Prepping your home for wet and windy weather is a lot like gearing up for game day; preparing a strong defense helps win championships, and at home, preparation protects against losses due to water damage. Your gutter system plays defense against wet weather, diverting water away from your home and protecting its roof, exterior, interior, foundation, and landscape.
But did you know that accessories like gutter guards act as the MVPs that can take your gutter performance to the next level? Just like North Carolina’s basketball G.O.A.T., Michael Jordan took the game of basketball to the next level, your accessories can do the same for your gutters. Pulling from two different playbooks, this article will introduce you to the classic gutter G.O.A.T.s of accessories and the new recruits that offer innovative solutions every homeowner should consider to score a win for their home. With the right knowledge, accessories, and professional gutter services, you can ensure your gutter system is a game-changer for your home. Start the clock and put in the work; it’s time to up your gutter game!
Classic Gutter Accessories: The G.O.A.T.s of Gutter Gear
Gutters have been around for thousands of years, advancing drastically over time. In this section, you will be introduced to the gutter “Hall-of-Famers”, the classic accessories that are proven reliable and trusted. Take a look below and get reacquainted with the classic gutter accessories that have historically elevated the gutter game.
Gutter Guards (The Defensive MVP)
Gutter guards are well-known gutter accessories for a good reason. These mesh or solid gutter covers prevent falling debris like leaves and pine needles from clogging your gutters. By preventing blockages, gutter guards keep the water flowing, protecting your home from overflowing water, damage to the foundation, and reducing maintenance. Like a point guard blocking shots, gutter guards can keep your gutters clear, defending you from costly repairs and constant cleaning.
Downspout Extensions (The Long-Range Shooter)
Downspout extensions are often flexible or adjustable attachments that move water further away from a home’s foundation than the original downspout. With the rainy season in North Carolina, extensions are like subbing in the player who is guaranteed to make the long shot. Extensions move water further away from landscaping and basements, preventing soil erosion and basement flooding. Like Jordan’s iconic jump shots, extensions guide water away from your home with intention and precision.
Splash Blocks (The Reliable Bench Player)
Every player has an important role on the team. Just like the reliable bench warmer can step in and make a play when needed, splash blocks sit stationary, ready to make a play when needed. They sit at the end of downspouts and skillfully disperse water to prevent soil erosion. These blocks are typically made of stone, brick, metal, or plastic and are affordable and easy to install. These low-cost gutter accessories are a high-impact solution for protecting your landscape.
Gutter Hangers and Brackets (The Starting Line Up)
Gutter hangers and brackets bring strength, stability, and consistency to your gutter game. Without the solid presence of brackets and hangers, your gutter system can be misaligned, unstable, and lack performance. In June, we had a wild rainstorm in Cornelius that dumped over four inches of rain in a single day! Without these accessories, keeping your gutters securely attached during storms with heavy flow and falling debris, your gutters could become overloaded and lose their game.
Rain Chains (The Stylish Playmaker)
Rain chains are an elegant and beautiful alternative to downspouts. They share the same skill as downspouts but with fancy moves. Rain chains offer charm with functionality and make a stylish addition to craftsman-style homes.
Gutter Sealants (The Defensive Specialist)
Just like a great defender stands between the offense and holes in the defense, gutter sealants can prevent costly water damage and extend the life of aging gutters by filling small cracks and holes. Gutter sealants are worth considering for the budget-conscious homeowner who wants to stop damage in its tracks before it spreads. And while they are not MVPs in basketball terms, they can make a play to save the day when the game is on the line.
When looking for Cornelius gutter services, finding a professional who offers these game-changing accessories ensures that your gutter system is playing with a full roster. And while looking for the G.O.A.T.s of gutter gear who have dominated the court for years, we must also pay attention to the rising stars, the rookies of gutter accessories that aren’t as well-known, and those that incorporate newer, innovative technology.
The Rising Stars: Newer and Lesser-Known Gutter Accessories
We all know the fairy tale story of the rookie making the game-saving play, carrying the team to the championship, and ultimately changing the strategy of the game. These underappreciated and cutting-edge technologies bring fresh strategies to home protection, much like the rising star, challenging the status quo.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards (The Next-Gen Playmaker)
Building on the protective qualities of gutter guards, micro-mesh is an advanced technology that uses ultra-fine mesh to stop even the smallest of particles. Here in North Carolina, pollen and shingle grit are common culprits in the gutters, causing problems. The advanced filtration these guards provide reduces the need for frequent cleaning and can handle heavy rain better than the old-school playmaker.
Smart Gutter Systems (The Tech-Savvy Coach)
Smart technology seems to be taking over every game, including gutters. Smart sensors monitor the conditions of a gutter and alert homeowners of problems with water flow or clogs via smartphone apps. These systems provide data in real-time, like a coach calling the plays to keep your gutters in the game.
Rain Barrel Systems (The Utility Player)
A rain barrel gutter system may not be new, but they have recently gained recognition and grown in popularity thanks to our desire to be sustainable and conserve water. Homeowners who want to go green, reduce costs, and improve water management on their property will find rain barrels to be a smart and low-maintenance solution. Just like a reliable utility player steps in wherever the team needs support, a rain barrel system can step in to support your gutters in multiple ways. Their versatility, enhancement of gutter performance, and reliability make rain barrel systems attractive to homeowners and are considered a modern, eco-friendly version of traditional gutter systems.
Gutter Cameras (The Play-by-Play Commentator)
What’s a good game without an animated sports commentator? The same could be said about gutter systems. Installing a gutter camera is a great option for the homeowner who can’t, or doesn’t want to, climb ladders to inspect the cleanliness of their gutters. Cameras offer real-time footage of gutter conditions and give you a play-by-play to identify any blockages or damage.
These rising stars may not have the same recognition as the Hall of Famers, but they bring an innovative energy and versatility to the gutter game. Whether you rely on the proven veterans of gutter accessories or invest in the latest recruits, building a winning gutter system is all about strategy.
Building a Championship Gutter System
In North Carolina, where storms roll in like the UNC Tar Heel starters to tip-off, protecting your home from water damage means building a team with both seasoned veterans and dynamic rookies. Whether you are investing in the classic G.O.A.T.s of gutter accessories or drafting the newest rising star, each player on your gutter team brings unique strengths to the court. From defensive MVPs like gutter guards to high-tech coaches like smart systems, your gutter team should be as well-rounded as a championship roster. Team up with a trusted Cornelius gutter company to customize your lineup and start building your winning gutter team today.