K-Guard Blog

K-Guard vs. Gutter Screens & Filters

There are many options when it comes to selecting a gutter product to protect your home from drainage issues. Traditional open-top gutters, k-style gutters, gutter covers, filters, and screens are just some of the many gutter product options homeowners consider before installing them on their homes.

While there are many options to choose from, many gutter products don’t protect your home from heavy rains and snow, pests, and extreme wind. We know… that sounds pointless! What’s the point of a gutter product if it doesn’t protect your home from drainage issues?  

We’re going to take a look at the differences between one of the more popular gutter productsscreens/filtersand our K-Guard product. We’ll compare how they function and how well they protect your home from drainage issues so you can be better informed before you decide which gutter product is right for your home. Continue reading to learn more.


Gutter Screens/Filters

First, let’s discuss what gutter screens and gutter filters are and how they’re installed. Gutter screens are a piece of mesh with small openings that is installed on the top of an open-top gutter system. Gutter filters are similar to gutter screens but they have a component on the top of the screen that collects seeds. Both function to keep large debris out of the gutter system to help prevent clogs from forming in the gutters and downspouts. They’re installed by simply placing them over an existing open-top gutter system. Most homeowners install gutter screens and filters themselves and the help of a gutter installation professional isn’t always necessary.

While gutter filters and screens sound like a good idea, they don’t eliminate the chance for debris to enter the gutter system. The small openings that are on gutter filters can act as a “shelf” for debris, meaning larger debris will sit on top of the filter, however, roof granules and other debris like seeds from trees and small rocks can still enter the gutters. If there is any dirt inside the gutters and seeds drop into the gutter through the opening of the mesh liner, things will grow inside the gutter. All it takes for weeds and trees to grow in the soil is a seed, water, and sunlight, which are readily available in a gutter system with filters installed. 

Gutter filters and screens can also impede the flow of water throughout the gutter system. When seeds and debris block the openings to these filters and screens then water isn’t able to enter the gutters, resulting in an overflow that can cause all sorts of issues like foundation damage and basement flooding. They can also void your roof’s warranty if they go underneath your roof shingles.


K-Guard’s Leaf Free Gutter System

K-Guard was invented to eliminate all of the problems that can result from traditional, open-top gutters and filters/screens. We wanted to ensure that water can move freely throughout the entire gutter system without the possibility for debris to enter the system which is why our system is a complete system that includes many parts that work together.

Our full system includes a curved hood, gutter, and downspouts, all in one seamless product. Our curved hood allows rain, meltwater, and all other forms of precipitation to flow from the roof and into the gutter while enabling leaves and other debris to slide off, eliminating debris from entering the system or being able to collect on the top of the gutter. Only water adheres to our curved hood so debris, leaves, and pests have nowhere to enter our gutter system.

Because our product is a complete, seamless system, our gutter guards don’t act as a shelf for debris to collect, creating a heavy mess. Our system also keeps all seeds and soil out so nothing can grow and sprout from the gutters. There’s nothing as strange as seeing a home that has something alive and growing from the gutter… it deters potential homebuyers and makes neighbors unhappy. 

The K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System also allows for more water to move freely throughout the system, unlike gutter filters and screens that can impede water flow. Our system allows for a minimum of 23 inches of rain per hour to move through, something other systems can’t do.

Gutter screens and filters sound like a good idea, in theory, however, they don’t protect your home from drainage issues and can still cause homeowners nightmares if they overflow. While they do save homeowners money in the short term, the long-term effects can be very costly. Therefore, it’s best to do your research before you install them and consider installing the K-Guard Gutter System for complete protection against drainage issues.

Ready to install your seamless, leaf-free gutter system? Schedule a free in-home estimate today. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not

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