Splash guards are different from gutter guards, which keep leaves, twigs, seeds, and other debris from clogging gutters. You can install gutter guards DIY or hire a professional to help keep your gutters clean. Splash guards do more than control the flow of water. By allowing your rain gutters to handle heavy rainfall or snowmelt effectively, they offer multiple benefits:

Gutter splash guards help keep water from overshooting or overflowing your gutters during periods of heavy rain. This prevents water damage to your roof, siding, landscaping, and foundation. How often do I need to clean my gutter splash guard? The materials used to manufacture your chosen gutter guard will go a long way in determining its durability. Aluminium that has been heat treated will avoid rusting and can last you many years whereas plastic is a cheap material that can be prone to UV damage so that’s something to bear in mind. Splash guards on your rain gutter are mostly necessary in the corners and valleys; however, this is not always the case. Some homeowners have a steep pitch in their roof, and it requires an extra splash guard. Here are a few of the most common reasons to install splash guards on your gutter. Overflowing Gutters We also dug into the details of each gutter guard to ensure that you could make the best decisions for your home and keep your gutters debris-free for years to come. NOTE: Most splash guards have pre-drilled holes for easy fastening with aluminum or stainless steel sheet metal screws. Use aluminum screws on an aluminum gutter or stainless steel screws on a steel gutter. 2. Add CaulkWhen water overflows from a spot of your gutters on a regular basis, it can damage the landscaping directly underneath. Look for telltale signs, such as soil trenching or waterlogged garden beds. Foundation Damage

Make sure you’re not voiding a gutter system’s warranty by installing splash guards yourself. Be aware that installing splash guards will be easier on K-style gutters, which have a flat lip that will make tightly attaching splash guards simple. It’s more difficult to install splash guards on other types, such as half-round gutters. Materials such as aluminum and vinyl are easier to pierce with screws than steel or copper. Make sure there are 48 hours of dry weather ahead before you apply sealant, which will need time to dry. If you don’t normally suffer with too many issues, you may even be better off buying some cheap mesh covering. Rainwater continually pounding one area can do a lot of damage over time. Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on a flower bed, only to see it pulverized under sheets of water. Roof Leaks Photo Credit: Willowpix / Canva Pro / License The most telling sign that gutter splash guards are necessary is overflowing gutters. If water pours over the gutter’s side, chances are the gutter system needs some attention. Overflowing gutters could lead to you having to install a leaf guard, a downspout diverter, or even gutter downspout extensions; however, gutters should not be overflowing.Apply caulk to the bottom edge of the gutter section: The caulking will act as both a seal and adhesive for the splash guards.