Gutter guards are essential to protect your home in several regards. They prevent leaves, debris, and pests from clogging your gutters to maintain water flow and avoid water damage. With gutter guards in place, you can preserve the foundation, walls, roof, and gutters.
It’s not just the concept of the gutter guard that makes a difference. Homeowners must carefully weigh the pros and cons of the available materials to guarantee exceptional results from this investment.
During your research, you may question the advantages of aluminum gutter guards versus plastic gutter ones. Which material will stand the test of time and continuously protect the home without troublesome maintenance? Continue reading to find out!
Aluminum Gutter Guards
Aluminum gutter guards are sturdy, resistant to rust, and require very little maintenance. The metal’s flexibility allows for easy installation and customization to fit various gutter shapes and sizes.
Additionally, aluminum gutter guards often come with a powder-coated finish, enhancing their resistance to weathering and extending their lifespan. However, its durable composition is just the beginning of its benefits.
Weather Resistance
Every region experiences unique weather conditions. The Pacific Northwest endures heavy rainfall and high winds all year long. Homeowners need a high-quality gutter guard system that channels water away from the house and won’t break down during uncertain weather.
Aluminum is the top material for these conditions. They’ll withstand harsh weather, keep the gutters free of leaves and debris, and ensure that water doesn’t damage your property.
Minimal Maintenance
Once installed, gutter guards continue to perform effectively without demanding cleaning or repairs. They will save homeowners time, effort, and money as the leaves fall in autumn and rainfall escalates in the spring.
Customizable Appearance
Homes may exude a traditional or contemporary aesthetic. Luckily, aluminum gutter guards will blend in because you can choose their color. Therefore, they won’t detract from the home’s overall appearance, and you’ll reap the benefits of an efficient gutter system and a pristine exterior.
Reliable Installation
Gutter guard installation in Seattle, WA, by Pacific Gutter Company guarantees that these metal systems never clog or pull away from the house. That’s because our teams install your aluminum gutter guards independently from the roof.
By attaching directly to the gutter rather than the roof, installers ensure that the roof’s integrity. Homeowners favor aluminum gutter guards because they’re a long-term solution for upgraded gutter protection.
Plastic Gutter Guards
Plastic gutter guards consist of high-quality, UV-resistant plastic. They are lightweight, easy to manage, and resistant to corrosion.
This material comes in various styles, including snap-on, mesh covers, and brush guards. Snap-on guards are simple to install and remove, mesh covers provide excellent protection against debris while allowing water to flow through, and brush guards effectively block larger leaves and twigs.
Moisture Resistance
Rust is a common concern with metal materials, but this isn’t a concern with plastic. Their resilience stems from the plastic’s inherent properties that do not react with moisture. As a result, plastic gutter guards remain intact in wet and humid conditions.
Easy Installation
Homeowners can take a DIY approach to installing plastic gutter guards. The material is easy to cut to size using a pair of scissors or a utility knife.
After the guards are the proper size, homeowners can simply place them over their existing gutter system openings. Some models may require a few screws or clips to secure them, but the process is straightforward and manageable. A bit of patience and basic tools is all it takes to get the job done.
Additional Factors To Consider About Gutter Guards
The advantages of aluminum and plastic gutter guards are broad, but they both offer more than maintenance and strength. Eco-friendly qualities, expenses, and time are three prominent components to consider.
Environmental Impact
Many homeowners are paying more attention to their environmental impact. One example is being more conscious of the materials they purchase. Aluminum is a recyclable material. Even after decades of gutter guards putting in the effort, they are recyclable when the time comes.
Plastic is also recyclable; however, it’s more likely to end up in landfills. Not to mention, plastic has a shorter lifespan of five to ten years. Homeowners will need to replace the guards if the material cracks or starts to disintegrate.
Cost Comparison
While the initial cost of aluminum gutter guards is higher than plastic, their long-term benefits are justifiable. Aluminum gutter guards’ durability and low maintenance requirements can save homeowners money on repairs and replacements over time.
Plastic gutter guards are an accessible and affordable option. However, their shorter lifespan and maintenance demands will increase costs and minimize the budget-friendliness of the investment over time.
Demanded Time
Aluminum clearly stands out as the more time-efficient option when it comes to installing and maintaining one’s gutter guards. Professional installation is quick and reliable without any effort from the homeowner. Once installed, aluminum gutter guards require virtually no maintenance, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits without dedicating personal time to upkeep.
In contrast, plastic gutter guards demand a more hands-on approach. Cutting plastic guards to size, securing them properly, and ensuring they fit correctly can require significant time and effort. The plastic counterpart also requires consistent monitoring to ensure they remain free of blockages and in good condition.
Homeowners may find themselves dedicating time to cleaning and maintaining plastic guards more frequently. It’s an inconvenience, especially during seasons with heavy foliage or rainfall.
Choose a Lifetime Solution With Aluminum Gutter Guards
Temporary solutions are an inconvenience to your bank account and time. You shouldn’t have to clean your gutters, replace gutter guards, or repair the system year after year. It’s better to invest in excellent materials from the beginning.
Aluminum gutter guards are the best solution if your house’s gutter system is struggling. The high-quality aluminum, exceptional durability, and minimal maintenance make these guards the top choice.
Pacific Gutter Company is proud to be a certified installer of Gutter Shutter. It’s the most popular gutter guard on the market that effectively prevents leaves, sludge, twigs, and even animals from hindering the gutters’ appearance and functionality. Contact us for a free quote when you’re ready for an upgrade. We cannot wait to improve your home’s gutter system!
