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The Issue with Foam Gutter Guards

valor gutter guards

Given the huge role your gutters play in keeping your home dry and damage-free, you’ll want to make sure they’re in good shape all year round. This means taking measures that allow them to remain clean and clog-free. You can do this by investing in a gutter protection system. Gutter sponges, or foam gutter guards, are the most common option–but you might want to skip them. Advantage Seamless Gutters, the trusted gutter cleaning service expert in the area, shares the reasons here.

valor gutter guards
  1. They are not as effective as their counterparts. Foam gutter guards consist of elongated sections of triangular or thinner, arch-shaped foam. These pieces of foam are then placed inside the gutters, allowing water to pass freely through the system, while keeping leaves, pine needles, twigs and other loose debris out. They can prevent gutter clogs, but only to a certain point. Roof debris tends to settle on the foam’s surface fairly quickly. This not only slows down the flow of water, but also encourages congestion.
  1. They don’t last long. What makes foam gutter guards an attractive option for many homeowners is their availability. You can find them at almost any store–and they’re not expensive either. The bad news, however, is that foam gutter guards disintegrate fast and need to be replaced every few years. As far as gutter protection systems go, your seamless gutters deserve something better and longer lasting.
  1. They require regular maintenance. Foam gutter guards are easy to install and replace. But in between those tasks, you’ll need to check the foam periodically and remove the debris accumulating on its surface. Otherwise, the debris buildup can result in clogs and poor draining performance.

Advantage Seamless Gutters, the premier gutter installation company, offers a better and longer lasting alternative to gutter sponges. Check out our Valor® gutter guards, which are proven effective against clogs resulting from roof debris and runoff. Leaves and loose debris are blocked from the gutters, allowing only rainwater inside. And thanks to their patented S-curve design, they also reduce the potential of rooftop fire hazards. We proudly serve the areas in and around St. Cloud, MN. Call us today at 218.558.0575 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.