“No more gutter cleaning”… it’s tempting, right? But after 35+ years in the gutter business, we’re here to tell you that if it sounds too good to be true, it is. While gutter guards are a great option to cut down on maintenance, promises of never needing cleanings or guarantees that clogs are a thing of the past are misguided. So, are gutter guards worth the hype? Sometimes! We’ll explore the types of gutter guards available, what regular cleaning will look like with these accessories, and what the upfront costs are for installation.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of professionally installed gutter guards can range from $4000-$7000, depending on the size of your home and the type of gutter guard.
- DIY options average $400-$700 depending on the size of your home.
- Not all guards are created equal, and different types are better for different climates, gutter styles, and needs.
- While they might reduce the frequency of professional cleanings, gutter guards are not a one-time fix and still require regular maintenance.
If your home requires frequent gutter cleaning due to tall trees, foliage, or other blockages– gutter guards might be a helpful solution.
What are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are a gutter accessory meant to reduce the amount of debris collected in your home’s gutter system. Depending on the type of gutter guard, they might be made of mesh, brush, foam, or another kind of screen. These often work with existing gutter systems and can range from $1-50 per square foot, including installation. It’s not a decision to take lightly, as it can impact the required maintenance of your home for years to come.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
This depends on your home’s specific situation. If you live under many trees and require 3-4 cleanings per year, gutter guards might be a good solution to help extend the time between cleanings. For others, gutter guards can get in the way of a previously simple maintenance routine. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if gutter guards are worth it to you and your unique needs.
Benefits
- Guards can block larger debris that would instantly clog a downspout.
- Can reduce the number of cleanings needed per year.
- Keeps larger pests like squirrels or birds from making nests in your gutters.
Drawbacks
- Homes with guards still require twice-yearly cleaning to properly maintain gutter health.
- It can be expensive to install gutter guards, depending on the size of the home.
- Debris can still collect over the top of the guard and up the roofline, possibly damaging the roof.
- Debris easily sticks to the top of gutter guards, causing water to overflow into landscaping or the foundation below.
Misconceptions About Gutter Guards and Cleaning
Gutter Guards Mean No More Cleaning
Many homeowners have been sold on the promise that a gutter guard system means you’ll never need cleaning again. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. While they’re great at keeping larger leaves out, small ones like pine needles can often slip through and create problems if left ignored.
Gutter Guards Pay For Themselves
While some guards are a good investment, not all of them are worth justifying high installation costs. You should look at your annual cleaning costs and expect that even with gutter guards, you will still need a professional to come at least annually.
Gutter Guards are 100% Effective
The effectiveness of gutter guards can vary based on the quality of installation, the type of guard, and the level of debris your home experiences. Depending on your environment and gutter style, some types may not work as well as others.
Buildup Won’t Exist With Gutter Guards
All the leaves, twigs, and dirt that found their way into your gutters before won’t magically go to your neighbor’s home if you install guards. Leaves can still pile up on gutter guards, and you might find more debris in your yard or flower beds
The Costs of Gutter Guards
When crunching the numbers to decide if gutter guards are worth the investment, you have to consider the initial investment of upfront costs and installation fees compared to the overall savings you might have down the road. Professional gutter guard installation typically costs between $4000-$7000. DIY options range from $170-$700. It’s important to understand your gutter cleaning costs and estimate what your new frequency of gutter cleanings will be to calculate savings over time.
For some homes requiring extra cleanings to control leaves and debris, gutter guards could be a good investment and pay for themselves in reduced cleaning costs. However, that is not always the case, and you should consult a professional to determine your most cost-effective solution.
Can I DIY my Gutter Guards?
DIY gutter guards can be cheaper upfront and are available on the market, but in our personal experiences, the dangers outweigh the benefits. More often than not, we see damage to the existing gutter system, water damage, and non-functional leaf guarding after all that hassle, which leads to more costs in the long run.
Additional risks of DIY installation can include:
- Voiding your roof or gutter warranty
- Drainage problems or leaks that lead to costly damage
- Higher professional maintenance costs because of increased difficulty accessing your gutters
- Causing your gutters to pull away from your home
- Risk of bodily harm
Benefits of Professional Installation
If you want peace of mind that your gutter guards have been installed correctly, hire a professional. Companies with years of experience and the tools to install gutter protection systems can do so safely and efficiently. They’re also licensed and insured to protect your home from damage. Aerotech has over 35 years of experience, making us The Gutter Experts.
What is The Best Type of Gutter Screen or Guard?
Finding the right type of gutter guard is critical in maintaining your home’s gutter health. From screen gutter guards to reverse curve guards, many terms are thrown around, and it can be confusing for homeowners to land on a single option. Here’s our breakdown of the most common gutter guard types and who might benefit from them:
| Type of Gutter Guard | How it works | Pros | Cons | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush | Long bristle brushes keep large debris out of gutters. | Effective for issues like pine needles or twigs. | Can be difficult to clean and definitely requires regular cleanings. Small particles often stick to the brush, making it less effective. | $3-$5 |
| Covers | Usually made from PVC, these cover the top of the gutter and block debris. | Keeps debris out of gutters. | Can keep water out of gutters. Water flow is an important part of a gutter system, and backing that up may cause damage. | $5-$10 |
| Foam | A piece of foam that sits in the gutter. Allows water to flow through while blocking debris. | Affordable and easy to DIY. | They deteriorate after a few seasons and are prone to significant debris buildup on the top of the gutter. | $2-$3 |
| Helmets | Installed as an “extension” of your roof with a full cover on top and a gutter system underneath. | Heavy duty and offer complete coverage. | They’re bulky and heavy to install, requiring professional installation and regular maintenance. Risk of ice dams forming in the winter. | $5-$10 |
| Mesh | Similar to window screens, mesh tops your gutters to block debris from entering while allowing water through. | Simple and effective. Not noticeable from the curb. | Not something you can DIY easily. | $1.50-$6 |
| Micro-Mesh | A metal or plastic superfine mesh made to block even fine debris from entering the gutter system. | Long-lasting (up to 35 years) and are aesthetically pleasing. | Professional installation and maintenance is required with this style. Risk of ice collection. | $8-$25 |
| Reverse Curve | Instead of running straight along the gutter top, these guards are curved upwards to encourage debris to fall off the gutter. | Clean appearance, successful at keeping debris out of the gutters, and safe in many climates. | Can create an appealing place for pests to nest within the nooks and crannies. | $1.50-$6 |
What Brands of Gutter Screen, Guard, or Cover Do You Recommend?
Leaf Relief
- High performance in heavy rainstorms.
- Won’t damage roof shingles.
- Handles significant rainfall without overflow.
- Stronger than traditional gutters and can withstand the weight of any debris that collects between cleanings.
EZ-Lock
- Steel screens allow water to flow through and block debris.
- Lower cost at only $3/ft.
- Tight weave blocks small debris from entering the gutter system.
What Brand of Gutter Guard Should I Avoid?
LeafGuard
- Pushy sales teams
- Can have excess ice formations in winter and overflow during rain.
- Water backs up to the roof, risking leaks and damage.
- Expensive option at upwards of $50/ft.
Gutter Helmet
- Installation method messes with roof pitch by leveling off and not allowing water to drain properly.
- Known for creating dangerous ice formations and icicles in the winter months.
- Runoff can end up going down the home, causing potential damage.
Find Your Perfect Fit with The Gutter Experts at Aerotech
Our team has the experience and local expertise you need to make an educated decision about gutter guards. Every home is different. Call us for a free personalized quote for your home’s unique needs. From cleaning and maintenance to repair and replacement– we’re The Gutter Experts, and we’re here to help with all your gutter needs!
We’re Here to Serve!
Aerotech brings over 35 years of gutter expertise to every job. We’re fully insured, so you will have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and efficiently every time.
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