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What Are Foam Gutter Guards?

Erika Fields • March 1, 2023
An unguarded gutter filled with leaves and debris

Foam gutter guards, or foam gutter inserts, are gutter guard products designed to act as a type of sponge. The foam of the gutter guards allows water to flow through them, but doesn’t allow debris and leaves to get down into the gutter itself. 


In this way, they do not act as gutter covers. Instead, they merely fill up the gutter, leaving no room for clogged gutters. It makes sense in theory, but do they really work?


Do Gutter Foam Guards Actually Work?

There are a lot of problems with foam gutter guards. For starters, they only technically keep your gutter clean, because what they’re actually doing is filling your gutter with something else entirely — the foam. 


While there’s no denying that foam gutter guards offer easy installation (you only need to place them in the gutters) they also run the risk of creating their own clogs, primarily from small debris and especially hail. 


An installed gutter guard system that is made out of foam will collect detritus, leaves, seeds, pollen, shingle-gravel, and more, which create clogs.. On the other hand, high-quality gutter filters, like those from The Gutter Gorilla, offer gutter protection through a screen on the top of the gutter. 


These filters let the water flow freely through the gutter and down the downspout, never accumulating in the gutter. When freezing temperatures hit, there is very little standing water in the gutter to cause a problem. 


Worse, because a foam gutter guard is essentially a sponge, it can encourage the growth of mold, moss, and fungus in the gutter. It becomes a hydroponic growing situation, where these organisms can grow. In some cases, the seeds that fall from trees can collect in the foam. You can end up with sprouts coming out of your foam gutters.


Foam Gutter Guards Are Hard to Clean

One of the major selling points of gutter guards is that you won’t have to clean your rain gutters However, foam-style gutter guards simply accumulate debris and will need to be removed and hosed or scrubbed down. 


Using a grate-like type of gutter, like The Gutter Gorilla offers, eliminates dangerous and dirty gutter cleaning. You generally won’t need to do much maintenance when it comes to our products, other than hosing the mesh off or sweeping the dry mesh clean


The Gutter Gorilla Makes the Best Gutter Guards on the Market

Affordable and invisible, The Gutter Gorilla is a system that prevents material from getting into the gutters in the first place. Our solution ensures that no water will build up in the gutter (leading to dangerous freezing conditions) and it makes the cleaning of the gutters simple and quick. 

Looking for new gutters or gutter repair for your South Carolina home? See how we can help!

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By Erika Fields February 17, 2025
Neglecting even small gutter issues can snowball into major problems , costing thousands of dollars in repairs. In this blog, we’ll cover the 5 most common gutter mistakes and how to avoid them—saving you time, stress, and money! 🚨 Mistake #1: Ignoring Small Leaks & Cracks 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: A tiny leak or crack in your gutter might not seem like a big deal, but over time, water can seep into your home’s foundation, cause roof rot, and lead to mold growth . Even small cracks can expand quickly, especially during freezing temperatures. ✅ How to Avoid It: Regularly inspect your gutters for small cracks, leaks, or holes. Use gutter sealant for minor cracks before they worsen. If damage is severe, call a professional for repairs or replacement . 🍂 Mistake #2: Not Cleaning Gutters Regularly 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Leaves, twigs, and debris clog gutters , preventing water from flowing properly. This leads to overflowing water , which can damage your siding, roof, and landscaping. ✅ How to Avoid It: Clean your gutters at least twice a year —in the spring and fall . If you have a lot of trees near your home, consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance. Schedule a professional cleaning if you can’t safely reach your gutters. 🏠 Mistake #3: Improper Gutter Slope & Drainage 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: If your gutters are not sloped correctly , water won’t drain properly and will pool in sections of the gutter , increasing the risk of leaks, rust, and overflow. ✅ How to Avoid It: Make sure gutters slope downward at least ¼ inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Check that downspouts extend at least 3–4 feet away from your foundation. If water is pooling in your gutters, adjust the slope or call a professional to inspect your system. 🌧️ Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Size Gutters 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Not all gutters are one-size-fits-all ! If your gutters are too small for your roof size and local rainfall levels, they won’t handle heavy downpours , causing overflow and water damage . ✅ How to Avoid It: For most homes, 5-inch gutters work well, but larger homes or areas with heavy rainfall may need 6-inch gutters . Consult a professional to determine the best gutter size for your home. 🐦 Mistake #5: Ignoring Pest & Rodent Infestations 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Clogged or damaged gutters create the perfect environment for pests like mosquitoes, birds, squirrels, and rodents . These critters can build nests, clog drainage systems, and even damage your gutters . ✅ How to Avoid It: Check for signs of nests or standing water in your gutters. Trim overhanging branches to reduce leaves and animal access. Install gutter guards to keep pests out. 📢 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late! Gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage—but only if they are properly maintained . Don’t let these common mistakes put your home at risk! 🎉 Get a FREE Gutter Inspection Today! At Gorilla Gutters , we help homeowners avoid costly repairs by keeping gutters clean, functional, and efficient . 📞 Call us now to schedule your FREE gutter inspection! 💻 Visit us at www.theguttergorilla.com 💬 Have questions about your gutters? Drop them in the comments!  #GutterTips #HomeMaintenance #ProtectYourHome #AvoidCostlyRepairs #CharlestonSC
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