Foam gutters, often referred to as foam gutter guards or inserts, are used primarily to prevent debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles from clogging your gutters while still allowing rainwater to flow through. You use them by inserting them directly into your existing gutter trough.
Using foam gutter guards involves selecting the correct size for your gutters and installing them end-to-end along the entire length of your guttering system. The goal is to fill the gutter channel with the foam filter.
The installation process is straightforward, based on how products like GutterFoam are designed to fit:
- Clean Your Gutters First: Before installing any gutter guard, ensure your gutters are completely free of leaves, dirt, and standing water.
- Insert the Foam: Take a section of the foam gutter guard.
- Position Correctly: Insert the foam into the gutter so that its narrowest point, (the sharpest angle) is tucked under the front lip of the gutter.
- Fill the Top: GutterFoam should run to the back of the gutter completely filling the space across the top of the gutter.
- Seat the Back: The foam should then turn at a 90ยบ angle to sit snugly on the bottom of the gutter.
- Continue Along the Gutter: Place subsequent sections of foam end-to-end, ensuring a tight fit with no gaps.
- Trim as Needed: You can usually trim the foam sections with a utility knife or scissors to fit around corners or at the end of a gutter run.
Benefits of Using Foam Gutter Guards
Installing foam inserts offers several advantages:
- Prevents Clogs: The foam block stops large debris from accumulating, which is the primary cause of clogs.
- Allows Water Flow: While blocking solid material, the porous structure of the foam allows rainwater to pass through and drain properly.
- Easy Installation: They typically require no tools or fasteners, making DIY installation simple.
- Discourages Pests: By filling the open gutter space, they can help deter birds, rodents, and insects from nesting.
- Low Profile: Once installed, they are often less visible from the ground compared to some other gutter guard types.
Practical Tips for Maintenance
While foam gutter guards reduce the need for frequent cleaning, they aren't entirely maintenance-free.
- Occasionally, small seeds or granules might collect on top of the foam. These can often be brushed or rinsed off with a hose.
- Inspect your gutters periodically, especially after heavy storms or during peak leaf-shedding seasons, to ensure the foam is in place and debris hasn't built up on top.
By following the correct insertion method, ensuring the foam is properly seated and fills the gutter channel, you effectively use foam gutter guards to protect your home from water damage caused by clogged gutters.
