Gutter guards are nifty additions to the home that help control the build-up of debris and leaves that can clog up the gutters. A lot of people often look for these in the hardware store but others also wonder if they can find them at their local Costco. Fortunately, we've got answers to your questions.
If you are looking for gutter guards for your home, you can definitely get them at Costco. Of course, there will be limited choices compared to big box hardware or home improvement stores, but you should be able to find quality gutter guards for less.
Shopping for gutter guards can be a tad overwhelming because of the number of different kinds available on the market. In this post, we will give you answers to your most common questions about gutter guards. We also have alternative places where you can get them, so keep reading this post!
Does Costco Sell Gutter Guards?
When the rains start to pick up, one of the most common problems homeowners experience in their homes is clogged and dirty gutters. Most of the time, people tend to forget to clean their gutters regularly and it causes a lot of problems when the rains come.
Cleaning the gutters of the house can be a pretty messy chore. If people can get away without doing it, they would, but a clean gutter will ensure that the drainage system is always clog-free. Leaves, twigs, pine needles, and lots of other debris can cause blockage and problems in your home.
One of the best things that homeowners can use to prevent these clogs is gutter guards. These nifty gutter covers help reduce the need to clean gutters by blocking out as much debris as they can. Of course, you still have to clean the gutters but it will be a lot easier because there is less build-up.
Gutter guards are typically sold in hardware stores and home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware. However, people also ask if they can find gutter guards in Costco.
Well, the answer is yes, you can find gutter guards in Costco. Of course, there are limited choices in Costco compared to the bigger hardware stores. But if you're really in need of gutter guards as soon as possible or you're not very picky with the brands, then Costco's choices are great.
Types of Gutter Guards
When you buy gutter guards, you will discover that there are quite a number of different types available. There are five different types of gutter guards and they all have different pros and cons when installing them.
1. Screen
This type of gutter guard uses a wire or plastic grid that blocks the debris from entering the gutter trough. The grid's holes can be quite big so if your gutters are close to pine trees that shed needles or there are small leaves around, they can still enter the gutters.
Get this screen gutter guard on Amazon.
Screen gutter guards are the simplest to install. It requires no tools and you simply have to lift the bottom row of shingles to slide the gutter guards between them. It should cover the entire length of the gutter and the weight of the shingles will hold them in place.
Unfortunately, one of the problems with screen gutter guards is their weakness against the wind. Since these screen guards are not nailed or bolted down, they can get blown off when the wind is very strong. Additionally, it can also void the warranties of the roof so contact the manufacturer before installation.
2. Micro Mesh
True to its name, the micro mesh gutter guard uses a very fine mesh to keep debris out of the gutter. Similar to the screen gutter guards, this particular type will allow water to flow through the fine mesh layer while keeping leaves, pine needles, and twigs out.
Check out this micro mesh gutter guard on Amazon.
Micro mesh gutter guards are just as easy to install as their screen counterparts. These gutter guards can be attached by slipping them under the roof shingles, snapping the gutter guards directly on the gutters themselves, or by attaching a flange that connects to the fascia.
The biggest problem you might face with micro mesh gutter guards is the build-up of fine debris that can accumulate over time. This means that you'll have to clean it from time to time, but it can be easily done by giving it a quick spray using a pressure washer.
3. Reverse Curve
These gutter guards are usually made of plastic or lightweight metal to form a reversed curve on top of the gutters. The water flows from the top of these gutter guards into a downward curve leading toward the gutters. Because it is not curved inwards, leaves and debris easily slide off these gutter guards.
However, one of the issues with reverse curve gutter guards is that they are much more expensive than your usual types. They are also not very DIY-friendly, so you will need professionals to install them in your home.
4. Foam
Another easy-to-install and super basic type of gutter guard is this foam gutter guard. They are triangular blocks of foam that you stuff in your gutter to prevent the leaves from falling in. The foam is absorbent and it allows the excess to drip on the gutter when the water is strong enough.
See this foam gutter guard on Amazon.
Foam gutter guards are very inexpensive and they require almost no technical skill to install them. You simply need to cut the appropriate length of foam and insert them along the entire gutter. It requires no nails or any type of screw, plus they won't easily get blown away by the wind.
However, foam gutter guards can be a problem if you live in an area with high precipitation. Foam is absorbent and too much rain will cause the foam gutter guards to be saturated. When this happens, the water will overflow into the gutter itself.
5. Brush
The brush gutter guard is best described as a giant pipe cleaner that keeps the dirt out of the gutters. They prevent large debris like leaves and twigs from clogging the gutters while the brush bristles allow water to flow through.
Grab this brush gutter guard on Amazon.
Similar to foam gutter guards, this type of gutter guard is very easy to install. Simply slide the brush gutter guards through the gutter, and you can even bend them if you're planning to cover the corners of your roof.
If you're planning to get brush gutter guards for your home, keep in mind that the bristles are still open so debris will still fall inside. They can be a bit harder to clean compared to the other gutter guards. The easiest way to fix this is by simply replacing them if there is already too much debris build-up.
Can I Install Gutter Guards By Myself?
Most gutter guards are very easy and simple to install, even if you are not very handy with tools. These gutter guards are meant to be DIY-friendly and it will take you no longer than an hour to put them on the gutters.
Some of these gutter guards may require a little bit of finagling with the shingles, but this is pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it. If you are planning to get reverse curve gutter guards for your home, you might have to seek some professional help to install them.
Final Thoughts
Keep your gutters clean and clog-free by ensuring that there is no debris accumulating on the length of your gutters. A gutter guard will help you achieve this and this nifty piece of cover will lessen your need to take the gunk out of the gutters. Just make sure to choose the right one for your roof so you won't have any problems.
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