Does your home in the Chicago area need gutter guards? Just take a look around your yard for the answer.
It’s easy for things like leaves, pine needles, small branches, and nests from rodents and birds to get stuck in your gutters. Gutter guards protect your home and gutters by blocking debris. Unfortunately, if debris-prone uncovered gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, debris that falls on the roof can build up.
Many homeowners discover the hard way that skipping gutter guards can cause flooded gutters that may allow water to seep into the home. Not fixing clogged gutters outside your home can equal mold, rot, flooding, and hard-to-mitigate moisture damage inside your home. Luckily, gutter guards create a barrier that ensures water can drain properly instead of backing up. They are the unseen heroes that protect a home and its foundation from what can turn out to be very expensive water damage.
Protect your home and simplify your maintenance routine today. Explore how gutter guards can shield your property from costly damage while giving you peace of mind. Don’t wait until the next storm hits—take the first step to safeguard your home by learning more below.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are usually designed as a perforated cover that goes over the top of the gutter, with a design that keeps out leaves and debris while allowing water to pass through (remember, gutters divert water away from your home’s foundation, as long as they catch all of the water!). In addition to preventing water from entering your home, gutter guards also help to protect your home’s siding and landscaping from heavy Chicago rains that can weaken or destroy them.
Gutter guards are installed over your existing gutters using screws or snap-in-place systems. They work by directing water into the gutters while filtering out pieces of debris that would create clogs. Rainwater is allowed to enter the gutters through slits or holes to ensure that your gutters can do their all-important job.
As a homeowner, you have a lot of different options when selecting a gutter system for your home. For example, our favorite Leaf Guard system, “Bulldog” offers an aluminum 6’ piece design secured by hex screws to ensure that heavy rains don’t inundate your gutters. Leaf guards are capable of handling up to 32 inches of rain every hour.
Some homeowners opt for a variation of a gutter guard system that’s known as a gutter cover. Rather than forming a flat surface over gutters like a gutter guard, a gutter cover has a reverse-curve design that can increase a system’s debris-filtering capabilities while allowing water to flow rapidly into the gutters. If you’re looking specifically for a mesh gutter guard, this is referred to as a gutter screen. Made from aluminum or plastic, gutter screens use an open-weave design to filter out large debris while allowing water to flow into your gutters.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
Some homeowners skip gutter guards because they want to avoid the cost. When looking at the pros and cons of installing gutter guards, it’s important for homeowners to weigh the long-term benefits against the initial cost and work required for installation. Here are some ways that gutter guards pay for themselves:
Gutter Guard Installation
Gutter guards are only as effective as your confidence in their installation. While you may be tempted to attempt DIY gutter installation, most homeowners find that the peace of mind they get from knowing that they’re having the right gutter guards installed the right way is more than worth gutter guard installation cost.
Regardless of the types of gutter covers being installed, a system has to be fitted perfectly to your gutters to ensure that gaps don’t allow for larger debris to sneak through. Settle for nothing less than professionally installed gutter guards backed by a warranty.
Improper installation is a top cause of gutter guard failure. Gutter Guard pros can ensure that your new gutter guards are properly sized, fitted, and aligned based on your roof and gutter design. Pros can also ensure the integrity of your roofing shingles during installation to ensure that you aren’t surprised by water damage to your fascia down the road. Unfortunately, even the best laid plans with gutter guards can fail if you accidentally damage the guards during installation.
How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost in Chicago?
Most homeowners pay somewhere between around $2,500 for full gutter guard installation in Chicago, although the overall footage is what determines the actual cost. Gutter guard prices can vary based on which material you select. Additionally, the size, complexity and pitch of your home’s roofline and the gutter system will factor into both material costs and labor charges. If you’ve already measured out your project, expect the price to fall somewhere between $8 and $15 per linear foot for material and labor.
Why Gutter Guards Are a Smart Investment for Chicago Homes
While some Chicago homeowners get away with not having gutter guards for years without a major water issue, it’s often only a matter of time before the worst happens. In addition to offering peace of mind against flooding, mold, and severe damage to your home’s foundation, gutter guards make gutter maintenance easy. You can finally forget about climbing up to your roofline every time you think there’s about to be heavy rain because you’re worried about debris.
Learn More About Professional Leaf Guard Installation
Don’t leave your home at risk. Trust Lang Home Exteriors, the experts with years of experience in gutter guard installation, to protect your property from costly water damage. Known for reliability and top-notch workmanship, Lang Home Exteriors uses only high-quality materials to ensure your home is safeguarded against the elements. With a proven track record of exceptional customer satisfaction, we’re here to make your home maintenance worry-free.
Take the first step toward a safer, more durable home. Contact Lang Home Exteriors today for a free estimate and discover why so many homeowners choose us for their gutter guard solutions!
708-774-1098
Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Guards
How do gutter guards handle heavy Chicago rainfall?
High-quality gutter guards, like those offered by Lang Home Exteriors, are designed to handle intense rainfall. Our systems efficiently channel water into your gutters even during heavy Chicago downpours to prevent overflow.
When you have ample insulation in place, your heating and cooling system doesn’t work as hard to warm temperatures. You maintain a comfortable space, but your furnace doesn’t work nearly as well. That means less fossil fuel energy, such as natural gas, is being used, which is also good for the environment.
What materials are gutter guards made of?
Our best recommendation for gutter guards are made of aluminum, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust or warping over time. This makes them an excellent long-term investment for your home.
Can gutter guards be installed over my existing gutters?
Yes, most gutter guard systems, including those we install, are designed to fit seamlessly over your existing gutters. During installation, our team ensures that the guards align perfectly with your current system.
Will gutter guards change the look of my house?
Not at all! Many gutter guards have low-profile designs that are barely noticeable after installation. Your home will maintain its curb appeal while having the added protection of gutter guards.
Can birds or rodents build nests in my gutters with guards installed?
No, our gutter guards create a secure barrier to prevent small animals and birds from entering the gutters. The strong materials we use are also resistant to chewing or scratching.
How much do gutter guards cost?
The cost of gutter guards depends on factors such as the material chosen, the size of your home’s gutter system, and the complexity of the installation. At Lang Home Exteriors, we provide a free estimate to determine the most accurate pricing for your project.
Do gutter guards prevent ice dams?
Gutter guards themselves do not prevent ice dams, as ice dams are typically caused by insulation and ventilation issues in your home.
Will I have to clean my gutters after installing gutter guards?
One of the biggest benefits of gutter guards is drastically reduced maintenance. While no system guarantees zero-cleaning, occasional rinsing or light cleaning will be sufficient to keep your gutters effective.
Does Lang Home Exteriors offer a warranty on gutter guard installations?
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our materials and workmanship. All gutter guard installations by Lang Home Exteriors are backed by a comprehensive warranty for your peace of mind.
