Do Gutter Guards Work in Heavy Rain?

You want to protect your home and maintain your gutter system, but you aren’t sure of the best way to accomplish that. We get it! There’s conflicting information out there, and it can be difficult to know what’s best.

Gutter guards have become popular because they keep debris out of your gutters, protecting your home from roof and foundation damage that can result from clogged gutters. But one question remains: do gutter guards work in heavy rain, or are there limitations?

Micromesh gutter guards do, in fact, work in heavy rain. However, in this post, we’ll review the different types gutter guards in general and talk about why overflows during heavy rain can be a concern.

In this article:

• Can Gutter Guards Handle Heavy Rain?
• The Consequences of Overflowing Gutters
• Frequently Asked Questions

Can Gutter Guards Handle Heavy Rain?

🌧️ Heavy rain and debris can wreak havoc on your gutters. But with LeafFilter, you can put your mind at ease! Our product is made to handle all kinds of weather and keep your gutters clear. 🌪 See how it works at: https://t.co/wRb2LmHWVN #leaffilter #gutterguards #stormproof pic.twitter.com/Eszw1gJciL

— LeafFilter Gutter Protection (@LeafFilter) June 30, 2023

Some gutter guards handle downpours better than others. Micromesh gutter guards are highly effective; they keep even small debris like pollen and shingle grit out of the gutters and can handle a lot of water without overflowing.

Other types of gutter guards that may stand up to heavy rain include aluminum gutter guards and reverse-curve gutter guards. As long as there are no clogs inside the gutters, the water should flow smoothly.

However, these aren’t quite as effective at keeping small debris out of the gutters as micromesh gutter guards, so you’ll need to clean out your gutters regularly to keep them working effectively.

Gutter guards that aren’t as successful in heavy rain include foam gutter guards, brush-style gutter guards, and those with larger screens. These tend to get clogged more frequently, leading to overflows, damage to your roof and siding, and other issues.

The Consequences of Overflowing Gutters

While you might think water flowing over the edges of the gutters is just an inconvenience, it can potentially cause significant water damage to your home. Overflowing gutters can lead to serious damage to your home, such as:

• Foundation Damage: If water is pooling around the home’s foundation rather than being diverted away by the downspouts, it can actually penetrate the foundation over time. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and, in severe cases, structural damage.
• Basement Damage: Your basement can also flood from the pooling water. This can damage personal belongings and lead to mold growth.
• Damage to Siding: Siding and exterior damage is also a possible result from clogged gutters, leading to warping and the need for repairs.
• Landscape Erosion: Landscape erosion is another possible issue. Mild cases might only affect the appearance of landscaping, but if it keeps happening, plants can be damaged. It can even adversely affect the ground your home is built on, contributing to basement flooding and foundation issues. In addition, it can cause slippery spots by creating mud in warmer weather or freezing in cold weather.
• Roof Damage: If water is cascading over the edge of the gutters rather than diverting away from your home, it can also seep under your roof’s shingles and underlayment. This can lead to mold and mildew as well as leaks and other deterioration.

The best way to combat these issues is to prevent overflow as much as possible with a proven gutter protection solution like LeafFilter’s micromesh gutter guards. Our award-winning, patented technology is a permanent solution to clogged gutters.

To learn more about how LeafFilter gutter guards can protect your home, call us toll-free today at 1-800-290-6106.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gutter guard for heavy rain?

Micromesh gutter guards, such as LeafFilter, are the most effective gutter guards for heavy rain. But you don’t have to take our word for it: Both Today’s Homeowner and EcoWatch have named LeafFilter as the best overall gutter guard for heavy rain, and our customers agree!

What are the disadvantages of gutter guards?

Gutter guards work very well, and are generally beneficial. But there are a few potential downsides: firstly, the installation costs are an investment, and some people simply might not have available funds to set aside for gutter protection. (As a side note, we offer financing for our gutter systems.) Not all gutter guards are completely maintenance-free; however, micromesh gutter guards allow for the most minimal amount of maintenance.

Is it better to have gutter guards or not?

It’s absolutely better to have gutter guards than to not have them. From clogged gutters to leaks and sagging, having unprotected gutters can lead to many problems. Gutter cleaning just isn’t enough, and that’s true even if you hire a pro. Our gutter guard system is designed to keep your gutters clog-free for life and comes with a limited lifetime transferable warranty that can even add value to your home.

How long should gutter guards last?

This really depends on the type of gutter guards you buy. That said, when it comes to the longevity of gutter guards, most mass-produced, DIY gutter guards are flimsy and have a shorter life span. Professionally installed gutter guards last much longer.