You might have seen gutter splash guards on your neighbor’s roof. As effective as gutter systems are, they aren’t flawless, and having gutter splash guards can make them more effective at protecting your home. But when do you need them?
What are Gutter Splash Guards?
Gutter splash guards, or splash shields, are narrow strips of metal you connect to your gutters to prevent water from overwhelming your gutters. They are essentially little dams that run along the length of the gutters but are particularly necessary below roof valleys (the corners) to direct fast-moving water back into the gutter.
Gutter splash guards are particularly effective during heavy rainfall or if your gutter is clogged. Allowing the water to spill over the sides can damage your home’s foundation.
Splash guards don’t have to be installed at the same time as gutters. They can be installed after gutter installation, and you can pair them with gutter guards, downspout extensions, or splash blocks to further protect your home.
Benefits of Gutter Splash Guards
Gutter splash guards enable water to move through your roof valleys and help your gutters withstand rainfall or snowmelt. Working in concert with gutters, they help prevent:
- Roof leaks
- Rotted fascia boards
- Foundation damage
- Flooded garden bends
- Soil erosion
- Trenching
- Pools of standing water
- Damaged siding
- Mold and mildew
Signs You Need Gutter Splash Guards
You don’t need to stand out in a rainstorm to see if you need splash gutter guards. Here are a few ways to find out without getting wet:
Roof Leaks
Sometimes, a roof leaks because water is not draining off it. Maybe water is pouring into your gutters too quickly and backing onto your roof.
Foundation Damage
Water spilling over the gutters can hit sensitive areas of your house, eventually damaging your home’s foundation. Look for pools of water near the foundation after a storm passes.
Landscape Damage
If water regularly overshoots your gutters, your landscape suffers. Plants might look like they’ve been trampled, or mushrooms grow in one section of your garden beds.
Gutter System Damage
Look for signs of water damage to your gutters, such as water marks, mold, and mildew. Also, certain areas might separate, even on heavy-duty stainless steel gutters.
How to Install Gutter Splash Guards
Installing splash guards can be a simple DIY home improvement project. However, you need to check if you have a warranty first. Some professionals claim that any repairs and replacements made by a homeowner voids the warranty, so check with them first.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install gutter splash guards:
- Apply caulk and/or sealant. Place a thin strip of caulk where the gutter will make contact with the splash guard (usually the bottom edge).
- Attach the splash guard. Use a drill or screwdriver to attach the splash guard to the gutter. Both straight and bent pieces (for corners) are available.
- Secure with gutter screws. Most splash guards come with fasteners. If they don’t, you can buy your own gutter or sheet metal screws.
- Seal the edges. Add another caulk layer to seal the edges and strengthen the connection.
Note that it’s easier to install splash guards on aluminum gutters than on copper gutters. Most splash guards are designed with aluminum gutters in mind, so read the product details carefully.
Gutter Splash Blocks
Gutter splash blocks are an alternative to gutter splash guards in dealing with overflowing. They’re placed below downspouts to direct water away from the house rather than toward it. Note that you can install splash guards and splash blocks for extra protection.
Gutter splash blocks come with the following benefits:
- They can prevent basement flooding by pushing the water away from the house.
- They are easy to install, with the only concern being where to place them to ensure they do their job correctly.
- They come in several materials, like concrete or plastic. This makes it easier to find a cheaper one if you’re working with a budget.
- They provide better-growing conditions for plants and grass by diverting water away from your garden.
Note that splash blocks are not the same as downspout extensions. Downspout extensions are spouts that extend the downspout to direct water away from the house. However, they can still cause pooling water, so many homeowners combine them with splash blocks to achieve good results.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the brand and the size used. For example, an Eagle 1 Rain Gutter Valley Splash Guard can cost anywhere from $26 to $45 on Amazon, depending on the size.
No matter what type of gutter splash guard you install, clean them twice a year to remove dirt or leaves.
● They don’t block debris from entering your gutters.
● They aren’t perfect at stopping overflow.
● They don’t fix clogs or leaking gutters.
● They can be expensive.
● They can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
When to Hire a Pro
Splash guards are easy to install, but sometimes you might be unable to install them yourself, especially if you don’t have a sturdy ladder to reach your gutters. Fortunately, MyGutterGnomes’s pros are experts at all things gutter-related, so contact them to get a quote.
Main Photo Credit: ghornephoto / Canva Pro / License
