Protecting your home from water damage is an essential part of homeownership, and gutters play a critical role in this regard. But gutters alone are not enough to ensure that your home stays safe from water damage during heavy rains. That’s where gutter splash guards come in.

In this article, we’ll explore what gutter splash guards are, how they work, why they’re essential, and how they differ from gutter guards. From understanding how to install gutter guards to calling in the experts at HomeCraft Gutter Protection, you’ll be an expert in all things gutter-related by the end of this article. So, let’s dive in.

What are Gutter Splash Guards?

Gutter splash guards are the gurus of the rainwater world, swooping in to save your home from the dreaded overspill of water. They work tirelessly to redirect water from roof valleys, those pesky spots where two roof slopes meet and form a concave angle that funnels water from both slopes toward a single spot. Without gutter splash guards, your gutters would be no match for the powerful stream of water during heavy rain, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage.

Fortunately, gutter guards are here to save the day. These brave shields can be installed alongside your gutters or added later to bolster your home’s defenses against water damage. Paired with gutter guards, rain gutter downspout extensions, and gutter splash blocks, you’ll have an unstoppable team that ensures rainwater is properly channeled away from your home.

 

How do These Gutter Guards 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, landscaping, and even the entire gutter system.

If you have traditional, open-top gutters, splash guards are a must-have accessory. They can help prevent landscape damage, foundation damage caused by flooding, roof leaks, and damage to the entire gutter system, including rotted fascia boards. Installing splash guards also helps keep water away from your home’s foundation, preventing costly repairs down the road.

If you’re wondering whether your gutters need splash blocks, the answer is that they may not be required, but they’re a good idea to help control the flow of water and prevent erosion. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use a downspout extension or a rain barrel to collect water and water your plants. Ultimately, splash guards and other gutter accessories are essential to protecting your home from water damage and ensuring that your gutter system is functioning properly.

Why are They Important?

Gutter splash guards may seem like a small detail, but they play a vital role in protecting your home from the ravages of heavy rain and storms. As every Texas resident knows, the rainstorms and downpours can be brutal, disrupting daily life and causing damage to homes. But with gutter splash guards, you can breathe easy knowing your home is safe from unnecessary water damage.

Without splash guards, your gutters can overflow and cause a range of issues. One of the most significant is foundation damage. Water buildup around the foundation of your home can cause long-term and expensive damage, such as uneven and sagging floors, cracked walls, and standing water under the house. This can also create an entry point for pests like termites, causing even more damage.

Another problem that can arise without gutter splash guards is mold and mildew. These unsightly and dangerous growths thrive in damp environments, and when water makes its way into places it shouldn’t be or sits too long in one spot, mold and mildew can begin to grow. This can happen on your roof, down your siding, along the base of your home, or even inside the gutters themselves. Without proper protection, your home can become a breeding ground for these unwanted and potentially harmful growths.

But with gutter splash guards, you can prevent water from overshooting your gutters and damaging your foundation or causing mold and mildew growth. Splash guards are installed where roof valleys meet your gutter system to stop overshooting water, and they get the job done efficiently.

How are Gutter Splash Guards Installed

Installing gutter splash guards can be a wild and wacky adventure! First, don your superhero cape and put on your DIY goggles to get into the DIY zone. Before you begin, it’s essential to check your gutter warranty terms to avoid any accidents, as some warranties may get voided if you make upgrades on your own.

Next, gather all your tools, including a tube of magical caulk and a splash guard of your choice. You can choose between a straight or a bent one depending on the angles required to install it. Make sure to put on your lucky socks for this crucial step!

Once you have your splash guard in hand, place it onto your gutter and apply the magical caulk and sealant around the edges to ensure a watertight seal. You can chant an enchanting spell to activate the caulk’s magical powers as you do this.

After that, it’s time to secure the splash guard in place using self-tapping screws. You can choose screws with round or hex-shaped washer heads to give your gutter a unique style. You can also attach a special whistle to the screwdriver to make a sweet melody while securing the screws.

Finally, seal the edges with more caulk to ensure no water gets past your magical installation. After completing this DIY project, you’ll feel like a wizard of gutter magic. If you are not a DIYer you can call professional experts like our very own HomeCraft Gutter Protection.

 

How do Gutter Splash Guards Differ From Gutter Guards?

Gutter splash guards and gutter screens are two essential components of the gutter system, and they have distinct functions. Gutter splash guards, also known as splash shields, prevent water from overshooting your gutters, particularly in areas where two slopes meet and form a concave angle. During heavy rains, the water stream can easily overflow your gutters, causing damage to your home and yard. Gutter splash guards are easy to install and can be added later, and they can be paired with gutter guards to maximize the effectiveness of your rain gutters.

On the other hand, gutter guards and gutter guards protect your gutters from debris such as leaves, twigs, and seeds. Gutter screens and guards work on the principle of surface adhesion, and they have a solid top without holes that are located above the gutter itself. When water flows from the roof onto the top of the gutter cover or gutter guard, the water adheres to the surface, and debris is prevented from getting into the gutter.

However, unlike gutter splash guards, gutter screens and guards cannot prevent water from overshooting your gutters. Therefore, it is essential to pair them with gutter splash guards to ensure maximum protection of your home from water damages. With properly installed gutter splash guards and well-maintained gutters, you can avoid damages such as flooded garden beds, foundation damage, mold and mildew, pools of standing water, roof leaks, rotted fascia boards, soil erosion, and trenching.

Gutter splash guards and gutter screens are vital components of your gutter system that work together to ensure your home is protected from water damages and save you money in the long run.

How Much do They Cost?

With prices ranging from $19 to $25, you can easily keep rainwater from overshooting your gutters and causing damage to your home.

But don’t just buy any splash guards you see online or in stores. Make sure to read product details carefully to ensure they’re compatible with your specific type of gutter. And always verify the store’s return policy just in case you need to return the product.

If you’re unsure about which splash guards to choose, consult with experts at HomeCraft Gutter Protection. We can provide detailed reviews and advice to help you make an informed decision.

Don’t forget to consider other gutter accessories that could benefit your home, such as downspout splash blocks, gutter covers, or a gutter strainer. A professional gutter installer can help you determine what accessories will work best for your home and provide expert installation.

Investing in gutter accessories like splash guards can save you money and prevent costly damage to your home in the long run. So why wait? Protect your gutters today with gutter splash guards and other helpful accessories.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Them?

You might be thinking that installing gutter splash guards is the ultimate solution to your gutter problems, but are there any downsides? Yes, there are.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the cost. Although they are relatively affordable, the cost can add up depending on the size of your home and the number of gutters you have. And let’s not forget about the installation cost if you hire a professional.

Another potential downside is the maintenance required for gutter splash guards. As mentioned earlier, they can easily be knocked out of place by foot traffic or lawn maintenance equipment. This means you will need to regularly check on them and adjust them as necessary. If you don’t, the guards can become ineffective and not do their job properly.

Furthermore, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall, the splash guards might not be able to handle the large volume of water, which could lead to overflowing gutters and potential damage to your home’s foundation. So, it’s important to ensure that you choose the right size and material for your gutters and the climate in your area.

Lastly, if you have a unique gutter system, it might be difficult to find splash guards that fit properly. This means you might need to have them custom made, which can be costly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gutter splash guards necessary if I already have gutter guards installed?

Yes, gutter splash guards are still necessary even if you have gutter guards installed. Gutter guards are designed to keep debris out of your gutters, while gutter splash guards are designed to prevent overspills of water during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. They work together to keep your gutter system functioning properly and to protect your home from water damage.

Can I install gutter splash guards on my own, or do I need to hire a professional?

While it is possible to install gutter splash guards on your own, it is recommended to hire a professional. Installing gutter splash guards requires climbing a ladder and working at heights, which can be dangerous if you are not experienced. Additionally, if not installed properly, the splash guards may not function correctly, which could lead to further issues down the line.

What materials are gutter splash guards made of?

Gutter splash guards are typically made of plastic or metal, with plastic being the most common material due to its affordability and durability. Some metal splash guards are made of aluminum or stainless steel, which are more expensive but offer greater durability and resistance to corrosion.

Can gutter splash guards be removed if I need to clean my gutters?

Yes, gutter splash guards can be removed if you need to clean your gutters. It is important to clean your gutters regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and to prevent any damage caused by water overflow. Simply remove the splash guards, clean the gutters, and then replace the splash guards once you are finished.

Will gutter splash guards work on all types of gutters?

Gutter splash guards are designed to work on most types of gutters, including traditional, open-top gutters, and seamless gutters. However, it is important 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.