A gutter splash guard system can be a game-changer for homeowners, especially those with trees nearby. It's designed to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutters, reducing the risk of clogs and damage to the home's foundation.
Gutter splash guards typically attach to the downspout, directing water and debris away from the home's foundation. They're usually made of durable materials like plastic or metal.
The benefits of gutter splash guards are numerous, including reduced maintenance and repair costs. By keeping gutters clear, homeowners can avoid costly problems down the line.
What Are Gutter Splash Guards?
Gutter splash guards are devices that attach to the downspouts of your home's gutter system to prevent debris and water from splashing out. They're usually made of plastic or metal and come in various styles and designs.
Their primary function is to redirect water and debris away from the foundation of your home, which can help prevent erosion and water damage. This is especially important during heavy rainfall or when leaves and branches clog the gutters.
By installing gutter splash guards, you can reduce the risk of water damage to your home's foundation and walls. This can lead to costly repairs down the line.
They work by creating a barrier between the downspout and the ground, catching debris and directing water away from the foundation. Some designs even have a built-in gutter guard to prevent clogs.
Gutter splash guards are a simple and effective solution for homeowners who want to protect their property from water damage.
Signs You Need a Gutter Splash Guard
You need to check your gutters regularly, ideally twice a year during spring and fall seasons, to catch any potential problems.
Inspecting your gutters can be a challenge, so it's not always practical to stand outside during a rainstorm to observe where water is spilling over the gutters.
Overflowing gutters are a clear sign that gutter splash guards are necessary, especially if water pours over the gutter's side.
Gutter splash guards are not a solution for clogs, poorly aligned gutters, or leaking gutters, so you may need to address these issues first.
If you have an upper roof plane that drains onto a lower roof plane, a gutter splash guard might be a simpler solution than trying to rearrange the gutter system.
Water tends to flow quickly in the corners of your roof, particularly where roof overshoots occur, making it a problem area for gutters.
Some homes may not need gutter splash guards if they have wider gutters installed that can handle larger amounts of rain.
Gutter Splash Guard System
The Eagle One Rain Splash Guard is a great DIY option for gutter splash guard installation, coming with 1/2-inch gutter screws and available in straight or bent corner pieces.
These corner pieces are especially useful for valleys, but a straight piece can also be important for other areas of your gutter system.
You can choose from various color options with the GutterWorks Gutter Valley Splash Guard, including low-gloss white and black, to match your home's exterior.
The GutterWorks product is also easy to install, taking just a few minutes to get it in place.
A 3-inch tall design is standard with the GutterWorks gutter splash guard, providing adequate protection against rain splash.
How They Work
Splash guards on gutters are an essential part of any home's water management system.
They work by keeping water flowing through the gutters in areas where there is often overspilling due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Splash guards are typically made of plastic or metal and are placed in corners or valleys of the gutter system, where water often accumulates and slows down the flow.
By speeding up the water flow, splash guards help prevent water from spilling over the sides of the gutter and causing damage to your home's foundation and landscaping.
Splash guards can prevent landscape damage, foundation damage caused by flooding, roof leaks, and damage to the entire gutter system, including rotted fascia boards.
Installing splash guards helps keep water away from your home's foundation, preventing costly repairs down the road.
Splash guards can be especially helpful for traditional, open-top gutters, as they can prevent water from spilling over the sides and causing damage.
Components
A gutter splash guard system is made up of several key components, each playing a crucial role in its effectiveness.
The splash guard itself is typically a long, thin piece of plastic or metal that fits snugly over the top of the gutter, preventing debris from entering.
It's usually attached to the gutter with screws or clips, making it easy to install and remove.
The splash guard's design allows water to flow freely into the gutter while keeping leaves and other debris out.
A gutter guard system often includes a series of spaced-out bars or slats that allow water to pass through while keeping larger debris out.
These bars or slats are usually made of durable materials like aluminum or plastic, and are designed to withstand various weather conditions.
The gutter guard system may also include a mesh screen or filter to catch even smaller debris like pine needles or seed pods.
This mesh screen is typically made of a breathable material that allows water to pass through while keeping debris out.
The entire system is designed to work together to keep your gutters flowing freely and your home's foundation safe from water damage.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing gutter splash guards is a relatively easy DIY project, but it's essential to consider a few things before you start. Gutter splash guards can be installed simultaneously with your gutters, which can cut down on labor expense if you hire a professional.
You'll need to determine whether you have a ladder that can safely reach the gutters, as this is often the biggest limiting factor for people who want to install gutter splash guards on their own. If you don't have the right ladder, it may be worth calling a roofing professional.
Gutter splash guards are sold with three to four pre-drilled holes that allow you to attach it directly onto your gutter system. Once in place, use a bit of caulk to seal any edges, so you don't see water spilling out under the splash guard.
Here are some estimated costs for gutter splash guards:
If you're not comfortable working at heights or have additional concerns about your gutter system, it's best to contact a professional in your area. They can also perform gutter cleaning services or other maintenance at the same time.
Installation
Installing gutter splash guards is a relatively easy DIY project, but it's essential to consider a few things. You'll need a ladder that can safely reach your gutters, and the cost of gutter guard costs today is around $7 a piece, although you can often purchase this product in sets of two or more.
To install gutter splash guards, attach the splash guard to the gutter using a drill or screwdriver, as shown in example 5. Make sure to seal any edges with caulk to prevent water from spilling out under the splash guard.
You can install gutter splash guards simultaneously with your gutters, which can cut down on labor expenses if you hire a professional, as mentioned in example 2. However, if you don't have the right ladder, it may be better to call a roofing professional.
If you opt to have a contractor install this upgrade to your house's drainage system, they can also perform gutter cleaning services or other maintenance at the same time, as recommended in example 6. The best gutter installation companies will install splash guards in a few areas of the home to ensure that overflow is not an issue.
Here's a rough estimate of the cost of gutter splash guards: prices range from $19 to $25, as mentioned in example 3. Keep in mind that other gutter accessories, such as downspout splash blocks, gutter covers, or a gutter strainer, may also be beneficial for your home.
It's worth noting that you should determine whether you have a warranty on your gutter system that could be voided by installing a splash guard before attempting the project, as advised in example 4.
Our Testing Process
We took the utmost care to provide the most up-to-date information to help you make the best choice for your home maintenance needs.
Our testing process was rigorous, involving a thorough review of the best gutter guards on the market. We considered factors such as durability, ease of installation, and effectiveness in keeping debris out of your gutters.
We've broken down our rating methodology to ensure that you have a clear understanding of how we evaluated each gutter guard. This way, you can make an informed decision that suits your budget and home maintenance requirements.
We tested each gutter guard under various conditions, including heavy rainfall and debris accumulation, to see how well it performed. This hands-on approach gave us a comprehensive understanding of each product's strengths and weaknesses.
Materials and Options
Gutter splash guards are made from a variety of materials, including plastic and metal.
Plastic is the most common material used for gutter splash guards due to its affordability and durability.
You can also opt for more expensive metal splash guards made of aluminum or stainless steel, which offer greater durability and resistance to corrosion.
Aluminum and vinyl splash guards are popular choices because they're inexpensive and lightweight, making them easy to install.
What Materials Are Best For?
When choosing materials for your gutter splash guards, consider your budget and installation preferences. Aluminum and vinyl splash guards are inexpensive and lightweight, making them easy to install.
Vinyl splash guards can become brittle and break over time.
Copper and stainless steel splash guards are longer lasting and more durable options, but they come with a higher price point.
Universal Compatibility
Gutter splash guards are designed to work on most types of gutters, including traditional, open-top gutters, and seamless gutters.
However, it's essential to ensure that the splash guards you purchase are compatible with your specific type of gutter to ensure they function correctly and provide the best protection against water damage.
Eagle 1 Rain Guard
The Eagle 1 Rain Splash Guard is a DIY-friendly option for gutter splash guards.
This model comes with the necessary 1/2-inch gutter screws for installation, which is a big plus for homeowners who want to tackle the project themselves.
It's available in two styles: straight and bent corner pieces. The straight piece can be useful for areas outside of valleys.
The Eagle 1 Rain Splash Guard is a great option for those who want a more hands-on approach to gutter installation.
A straight piece can also be important, even if you're not working with a valley.
The aluminum splash guards are a key feature of this model, providing a durable and effective solution for gutter protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do splash guards on gutters work?
Yes, gutter splash guards are effective in preventing overflow, especially in areas with concentrated water flow. They work well in roof valleys and inside corners where water tends to accumulate.
How do you stop rain overshooting gutters?
To prevent rain from overshooting gutters, a contractor can add a 1.5" thick piece of lumber behind the gutter to shim or pack it out. This simple solution helps redirect water flow and ensures proper gutter function.
What do roofers say about gutter guards?
Roofers agree that no gutter guard provides complete protection against debris. Regular gutter maintenance is still necessary despite having gutter guards installed.
Are gutter splash blocks necessary?
Yes, gutter splash blocks are a necessary component in gutter installations, helping to prevent water damage and costly issues. Installing a splash block is crucial to ensure proper water flow and protect your home's foundation.
How long should a splash block be?
A splash block should be at least 24 inches long to effectively direct water away from a building. This minimum length helps prevent water damage and erosion.
Sources
- https://todayshomeowner.com/gutters/guides/gutter-splash-guard/
- https://www.leaffilter.com/blog/home-exteriors/roofing-gutters/splash-gutter-guards/
- https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/gutter/gutter-splash-guard-guide/
- https://homecraftgutterprotection.com/gutter-splash-guards/
- https://kelly-roofing.com/gutter-splash-guards-what-are-they-and-who-needs-them/
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