Gutter guards are marketed as a way to prevent leaves, twigs, cones, and other debris from clogging gutters. Most of them work well for that purpose. However, they are not perfect. Here is a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of gutter guards.
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Gutter Guard Advantages
Keeping gutters clean is essential to prevent water damage to roofs, fascia, foundations, and the gutters themselves. Cleaning out gutters is messy and dangerous–or costly if you hire someone to do the job. Gutter guard installation can eliminate or reduce those problems.
Less Maintenance
Gutter guards greatly reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning. Locations with few–or no–nearby trees may never need gutter cleaning for the life of the guards–usually up to 25 years.
Easier To Clean
Gutter guards are not maintenance-free. Leaves, twigs, needles, and cones may build up on them if there is too little rain or wind to keep them clean. Usually, all that is required is a long-handled brush to remove the build-up. One-story or bilevel homes can usually be cleaned without ladders.
Prevent Home Damage
Clogged gutters can cause foundation damage, flooding, rotted fascia, and roof damage. Gutters filled with water and leaves can tear off the fascia. Gutter guards keep the water running to the outlets where it runs away from the house.
DIY Installation
Many styles of gutter guards are available online and from home improvement outlets for less than $5.00 per linear foot. Some snap in. Most require mechanical fastening. They are a fairly easy DIY project for anyone without fears about heights and ladders.
Gutter Guard Disadvantages
Gutter guards are not the perfect solution. Consider all of the possibilities before signing a contract.
Not 100% Effective
Gutter guards don’t have a 100% guarantee that no dirt and debris will get into the gutters. Your gutters may have to be cleaned sometime. Most types of gutter guards have to be partially–or completely–removed for a good cleaning–a costly operation.
Void Roofing Warranty
Installing certain types of gutter guards may void your roofing warranty because of the way they attach to the house. Call your roofing contractor and/or your insurance company before installing gutter guards to ensure you will still be covered. Don’t depend on the gutter guard salesperson.
Ice Dams
In cold snowy locations, gutter guards can accelerate ice damming. The small openings plug up with snow–then freeze shut. A few freeze and melt cycles build up ice that gets under the shingles to damage roof decks and shingles, and cause leaks. The extra weight may also damage the gutters and guards.
May Reduce Curb Appeal
Some gutter guards allow leaves and other trash to build up on top of them–leaving an unsightly look along the roof edge and reducing curb appeal. All gutter guards are designed to fit above the trough hangers. Some of them are cone-shaped and peek above the gutters–looking unkempt with trash stuck in them.
Cost
The average cost to have gutter guard supplied and installed is $4760.00 or $28.25 per lineal foot. Some installations cost over $40.00 per lineal foot. Hiring someone to clean your gutters costs less than $200.00.
If you live in a heavily treed area, gutter guards are a good investment to reduce cleaning and protect your house. They are likely not necessary in open locations. The dust and grit will just wash down the outlets without clogging.
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