Myth 1: Gutter Guards are Maintenance-Free
This is the most common of all gutter guard myths in Central Michigan. No system is 100% “set it and forget it.” While guards significantly reduce the need for cleaning, you may still need to occasionally brush off the top of the guards or clear a downspout.
The value is that you move from cleaning your gutters four times a year to simply checking them once a year from the ground or with a light brush.
Myth 2: They Cause Ice Dams
In the list of gutter guard myths in Central Michigan, this one is a classic. Many believe that guards trap ice and cause roof leaks. In reality, ice dams are caused by heat escaping from your attic, not by your gutters.
If your home has ice dams, they will form regardless of whether you have guards or not. In fact, clear gutters (protected by guards) allow snowmelt to drain more effectively once the sun comes out.
Myth 3: Gutter Guards Can’t Handle Heavy Rain
Some people believe that water will “sheet” over the top of the guard during a storm. This only happens with poor-quality “helmet” style guards. Modern micro-mesh gutter guard myths in Central Michigan are easily debunked by testing; these systems are designed to handle over 10 inches of rain per hour.
High-quality guards use “siphon” technology to pull water into the gutter while keeping debris on top where the wind can blow it away.
Myth 4: Any Guard from a Big Box Store Works
One of the most expensive gutter guard myths in Central Michigan is that the cheap plastic DIY guards are “good enough.” These systems often warp in the sun or collapse under the weight of Michigan snow.
A professional-grade aluminum or stainless steel system is the only way to ensure your protection lasts for more than a single season in Mt. Pleasant, Alma, Midland, and Clare.
Call Energy Plus Home Improvements
Tired of the rumors and the ladders? Energy Plus Home Improvements can show you the real science behind gutter protection and find a system that works for your home.
