Canadian winters are tough on gutters. As a result, homeowners are always on the lookout for new solutions to make their eavestrough system more durable. Leaf guards are often considered as an alternative as they also strengthen gutters while protecting them against leaves, snow and ice. As rain gutter protection systems don’t come in a one-size-fits-all model, some are better designed to withstand the added weight of ice and snow.
Types of gutter protection
There are several types of gutter guards. Some are installed inside the gutter, such as foam inserts, while the majority of them are installed on top of the eavestrough, such as aluminum products with perforated holes. Any kind of rain gutter protection installed on top of the gutter needs to be durable enough to withstand the extra weight of ice and snow. On the other hand, products installed inside the gutter should prevent ice from forming in the eavestrough as it will bend the gutter out of shape during freeze-thaw activity.
It is also possible to install a continuous hanger™ to attach your gutters rather than using traditional nails or spaced hangers. This provides a clear advantage as gutters are fixed firmly in place, attached to the fascia board along the whole length instead of every 12” to 18” (30 to 45 cm). A continuous hanger is both a fastening system and a leaf guard that strengthens the gutter while protecting it against ice and snow, in addition to leaves and debris.
Rain gutter protection and materials used
The material used to produce the gutter cover will also be a testament to its durability. There are several options on the market and not all materials are strong enough. Overall, vinyl or plastic products are less resistant than products made of metal. Aluminum and stainless steel screens are among the most durable materials on the market. They can also better withstand the added weight of snow on top of the gutter protection.
Especially in the case of houses with very steep roofs made of iron or steel, it is very important to install durable gutter protection as ice that slips off will hit the product at great speed. Furthermore, installing an ice guard on metal roofs is strongly recommended so as to slow down snow slipping off the roof and prevent gutters from being damaged or pulled loose.
Installation on the eavestrough
Every gutter guard model is installed differently. Products that need to be screwed in are usually more resistant than products that are clipped or affixed. Although they require more time to install, if not the help of a professional, these alternatives are stronger and stay more firmly in place despite the added weight of ice and snow.
Gutter protection warranties
The manufacturer warranty will tell you a lot about a product’s expected life span. Although it does not really attest to the actual quality of the product, the warranty at least ensures that you will get some sort of after-sale service if there’s any kind of problem with the gutter protection purchased.
