Are gutter guards worth it?

Do gutter guards work?        

There are two sides to every story, even with a gutter guard installation story. Some experts will tell you that gutters guards are the newest “must-have” on the market today. Then there are that will tell you a gutter guard installation won’t give your home foolproof protection from all the debris that can clog your gutters. 

The truth is somewhere in between those two sides. There are pros and cons of gutter guards:

The Pros of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They can be installed on your existing gutters.
• They prevents debris like leaves, limbs, sticks from clogging the gutters and the downspouts.
• The prevent birds, rodents, and other critters  from building nests in the gutters.
• They prevent insects from breeding in the debris and water build-up common for gutters.
• They will help prevent water leaking in your home by eliminating those build-ups in the gutters. 
• They minimize how often you need to do gutter cleaning.
• They extend the gutter service by prevent debris and water collecting and causing the gutters to rot and rust.

The Cons of Having Gutter Guard Installation:

• They do not keep all small debris out like pine needles and seeds.
• Can enhance issues of ice dam on the roof (there are heated gutter guards now that will prevent these issues.
• Gutters will still need some cleaning even with gutter guard installation. 
• Gutter guards can dent, minimizing their effectiveness.
• Adds weight to the gutters so when gutters are not cleaned when needed, there is additional weight on the gutters and fascia.

What should I look for in a gutter guard?

One thing that all experts will agree on is that if you have the wrong types of gutter guard systems installed, it could make matter worse than if you didn’t have any at all. They don’t have to be installed by a roofing contractor, you can purchase them at a big box home improvement store or local hardware store. The things to look for with your gutter guard installation are:

• Choose an all-aluminum gutter guard, installation of these will last as long as your gutters. 
• Choose one with perforated holes for water to get in but tree stuff is kept out. 
• Choose gutter guard installation that will fit flat in your gutters and can’t be seen from street. 
• Choose a gutter guard installation where you can visually inspect the gutter runs inside easily. 
• If you’re a DIY homeowner, choose a gutter guard installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacements will be easy. 

What is the best gutter guard for leaves?

Perforated gutter guard installation is the best for keeping leaves out of the gutters. These gutter guards have larger holes, allowing a better flow of water but keeping small debris out. Typically an aluminum or metal material that will give you years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. For areas where snow is almost guaranteed every winter, this is the best type of gutter guard. 

Will a gutter guard stop birds?

Yes, a gutter guard installation will keep the birds out, so they aren’t building nests in your gutters. They also keep other debris out like leaves and limbs. In turn, this can do a lot to keep both your gutters and your home safe and to reduce how often gutter cleaning is necessary.

What are the best gutter guards?

Below are the gutter guards available online that are considered to be the best in certain categories as stated.  A note to keep in mind is that some roof warranties will be voided where there is a gutter guard installation. Check with your roofing contractor before making this investment. 

• Best Overall: Gutterglove – The Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard 
• Best Heavy Duty: A-M  – Aluminum Gutter Guard 
• Best Value: FlexxPoint – Gutter Cover System
• Best Brush: GutterBrush – Simple Gutter Guard
• Best Budget: Frost King  – Plastic Gutter Guard 
• Easy Gutter Guard Installation: Amerimax Home Products – Lock-In Gutter Guard