As much as we all love those gorgeous Lowcountry oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, let’s face it – they can wreak havoc on your gutters. Pair that obstructive beauty with heavy coastal rain and windswept debris, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster (or at least annoyance). 

At Holy City Gutterworks, we understand keeping your gutters clear is a constant battle. That’s why we recommend gutter guards as the secret weapon against debris buildups and the problems they cause.

The Home’s Natural Enemy

We know that cleaning gutters isn’t exactly most people’s idea of a fun weekend activity. While we may enjoy our work, you likely don’t (and shouldn’t have to). But in Charleston, where the average rainfall is around 50 inches a year, clogged gutters can lead to a mess of trouble, including:

• Water damage: Overflowing gutters can send water cascading down your walls, potentially causing leaks, foundation issues and even mold growth.
• Mosquito breeding grounds: Stagnant water in clogged gutters is a hot spot for pesky mosquitos. 
• Landscaping issues: Overflowing gutters can erode your flower beds and create unwanted puddles around your home—difficult terrain for any flower.
• Ice dam formation: Clogged gutters can trap melting snow, leading to ice dams that can damage your roof. While not common during Charleston winters, this can lead to issues elsewhere.

Gutter Guards Are the Go-To

Gutter guards will save you more than headaches. These valuable systems also save you time and money when properly maintained. So, choosing gutter guards is an easy decision then, right? It is for us.

Investing in gutter guards should be a simple choice. However, choosing the right type of gutter guard for your home can be trickier without expert guidance. Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one type, and each offers unique advantages. 

1. Mesh screens (made from metal or plastic) allow water to flow through while keeping out leaves, twigs and other debris. Affordable and easy to install, they require occasional cleaning for finer debris like needles.
2. Micro-mesh screens are upgraded mesh screens that use two layers of protection rather than one to block out even tinier debris. These systems are great for heavy tree cover but may need additional cleaning to maintain top performance. 
3. Foam inserts are lightweight, sponge-like filters that absorb leaves and debris while allowing water to pass through. Ideal for areas with lots of leaves, they can get saturated and require periodic replacement.
4. Surface tension guards use a special design that utilizes surface tension to allow water to flow over the guard while repelling debris. This model may only be suitable for some roof pitches.
5. Brush guards act as miniature fences, filtering debris and allowing water to flow freely. They’re most effective against leaves and large debris but don’t typically work as well against finer materials.

Our gutter guards of choice? At Holy City Guttersworks, we choose micro-mesh screens as our preferred gutter guard system. Our systems are designed to match the angle of your roof to allow leaves and debris to blow to the ground and utilize a filter design that keeps small debris out and extends your system’s life.

How to Choose the Right Gutter Guard

So, how do you pick the perfect gutter guard as the champion of your Charleston home? Begin by consulting with nearby gutterworks crews. These local gutter experts will have first-hand experience with the conditions your system is most likely to encounter. You should also consider these key factors in your decision:

What is your roof pitch?

Steeper roofs tend to shed debris more efficiently, so you might get away with a less restrictive guard like mesh or surface tension. Shallower roofs may require a more robust guard like a brush or micro-mesh.

Is there tree cover? 

If you have a lot of trees around your house, especially those with needles or seed pods, a micro-mesh screen or foam insert might be your best bet. Knowledge is power, and knowing your trees will help you choose the right gutter guard.

How often are you willing to clean your gutter guards? 

Mesh and micro-mesh screens require more frequent cleaning. However, don’t sacrifice performance for convenience. Professional gutter maintenance and repair services are often nearby to help with the task.

What is your budget?

Gutter guards range in price depending on the material and complexity of the design. Mesh screens are the most affordable, while surface tension guards tend to be on the higher end. 

Our experienced championship team can help you assess your situation and recommend the best solutions for your home. We’ll also handle the installation efficiently so you can get back to enjoying your beautiful Lowcountry lifestyle.

Your Local Gutter Guard Experts

Ready to ditch the gutter-cleaning ladder and find peace of mind? Contact Holy City Gutterworks today for a free estimate. We’ll help you find the perfect gutter protection system to keep your gutters flowing freely and your Charleston home safe from water damage.