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Foam gutter guards are affordable and easily purchased at your local hardware store. While these gutter guards may perform well during the first few months, you won’t see the same level of performance as time passes. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of gutter sponges deteriorates after two years, on average.

If you’re thinking of getting foam gutter guards this year, we urge you to reconsider due to the following reasons. 

Pollen Buildup

Traditional PVC or stainless steel gutters are often filled with pollen during springtime. Foam guards exacerbate this problem because pollen tends to clog the foam’s pores and impede water flow, trapping water in the gutter and making it spill over siding and walls.

Dirt & Seed Trapping

Foam gutter guards can trap debris and seeds, accelerating the formation of clogs. In addition, foam guards are challenging to clean because they naturally expand and contract. Using brushes to attempt to remove dirt and debris can damage the foam gutter material.

Short Lifespan

Foam gutter guards are lightweight and need no additional structural support, making their installation easy. However, this type of gutter protection can only last for two to three years. If regularly maintained and cleaned, foam gutter guards can last for five years.

Rot

Foam materials eventually break down or suffer damage. Additionally, mold can infiltrate poorly manufactured foam gutter guards, causing them to rot from the inside and clog the gutter system with loose particulates.

Mold Growth

The moisture-trapping nature of gutter sponges encourages mold growth. Fungi and molds grow on the sponges. Later on, they will release spores and potentially spread in your indoor spaces too.

Don’t settle for poor gutter guard performance. Get advanced, long-lasting and effective gutter protection from Gutter Helmet®. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our team.

Unpredictable weather can cause damage to your roof and home if you don’t maintain your property on a regular basis. For instance, heavy rains can weigh down weakly attached gutter systems and spill water over your siding, landscaping and foundation, causing more extensive damage. The harsh conditions during a strong windstorm or tropical storm can also have a significant impact on your home if it doesn’t have the necessary layers of protection.

To ensure your home is adequately protected against extreme weather, here are a few simple things you should do regularly.

Make Sure Your Gutters Are Working

Your gutter system is designed to divert water away from your home, keeping your basement, siding, roofing and other components safe from moisture-related damage. If your gutters are clogged or leaking, rainwater or snowmelt can run over your exterior and end up pooling on your lawn or flooding the basement. Make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned to prevent debris buildup and clogging. 

Remove Standing Rainwater 

If you have low-slope roofing, rainwater might not drain easily, causing pooling on your roof. Regularly clean and inspect your roof so that debris won’t accumulate on the surface and block the flow of water. Additionally, make sure your gutters are properly functioning so that water runoff from your roof will flow through the gutters and drain at an appropriate distance from your home.

Properly Maintain Your Siding

Your siding offers crucial protection against moisture and wind, so you have to keep it in good condition. If you notice holes, cracks or rot, call a trusted contractor immediately. Have them inspect your siding so that the cause of the damage can be identified and addressed. Consider installing gutter covers to protect your gutter system from dirt and debris. Gutter guards will prevent debris buildup in your gutter system, helping you avoid gutter clogging and leaks, which could damage your siding.

Protect your gutter system with superior-quality gutter covers from Gutter Helmet. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out this contact form to get a free quote and learn more about our products.