Selecting the right fire-resistant gutter guards can help you protect your home during wildfire season here in northern California. Unfortunately, certain gutter covers can be fire hazards, so you’ll want to choose an option that doesn’t add to your fire risk. Here’s a quick look at what you should know about selecting, installing and maintaining these gutter guards for long-term protection of your home.
Choosing the right type of gutter guard
You’ll find several types of gutter guards, and the option you choose will depend on the type of roof you have. There are different types of gutter guards used for corrugated roofs and tile roofs, as well as different types of guards that are designed to fit right into your gutter.
Gutter guards most commonly come in either metal or plastic, so as someone who lives in an area where wildfires are not uncommon, it is a good idea to choose metal, as this will offer better protection from embers that could start fires within your gutters. You can find powder-coated gutter guards, as well as guards that come in galvanized zinc. Make sure any guards you choose are fire rated.
Select the right gutter guard profile
After you know the material and type of gutter guard you wish to use, it’s important to make sure you get the right size. Measure the lengths of your gutters before you buy the guards so you can purchase the correct amount of the material. You may need to cut down some guards before installing.
Check your gutter condition before installing
Before you get too excited about installing your fire-resistant gutter guards, it’s important you first check the condition of your gutters and roof. Get up on a ladder that allows you to see into your gutters, or stand on your roof to conduct the inspection if you feel comfortable and safe doing so. Repair or replace any gutters that have holes in them, get rid of all debris inside the gutter and flush out the downspouts.
Installing the guards
In most cases, all you need to install gutter guards is a cordless drill and some self-tapping screws. Your gutter guards should come with instructions. It can also help to watch some YouTube videos of people installing the same gutter guard products you will be using before you do it yourself.
Of course, if you want to stay safe and ensure you get a high-quality installation, you can always call in a professional to get the job done.
Maintaining your gutter guards
At the beginning of every summer or every fire season, make sure you remove all leaves and debris that might be blocking your gutter guards, and use a garden hose to flush out the gutters to ensure they’re still working and are not blocked. Remember that buildups of debris can help speed up the spread of wildfires, so this ongoing maintenance is critical to ensuring he safety of your home.
Need some more assistance in choosing fire-resistant gutter guards for your property? Contact us today at Nor-Cal Maintenance, Inc. with any questions you have for our team.