Gutters divert rain and snow from the roof to the ground, giving your home some much-needed protection. But they aren’t foolproof. Heavy rains can carry a torrent of water down your roof so fast that it overshoots the gutters. If that happens a lot, you might benefit from having gutter splash guards, which are very easy to install if you know how.
What is a Splash Guard?
Gutter splash guards are like small dams that block water from overshooting your gutters. They’re usually found at the bottom of roof valleys because that’s where water flows the fastest.
If you live in an area that gets heavy frequent rains, you might consider adding splash guards when your gutters are being installed. However, you can also install a splash guard later if needed.
Benefits of Gutter Splash Guards
Splash guards do more than control the flow of water. By allowing your rain gutters to handle heavy rainfall or snowmelt effectively, they offer multiple benefits:
- They prevent damage to gutter systems, such as rotted fascia boards.
- They protect your landscape and garden beds from being pummeled by torrents of rainwater, prevent soil erosion and trenching, and fend off mold and mildew.
- They protect your foundation and siding from damage.
- They prevent roof leaks.
- They offer gutter protection, extending your gutter system’s overall lifespan.
- They eliminate the need for costly repairs from all those things listed above.
Signs You Need Gutter Splash Guards
It’s a good bet that you’ll want splash guards if your roof has valleys AND you get frequent heavy rains. However, homeowners with steep-pitched roofs may also benefit from splash guards.
During a storm, check and see how your gutters perform. If water flows so fast that it overshoots your gutters, you’ll need splash guards. If you can’t tell or don’t want to get wet to check, look for the following signs:
Foundation Damage
Gutter downspouts are designed to direct water away from your home. However, if water overshoots your gutters and spills onto the ground near your home, it could damage your home’s foundation.
Gutter System Damage
Sometimes certain parts of your gutter system deteriorate faster than others. You might notice your gutters sagging or separating or see signs of water damage, such as mold and mildew.
Landscaping Damage
Rainwater continually pounding one area can do a lot of damage over time. Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on a flower bed, only to see it pulverized under sheets of water.
Roof Leaks
Water typically flows down your roof and into your gutter system. However, if too much water passes through your gutters too quickly, it will back up onto your roof. The plywood beneath your shingles and your trusses could get wet and warp.
Roof leaks can also occur due to gutter clogs. Splash guards alone aren’t enough; you’ll also need to unclog the gutters.
Water Overflow
Overflowing gutters indicates that you need splash guards, especially in the inside corners where water flows fastest. However, rule out other causes first. For example, if debris is clogging your gutters, installing leaf guards might be more effective. Similarly, downspout diverters, rain barrels, or downspout extensions should be explored.
How to Install Gutter Splash Guards Step-by-Step
Gutter splash guards are easy to install as a DIY project. Before you do, check to see if you have a warranty on your gutters. Any alterations to a gutter might void the warranty.
You can find splash gutters online or at your local home improvement or hardware store. If they sell gutter hangers, sealants, and connectors, chances are they sell splash guards too.
Splash guards come in aluminum and stainless steel in straight and miter (corner) pieces. They usually come with either aluminum or stainless steel gutter screws and are outfitted with pre-drilled holes to indicate where the screws go.
Some companies, such as Amerimax and GutterWorks, produce highly effective gutter splash guards that are easy to install.
You’ll need the following tools to install gutter splash guards:
- Drill or screwdriver
- Caulk or sealant
- A sturdy ladder to reach the gutters
Want to do it yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing gutter splash guards:
- Add caulk or sealant. Add a thin strip of caulk or sealant where the gutter will meet the splash guard. Set the splash guard in place.
- Attach the splash guard. Using your drill or screwdriver, screw the gutter screws on the splash guard to attach it to the gutter. If your guards didn’t come with screws, you can buy gutter or sheet metal screws at your local home improvement or hardware store.
- Seal the edges. Use caulk to seal the edges so you don’t see water spilling from the splash guard.
Most splash guards are made for K-style aluminum gutters. If you have a different type of gutter, like copper or concrete, read the instructions carefully and be prepared to put more effort into installing your gutter splash guards. Installing splash guards on copper and concrete gutters is more challenging than on aluminum gutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! Drip edges and gutter guards guide water into the gutter while keeping debris out. You can also place gutter splash blocks at the end of your downspout to push water away from your house rather than towards your home.
Twice a year, once in spring and fall.
They don’t stop overflow entirely and don’t block all debris from getting into your gutters.
When to Hire a Professional
If you don’t have the tools to install splash gutter guards or need advice from a gutter professional, don’t worry. MyGutterGnome has numerous gutter pros who will give you all the help you need. Like Charlie Puth, they’re only one call away.
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