Do Gutter Guards Work in Heavy Rain? What You Should Know
It doesn’t take long to wonder if gutter guards will be up for the task when heavy rain clouds roll in and unload torrential rain. When rainwater spills over the gutter edges, pools near the foundation, and soaks your landscaping, you’ll likely ask: Do gutter guards really work?
Truly, not all gutter guards are created equal. Poorly designed or installed gutter rain guards can clog, sag, or snag too much debris. The right gutter guards, properly installed, work effectively during heavy downpours and will protect your property.
Here’s what we’ll discuss to help you decide if gutter guards are worth it:
How Do Gutter Guards Work During a Storm?
Gutter guards are installed over your gutters and are designed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out while allowing rainwater to flow through. Gutter rain guards come in various forms, including mesh screens, foam inserts, and reverse curves, and are designed to maintain functionality by reducing clogs.
Some gutter guard styles work in theory, but not when it matters - during heavy rainstorms. Faster-moving water from heavy downpours increases pressure on your gutters. Sub-par or poorly installed guards will fail under those conditions. High-quality gutter rain guards, correctly designed and installed, will effectively keep debris out while channeling high volumes of rainwater away from your house.
Which Gutter Guard Types Handle Rain Best?
Let’s look at the main types of gutter rain guards and how they hold up:
- Mesh guards: Mesh guards can filter out small debris, such as pine needles, but can clog easily if not maintained. Cheaper mesh versions often fail in heavy rainstorms. High-quality mesh guards with angled designs will perform well in downpours.
- Screen guards: Screen gutter guards allow a large amount of water to flow through, but debris can slip through and cause clogs. Screens are affordable, but not ideal for heavy rainstorms; they are considered a step down from mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards (or reverse-curve): These guards are designed to funnel water into the gutters while deflecting debris. When properly installed, surface tension guards function best during heavy rainstorms.
- Brush guards: These guards are easy to install, but are notorious for clogging and slowing water flow because they sit inside the gutter and catch debris on spiky bristles.
It’s no wonder that many people ask, “Do gutter guards work in a storm?” Overflow problems happen due to clogged mesh, gaps in installation, or low-grade materials that don’t hold up. Only when you choose the right type with the proper fit will gutter guards function properly; when they do, they offer home protection with low maintenance. In some instances, installing a rain gutter overflow guard at trouble spots can give your system the boost it needs during extreme weather.
Do Gutter Guards Reduce Maintenance During Rainy Seasons?
Cleaning debris from gutters is unpleasant and hazardous. Installing gutter rain guards means less time on ladders for maintenance. In spring, gutters fill with flower petals, seeds, and twigs. In the fall, leaves fill the gutters fast. Gutter guards deflect debris away from your gutter system. Additionally, heavy rainstorms can cause roofing granules and other particles to accumulate in your gutters. High-quality gutter guards will redirect the majority of this runoff and prevent debris accumulation, reducing maintenance.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It in Rainy Areas?
Are gutter guards a wise investment? They are – but it depends on the setup. Homeowners will truly appreciate a professionally installed system with high-quality materials that is equipped to handle heavy water flow, and keep leaves, roof grit, and debris out of the gutters – even during torrential rainstorms.
Ill-fitting gutter guards made from cheap materials or not suited to your home’s environment will cause more problems than they solve. Cheap gutters may cause water to spill over the edges or back up under the shingles, causing major headaches.
So, will gutter guards work in heavy rain? They do – when they are the correct type and installed perfectly. Partner with a trustworthy roofing company that will only install guards proven to handle high volumes of water while keeping out the junk that clogs up your system. When installed correctly, gutter rain guards protect your home, reduce maintenance, and prevent overflow - even in a downpour.
Talk to a Pro Before the Next Downpour
Choosing the right gutter guards is the key to protecting your home from the next downpour and reducing maintenance. It’s a crucial decision you’ll want to get right and one you don’t have to do alone.
At Quality Seamless Gutters, we help homeowners in Beaufort and Bluffton, SC, find the right fit for their property and weather conditions. We offer expert product recommendations and a no-pressure home assessment.
Don’t wait for the next downpour to test your gutters. Contact us today and get ahead of the storm.
