Ensure that it aligns properly and covers the area where water tends to splash or overflow.
Once the splash guard is properly positioned, use your drill to insert screws through the guard and into the gutter. This ensures a secure attachment. Repeat this process for each problematic corner where you identified water overflow.
After installing the gutter splash guards, it’s essential to test their effectiveness. Wait for the next rainfall and observe how the water flows through the gutters. You should notice a significant reduction in water overflow and splashing, indicating that the splash guards are doing their job.
Remember, safety should always be a priority. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or if your home has multiple stories, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.
Need a roofing or home improvement service you can trust? Skywalker Windows & Siding is the name to remember! Serving both North Carolina and Virginia, Skywalker provides top-of-the-line roofing and home improvement services, including custom seamless gutters crafted from specialty tools right on your property. We can even install the perfect gutter guard to protect your investments. If you’re located anywhere in the NC Piedmont Triad, NC Piedmont Triangle, Mooresville & Lake Norman, or the southern Virginia region, contact us at (336) 627-5596 today and experience the Skywalker difference!
Luke Wilson started working on roofs with his dad when he was a teenager, and eventually launched Skywalker Roofing in 2003. Skywalker operates in 5 locations across NC & VA, and now includes windows, siding, and other exterior services. Luke also hosts the popular Roofing Mythbusters series on YouTube.
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