How Much Rain Can Gutter Guards Handle?

It’s a no-brainer that installing gutter guards is a smart investment for homeowners. They prevent water damage, leaks, and debris clogging up gutters leading to overflow. But when severe weather is on the radar, it begs the question: how much rain can gutter guards handle? Here’s what to know if heavy rain is prominent in your area. 

How Much Rain Can Gutter Guards Handle? 

Your gutter guards can most likely withstand a lot of rain. But the full answer is dependent on a few factors. These include the type of gutter guard you have installed and how often you inspect them. 

Which Gutter Guards Are Superior During Heavy Rain? 

Mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards are the best choices when looking for a gutter guard that can handle lots of rain. Mesh guards are made of a screen-like material that features small holes that allow water to permeate while preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering your gutters. Mesh guards sit on top of your gutters and are fairly easy to install. 

Which Gutter Guards Struggle with Heavy Rain? 

It’s recommended to avoid foam, brush, and reverse curve gutter guards if heavy rain is a concern for your area. Foam guards work by absorbing water, but like most foam, they can only hold so much water before overflowing. Water may simply spill over brush guards, and reverse curve gutter guards simply do not have a large enough opening to allow lots of water through effectively. 

How Do I Ensure My Gutter Guard Will Be Effective During Heavy Rain? 

Inspect your gutter guards at least twice a year for debris buildup and possible damage. Even gutter guards meant to withstand rain will need to be cleaned out to function optimally. Inspecting regularly will alert you to any damage your guards have accrued, allowing you to fix or replace them before losing effectiveness. 

Problems Gutter Guards Have in Heavy Rain 

Gutter guards can have many problems in heavy rain, including:  

• Detachment. Gutter guards may come off in inclement weather, rendering them ineffective. 

• Excess debris buildup. Debris may accumulate on top of your gutter guards, potentially leading to long-term problems if these clogs aren’t removed.  

• Overflow. Gutter guards unsuitable for heavy rain may experience overflow where excess water leaks over your gutters. This potentially causes water damage to the outside of your home and foundation. 

How to Know Which Guards Are Right for You 

Knowing which gutter guard is right for you can be difficult, especially with so many kinds out there. Other factors like weather patterns in your climate play a part in deciding which gutter guard will work best. Evaluate your situation with this checklist to determine the gutter guard that’s right for you: 

• Are you willing to DIY or have a professional install? DIY will save you money, but a professional can evaluate your situation and ensure that your gutter guards last. 

• What climate issues will your gutter guards have to deal with? This may include wildfires, hail, ice, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. 

• What types of trees and other foliage are around? Some gutter guards may stop large leaves from entering your gutters but may struggle with smaller foliage like pine needles. 

• Do you want the guards to cover everything or just a problem area? Some guards, like foam, come in small sections that make it easier for spot treatment but are more expensive if you want to cover the entirety of your gutters. 

This process can be overwhelming, and there are so many factors to consider. Calling a professional will help you determine which gutter guards are right for you and save you the pain of installing them yourself.