Do Gutter Guards Work In Heavy Rain?

Sometimes, gutters can leak, get clogged, and overflow, splashing water all around. You need something to protect them from malfunctioning. This is where gutter guards come in, but do gutter guards work in heavy rain? 

At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we’re here to help you learn all about it. In this blog, we’ll explain whether there are any downsides to using gutter guards in rainy areas and help you understand why your gutters might be failing to do their job.

Here’s everything our experts have to say about gutter guards and heavy rains.

Is There A Downside To Gutter Guards? Do They Work In Heavy Rain?

Gutter guards are a popular solution for homeowners looking to protect their gutters from clogging and overflowing. However, like any home improvement product, they come with both benefits and drawbacks. Some homeowners have found that gutter guards can be expensive to install and may not work as well as advertised in heavy rain.

In terms of effectiveness, the answer depends on the particular product you are using. Some gutter guards can handle heavy rain with ease, while others may struggle to keep up. However, there are multiple reasons why gutters may not work properly during heavy downpours. 

Gutters overflowing in heavy rain can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which may have nothing to do with the gutter guards. So, let’s explore what’s really driving this issue. Is it the gutter guards, or something else?

Why Do My Gutters Overflow In Heavy Rain?

From installation faults to damaged gutters, we’ll explain why homes in rainy areas face problems with their gutter systems. It may or may not involve the gutter guards, so let’s take a closer look at the issues.

Clogged Gutters & Gutter Guards

Ice, snow, leaves, twigs, and other debris can collect in your gutters or get stuck near the gutter guards, leading to clogs and an overflow of water. If the clog is at the downspout, water will have nowhere to go flow back up into the gutter channels and spill out the sides. To prevent this, you should have suitable gutter guards and a properly installed gutter system. You could also use heating cables and downspout insulation during the winter to melt ice and snow around the gutters.

Poor Gutter Design

Gutters that are too small, have an improper slope, or are not installed correctly can lead to major problems with the gutter system. This is especially true for areas where there’s heavy rain and fast-moving water. Even small gaps and sagging can lead to gutter failure over time.

Damaged Gutters

If you find holes, cracks, rust, or sagging gutters, know that this is not just an aesthetic issue. These are some common signs of damage to the gutter system, and these signs can also be noticed in the downspouts. Look for dark water stains or blue-green algae around the gutters, which are common signs of damage.

Damaged Roof Components

Did you know that a damaged fascia board can stop your gutters from working correctly? The fascia board runs along the edge of the roof, where the gutters are installed. It provides support to the gutter channels by offering a surface for installation. If the fascia is damaged, it can weaken the support of the gutters and create gaps in the roofline from where water will leak.

Another area to keep an eye on is the roof valley. It’s an area where two roof slopes meet, and is normally fitted with metal flashing. If the roof valley has cracks, clogs, or damaged flashing, water, and debris can collect in that area, which will slowly leak through the roof.

Using Low-Quality Gutter Guards

This can also be a factor in overflowing gutters during heavy rain. If your gutter guards are made of weak materials or have a poor design, they won’t perform their function properly. In addition, some products are only designed for mild climates. 

But if you have a gutter guard from a leading manufacturer like LeafGuard and still facing problems, here’s what you need to know:

Can LeafGuard Gutters Handle Heavy Rain?

Top manufacturers like LeafGuard offer robust gutter guards that can handle heavy rain really well, but only if they are installed correctly. Improper installation and poor maintenance can also lead to clogs and overflowing water. Additionally, if the size and design of the gutter guards are not appropriate for your gutter channels, they can become damaged in heavy rain and may need to be replaced. 

So you must make sure that your gutters and gutter guards are selected and installed by a licensed and reliable professional gutter contractor who has plenty of experience installing high-quality gutter guards. If you need more information about different types of gutter guards and which one is best for heavy rain, we’ve got you covered.

What Is The Best Gutter For Heavy Rain?

There are various designs and patterns out there, and it can be overwhelming to pick one. So to help you out, our experts recommend using a micro-mesh, mesh, or screen gutter guard with a smart design and sturdy metal. You can read all about the best gutter guards in our previous blog.

We hope we were able to shed some light on your gutter problem and answer your question, “Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?”. If you want your gutter system to function correctly, we can help you. 

Do You Want Your Gutters To Function Properly? We Can Help!

At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we have been improving New Jersey homes for years! If you live near the Jersey Shore region, we know how tough it can be to maintain your roof and gutter system. That’s why we are dedicated to serving the community by making gutters effortless for all homeowners.

If you are having trouble with your gutter system, we can help you find the real reason behind malfunctioning gutters and provide a permanent solution to your roof drainage problems. For years, hundreds of homeowners have trusted us with the safety of their homes, and we would like to help you too. You can learn more about gutters and their problems in the Gutter FAQ section of our website.

If you need our help, call us at (609)-342-9829 for a free consultation. We will answer all your questions and provide you with a free roof and gutter inspection. To make it more convenient, we’ll also give you an estimate of any service that may be required, including gutter replacement, gutter guard installation, or roof repairs.