Are gutter guards worth it?

The short answer

Gutter guards are worth it if trees drop leaves and needles on your roof and you clean gutters often. They are not maintenance-free: most still need a rinse or brush once or twice a year. In very heavy rain, some guards let water shoot past the gutter, so choose a type made for high rainfall.

Worth it when

• Big trees hang over the roof.
• You clean gutters more than twice a year.
• Climbing a ladder is hard or unsafe for you.

Maybe skip them when

• There are no trees near the house.
• Your gutters are old, sagging or too small. Fix or replace those first.

Types, simply

• Screens and mesh: cheaper, block leaves, small bits can still get through.
• Micro-mesh: blocks almost everything, needs a light brush now and then.
• Reverse curve (hood) guards: water curls in, leaves slide off; can overshoot in a downpour.
• Foam and brush inserts: easy to put in, collect debris and need cleaning.

Questions people ask

Do gutter guards stop gutters from overflowing?

They stop clogs, which cause most overflows. If gutters overflow even when clean, the gutters or downspouts are too small for the rain, and guards will not fix that.

Do gutter guards cause roof problems?

Not when installed right. Some types slide under the shingles, so check that the install won't void your roof warranty.

Read more

• Gutters overflowing
• Water under the house