Gutter Guards: Are They Really Worth It?

Whether you already have gutter guards installed or you're thinking about getting them, there are a few things you should know before making the investment.

First, let me say this: I don't sell gutter guards, and I don't really recommend them.

After more than 7 years in the exterior cleaning industry, I've cleaned hundreds of homes and commercial properties and have seen just about every style of gutter guard on the market. One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that gutter guards are a "set and forget" product that eliminates gutter maintenance altogether. Unfortunately, that's simply not the case.

If your home has very few surrounding trees, gutter guards may do a decent job of preventing leaves from entering your gutter system. However, if your property has maple trees, oak trees, pine trees, or any amount of heavy tree coverage, you'll likely run into another problem.

Instead of debris collecting inside your gutters, it builds up on top of the gutter guards. Leaves, pine needles, maple helicopters, and other debris can clog the mesh or perforated holes, preventing water from entering the gutters. When this happens, rainwater flows over the edge instead of through the downspouts, which can lead to overflowing gutters, foundation erosion, damaged landscaping, and water ending up where it shouldn't. Below is an email we received from a customer that shows exactly how this can happen.

Email from a Customer

The reality is that gutter guards still require maintenance.

From a cost perspective, I also struggle to recommend them.

Many gutter guard systems cost thousands of dollars to install, yet they still need to be cleaned periodically. In my opinion, it's considerably more cost-effective to simply have your gutters professionally cleaned once a year—or twice a year if your property has significant tree coverage.

A simple mesh downspout strainer is an inexpensive, effective way to keep leaves and debris out of your downspouts, helping prevent clogs and reducing the chance of debris reaching your weeping tile system. They're available at most hardware stores, including Home Depot, or can easily be ordered from Amazon. Combined with routine gutter cleaning, this ensures your entire gutter system flows properly without the large upfront investment of gutter guards.

If you're considering gutter guards, make sure you understand that they are not maintenance-free. They may reduce certain types of debris from entering your gutters, but they won't eliminate the need for regular inspections and cleaning.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is still the best one.

A professional annual gutter cleaning is often the most affordable, effective, and reliable way to protect your home from water damage.