Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes: Season 6 – Episode 5
Mike Holmes Reveals the Water Damage Secret Every Homeowner Ignores
Are you worried about water damage harming your home? You’re not alone. Many homeowners overlook the critical role of gutters and water management, risking costly repairs and safety hazards. In this Holmes on Homes podcast episode, you’ll learn proven strategies from industry experts at Leaf Home and Erie Home to safeguard your property against water intrusion. Whether you’re doing upgrades or just maintaining, these insights will help you make informed decisions to keep your home dry, safe, and long-lasting.
Understanding the Importance of Water Management in Home Protection
Water is a home’s silent threat. While we focus on roofs or walls, water intrusion often begins from the outside—through gutters, overhangs, and foundation pathways. As Mike Holmes emphasizes, protecting your home starts at the exterior, specifically with effective water diversion systems.
If you care about protecting your home, avoiding insurance nightmares, and making it right the first time, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE
WHERE TO LISTEN
SPECIAL GUESTS
Join guests Jenilee Common, CEO of Leaf Home and Erie Home
and Chris Counahan, Chief Sales Officer of Leaf Home and Erie Home, as they reveal that many homes show visible signs of neglect – clogged or damaged gutters, overflowing downspouts, and erosion around foundations. These issues don’t just damage aesthetics—they threaten structural integrity, promote mold, rot fascia boards, and can even cause electrical hazards.
Knowing where water flows and how your gutters handle runoff makes all the difference. Properly designed gutter systems with protective covers and correct installation ensure water is directed away from your home efficiently, reducing the likelihood of internal water damage.
Behind The Scenes Photos
Click below to view Behind The Scenes photos
Ask Mike Holmes
Mike and his expert industry guests answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
1. Do I really need gutter guards, or can I just clean my gutters regularly?
I hear this often. Yes, you need gutter guards. Without guards, you risk gutters becoming clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. All this can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation, roof, or landscaping. Without gutter guards, you’ll have to constantly be cleaning out your gutters, and I mean constantly. And if your gutters become clogged, water may flow into your house. You don’t want that.
2. Will gutter guards stop all debris from entering my gutters?
Gutter guards can’t stop every little particle from entering your gutters. The point of gutter guards is to stop most of the gunk like leaves, twigs and other debris. The system we install is engineered with a surgical grade stainless steel micromesh. It’s actually really effective in preventing debris from clogging your gutters. Not all gutter guards will do this properly, so you want to do your research on the best gutter guard system.
3. Is it cheaper to install gutter guards myself or hire a professional?
I get asked this all the time, about all sorts of things like plumbing, electrical. If you are asking about what’s cheaper, obviously, anything you do yourself will be cheaper in the short term. But is that what you should do? No. Hiring a professional to install your gutters can lead to long-term savings. It means the job is done correctly. The LeafFilter gutter protection we like is installed by local professionals AND comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.
4. Can gutter guards be installed on existing gutters?
Some gutter guards CAN be installed on existing gutters. But you need to make sure your gutters are in good condition. If they have cracks or are not securely mounted, they may need to be repaired or replaced before guards can be installed. We like working with pros like LeafFilter. They clean out the gutters first, and repair, or if needed, replace any damaged gutters before installing the gutter guards.
5. Do gutter guards come with a warranty?
Not all gutter guards are created the same, and not all of them come with a warranty. That’s one of the reasons we install LeafFilter on our jobs – lifetime warranty. If you are doing a DIY install and purchasing the gutter protection system yourself, you are probably not covered by warranties.
Keep sending me more questions and I’ll answer them next time!
Looking for More Expert Tips and Advice?
Check out Mike’s Advice and Holmes on Homes Podcast Blog.
Top 5 Questions About Gutter Guards – Answered
9 Signs Your Gutters Were Installed Incorrectly
6 Reasons Why You Should Install Gutter Guards
Best Gutter Guards for Your Home: Top 5 Systems Reviewed
The Best Gutter Guard Protection: LeafFilter Gutter Guard
How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today?
About the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes
The Holmes on Homes Podcast, hosted by Mike Holmes, seasoned professional contractor and TV host, is your go-to source for expert insights on home improvement, safety, maintenance, skilled trades, and industry innovation. Each episode features expert guests and valuable takeaways, covering everything from choosing the right materials, aging in place, and electrical safety to the future of construction with 3D printing, pondscaping, and even raising healthy pets in a healthy home.
Whether it’s renovating for accessibility, improving indoor air quality, or tackling the skilled trades stigma, Mike and his guests break it all down with real talk, hard truths, and the no-nonsense advice that’s made him a trusted name in home improvement. Because when it comes to building better, it pays to Make It Right.
With over 40 years of experience, Mike provides practical advice and industry best practices, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, professional contractor, or planning a major renovation, this podcast is your go-to source for everything home-related.
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