Gutter Guard Installation: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Gutter covers offer several benefits for your drainage system. They prevent gutters from clogging, rust and corrosion, water damage and ice dams. They also keep away pests and critters, which can damage the foundation of your home. Apart from these benefits, gutter guards also prolong the lifespan of your gutter system.

Some advanced metal gutter protection systems have additional features. These include a permanent water-tight seal and superior durability designed for heavy snow and ice loads.

Now that you know that gutter covers are worthwhile investments, you’re probably already planning on installing them yourself. Before you start your DIY project, take note of the following common installation mistakes to avoid.

1. Nailing onto the roof

Nailing the gutter cover onto the roof means poking a hole in your roof, which is never a good idea. Water, small insects, and debris can get into these holes and into your home and can compromise the integrity of the roof.

Most gutter guard kits come with clear instructions on how to attach them properly. Some covers snap onto the troughs and others are attached using special fasteners. Either of these two methods is enough to keep your gutter guards firmly attached, so you don’t have to nail them onto the roof.

2. Lifting the shingles

Don’t move or lift the shingles when installing your cover guards. Shingles also help prevent water damage, but they only work if they’re solid, intact and impenetrable. Lifting the shingles can allow water to seep onto your roof surface, making it prone to damage and rot.

3. Getting the wrong size

Many homeowners make the mistake of getting gutter guards a size too big, thinking that these will provide more cover against the rain and fallen leaves. However, the overlap will reduce the effectiveness of your water drainage. You can cut the excess part off and stuff it in the troughs, but your gutter covers still won’t fit snugly on the drainpipes.

Measure the length and width of your gutters before heading to the hardware store.

4. Forgetting the downspouts

Some people only cover the horizontal gutters surrounding their roof and leave the downspouts unguarded. They think heavy rain can cleanse out the pipe from time to time. But your downspout can easily get clogged with debris and dirt.

Downspouts lead rainwater away from the house, so they also need protection. Gutter guards prevent your downspouts from clogging, keeping your drainage system efficient.

5. Damaging the gutters

The gutters can be damaged through various ways during gutter cover installation. The fasteners might be a wrong size, allowing wood rot and corrosion. You might accidentally change the slope of the gutters by leaning too much on them, decreasing the efficiency of the drainage system.

If you damage your gutters and render them ineffective in routing rainwater, the gutter covers won’t be as useful as you want them.

Gutters and gutter guards may seem simple to install, but they require expert knowledge and technique. The best way to install them is to have a professional do it for you. Let the professionals climb the ladders and maneuver the pieces. This way, you can be sure of their efficacy, giving you your money’s worth.

Consequences of Improperly Installed Gutter Systems

Gutters do a critical job for your home, and installing them improperly may cost you a fortune. Remember that an incredible amount of water beats down on your roof during rainy seasons.

When your gutter is improperly installed, it will not allow the water to flow and drain as it should. That will cause gutters to fill up and overflow, and a run-off will accumulate around the foundation of your home.

Instead of spreading the rainwater from one day or one week over the whole wall, it will collect in one area and gradually destroy the brickwork and cement work. An improperly installed gutter system could cause your home to end up with structural problems.

Note that the average cost of foundation repair is typically around $2000 to $7000. However, you might spend as much as $10,000 for major structural repairs.

It’s important to be mindful of your gutters to prevent structural damage and costly repairs. Apart from installing your gutters properly, give them the right protection with gutter guards. Try to avoid using traditional gutters as much as possible. Instead of installing screens on the gutter, consider using the seamless cover to direct rainwater easily towards the gutter.

Efficient Residential Roofing and Drainage Systems

Invest in superior gutter protection to upgrade your roofing system. Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters offers the durable, low-maintenance LeafLock ™ gutter system, providing long-term protection for your home.

Call us at 877-594-7449 today to get a free quote and assessment.