Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. When they’re working correctly, they channel rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation. When they’re clogged, however, the problems can add up quickly. Overflowing gutters can lead to roof leaks, damaged siding, basement flooding, and even long-term foundation issues.

Close up of Ply Gem Leaf Relief Gutter System

You may also notice visible warning signs when your gutters are in trouble. Cracks, holes, or rust spots can indicate structural damage. Fasteners, nails, or screws on the ground may signal that sections are pulling away from your roofline. If your gutters are sagging or appear to be pitched incorrectly, water likely isn’t flowing as it should. Regular maintenance can help you catch these problems before they become expensive repairs.

What Gets Trapped in a Gutter?

Homeowners are no strangers to seasonal challenges. In the fall, leaves and sticks pile up quickly. Winter brings heavy snow and ice, which can weigh gutters down and cause sagging. By spring, all that buildup can trap water and encourage mold or mildew growth. Without regular cleaning, gutters can’t keep up, and your home’s defenses are weakened.

Most experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. But for homes surrounded by trees, or in areas with frequent storms, cleaning may be needed more often. That’s where gutter protection systems come in.

Gutter Guards: An Extra Layer of Protection

Gutter guards act as a barrier that blocks leaves, sticks, and other debris while still allowing rainwater to flow freely. Gutter guards make the cleaning process easier and faster. They also help protect against snow, ice, and wind damage.

At Graves Brothers, we recommend and install the Alu-Rex Gutter Protection, which is trusted nationwide for its durability and performance.

How the Alu-Rex Gutter Protection Works

Unlike bulky gutter covers, Alu-Rex is designed to sit flush with your existing gutters. The low-profile system blends seamlessly into your roofline, so it’s nearly invisible from the ground. But the benefits go far beyond looks.

The system has a seamless structure, featuring hundreds of tiny perforations that keep debris out while allowing even heavy rain to drain quickly. Light debris, such as leaves or pine needles, are lifted away with a light breeze, and even stubborn, wet debris can be cleared by quickly wiping atop the gutters. The result is consistent water flow without the hassle of constant ladder work.

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

Homeowners who install gutter guards often see an immediate difference. With Alu-Rex, you can see:

  1. Less maintenance: No more climbing ladders several times a year to scoop out wet leaves and sludge.
  2. Improved drainage:  Water flows freely away from your roof and foundation, reducing risks of leaks and flooding.
  3. Pest prevention: Standing water in clogged gutters attracts mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests. Guards can help reduce this problem.
  4. Better protection year-round: From fall leaves to winter snow and spring rains, your gutters stay clear and strong.

Request A Gutter Estimate Today

Graves Brothers Home Improvement has been helping homeowners across upstate New York protect and improve their homes for over 40 years. Whether you need a full gutter installation, gutter repairs, or a long-term protection system like Alu-Rex Gutter Protection, our team is here to help.