What are gutter guards, and do they really work? Roofing experts reveal these mean 'less to worry about', including mold and pests

Installing a gutter guard is time and mone well spent. This reduces time you'll spend removing leaves, dirt and debris that have become wedged in your steps for gutter maintenance, but what if there was a way to prevent gutters from clogging in the first place?

You may have heard of, or even been recommended, a gutter guard, but what exactly are they, and are they the key to all your gutter-related woes? Here, our roofing and construction experts explain everything you need to know before taking the plunge on a purchase.

What are gutter guards?

Gutter guards, such as the Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard available at Amazon, fit over your gutter, with a lattice structure and stop debris and pests getting in, as dirty gutters are one of the many surprising things attracting pests to your home.

As Michael Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx, explains, 'In simplest form, gutter guards are designed to keep leaves, debris, and pests out of gutters while allowing water to flow through freely.

'They are supposed to help reduce the frequency of gutter cleanings and prevent clogs that would eventually lead to roof damage, foundation issues, or even basement leaks.'

Brandon Foote, president of Advanced Roofing & Construction, adds, that they are also designed to reduce the frequency of cleaning gutters from the roof, negating any gutter cleaning mistakes to avoid.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Are gutter guards worth it?

Whether you know the best time to clean gutters, and do so at least twice annually, or not, all our pros are in agreement that you should be using gutter guards. In fact, even Tim Walz recommends this gutter cleaning tip.

Jim Marino, CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements, says, 'Homeowners who dislike the chore of cleaning out their gutters or paying someone else to do it can save time and money by having gutter guards installed.'

If you're wondering how to install gutter guards, while it is a job you can indeed DIY, calling the pros will remove any risk of a fall from height. Roofing pro Michael highlights, 'If installed improperly, water may run over the edge instead of into the gutter.'

Since gutter guards prevent clogs from leaves and other debris, they reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning while extending the lifespan of gutter systems. There’s less to worry about as mold and mildew accumulation, pest infestations, and water-related issues are prevented.

'If you’re looking for a long-term investment in protecting your home from flooding, gutter guards reduce the risk of water damage to the roof by preventing water from flowing back and pooling on the roof, as well as keep water flowing away from the home to protect the foundation.'

Michael agrees with Jim, adding, 'If you're constantly dealing with clogged gutters that cause flooding during storms, gutter guards are a fantastic solution; especially if you have a lot of trees on your property.'

How to install gutter guards

If you're installing your own gutter guard, Michael Feazel shares how to:

1. Clean your gutters thoroughly and remove all material in them, such as leaves, debris, and standing water
2. Measure your gutters to ensure the guards you purchased are the correct size
3. Lay the guard: 'Start at one end and then lay the guard in place, for mesh or screen types,' says Michael. 'For clip-on or snap-in guards, press them securely into the gutter lip.'
4. Use a drill to fasten the guards per the manufacturer’s instructions
5. Trim guards to fit corners or end sections using tin snips or a utility knife
6. Test the water flow with a hose to ensure everything drains properly

There are also a couple of risks that it's important to be aware of. 'Use a stable extension ladder on level ground,' says Michael, such as the Telescoping Ladder available at Amazon. It's also a good idea to ask someone to spot or hold the ladder while you're up it, and avoid installing your gutter guards on a wet or windy day.

'Wear gloves [such as the bestselling HANDLANDY Work Gloves for Men & Women available at Amazon] to protect your hands from sharp edges on the gutters or guards, and never overreach,' adds Michael. 'Watch out for electrical wires or power lines, especially if using longer tools or metal guards.'

Are there any disadvantages of using gutter guards?

While our pros love gutter guards, there are a few disadvantages which it pays to be aware of.

Home improvement Jim explains, 'Gutter guards have excellent benefits for homeowners since they minimize the need for gutter maintenance, but they can't solve every problem. It’s important to maintain them throughout the years to prevent shingle granules and other tiny particles from clogging things up. '

'Additionally, some gutter guards can have high upfront costs while others may not work with the roof or gutter system you may have in place. One of the biggest issues comes down to installation errors, which is why homeowners should make sure they choose a reputable company who can do it right, as well as ensure the materials are compatible for the specific roof and gutter system.'

Additionally, gutter guards can't keep out all debris, like small leaves, sand and dirt. 'Some don't work on pine needles or roof grit, and some can even cause fascia and roof deck rot,' says roofing expert Brandon. 'They have also been known to make ice damming worse in northern climates.'

Finally, Michael adds that while gutter guards may reduce the frequency of which you need to clean your gutters, they can make cleaning them more difficult when the time comes.

How to maintain gutter guards

As Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration, advises, 'Usually, simply removing large debris from the surface of the gutter guards is enough to prevent buildup and ensure normal water flow.' But, that being said, there is still some maintenance that it's important to keep on top of, which may differ depending on the type of gutter guard you install.

'There are two types of gutter guards,' says roofing expert Michael Casolaro. 'Top-mounted, which are the most common, completely block debris from entering your gutters. All you have to do is rinse them off two to three times a year. This removes any dirt that's building up around the holes where water enters.

'The second type are in-gutter guards, which use foam or plastic brushes to trap the debris inside your gutters. With in-gutter guards, you'll actually have to clean out the trapped debris at least twice a year.'

In terms of how much gutter guards cost, it depends on the type. 'Top-mounted gutter guards cost a little more, but are much easier to maintain and work better, so they're what I recommend.'

According to roofing expert Brandon, like most outdoor cleaning tasks and fall home maintenance chores, the best times to inspect your gutter guards are before fall and before spring, with the changing of the seasons. Always check for blockages and flush any out promptly.

Gutter essentials

FAQs

Do you still need to clean gutters with gutter guards?

As our pros point out, even with gutter guards, your gutters still need regular cleaning and maintenance, as, while they help reduce buildup, they don't prevent it entirely.

How long do gutter guards work?

Depending on the type or model you opt for, your gutter guard can last anywhere between five and twenty years. Higher-quality guards made of stainless steel or aluminum tend to last longer, while plastic or foam types will need to be replaced more regularly.

Meet the experts

Michael Feazel

Michael has over 30 years of experience in the roofing industry, having spent his entire career helping homeowners extend the life of their exteriors and avoid costly repairs. He's now the CEO of Roof Maxx, a sustainable roofing company with over 350 dealers across the U.S.

Brandon Foote

Brandon began working in the field of roofing and construction 20 years ago, going full steam ahead to create Advanced Roofing & Construction in 2014. As president of the company, his acute attention to detail and disciplined approach to the field have made him the go-to expert and roofs and gutters.

Jim Marino

Jim has led Pinnacle Home Improvements as CEO since October 2009, with over a decade of expertise in the home improvement industry.

Constantine Anest

Constantine is the owner of Ethos Roofing & Restoration, a company specializing in residential and commercial roofing services, restoration, and maintenance.

Michael Casolaro

Michael is the president and owner of MCAS Roofing & Contracting, proudly serving Westchester County, NY. A second-generation roofer, Michael is certified by top manufacturers including GAF, CertainTeed, and DaVinci Roofscapes. He’s committed to helping homeowners get the most out of their roofs & gutters by focusing on proper care, preventative maintenance, and long-term performance.

Another important part of gutter maintenance is removing icicles, to prevent cracks and damage.