What are Gutter Guards? Costs, Types, & FAQs

Looking for information about gutter guards?

Gutter guards are designed to protect your gutters by removing debris, such as leaves, that can clog them. Since most rain gutters require regular cleaning, gutter guards are worth considering. Today, we will explore the functionality of gutter guards, their types, pros and cons, and costs.

What are gutter guards?

Your gutters are designed to collect water from your roof and transport it to the downspouts to be disposed of away from your foundation. If your gutters become clogged, broken, or not fully functional at any point during rainwater collection, your home may experience roof leaks, water damage, or even foundation issues.

In order to prevent gutters from clogging, many homeowners will have to clean their gutters each fall and spring or have gutter guards installed. The later choice is often a budget-friendly and wise as the proper gutter guards can effectively prevent clogs. However, there are a variety of gutter guards to choose from and not all are created equally. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons below!

Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards

Depending on the type of gutter guards you purchase, there are benefits to specific types of gutter protection options and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of gutter guards:

Pros to Gutter Guards:

1. Reduce Gutter Cleaning

Gutter guards help prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from accumulating in your gutters, reducing the frequency of gutter cleanings. While they don’t eliminate maintenance, they can significantly reduce the effort required to clean your gutters. The type of gutter protection you install also affects this. You should see an ROI of your gutter guards in 4-5 years if you pay for regular gutter cleaning!

2. Prevent Clogs and Water Damage

Gutter guards keep debris out and ensure water flows smoothly through the system, reducing the risk of clogs that can lead to overflow, foundation damage, or basement flooding.

3. Extend Gutter Lifespan

Without excessive debris buildup and standing water, your gutters are less likely to rust, corrode, or sag over time. This can extend your gutter system’s overall lifespan and help prevent your soffit from being damaged by the gutters.

4. Deter Pest Infestations

Open, clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and birds. Gutter guards are a barrier, making it harder for these unwanted guests to nest in your gutters. Birds love nesting in gutters and gutter protection can help prevent that!

5. Improve Rainwater Collection

For homeowners who harvest rainwater, gutter guards help keep debris out of the system, ensuring cleaner water with less contamination from leaves and dirt. Perhaps you want to have a rain barrel installed at the end of your gutter, then you have the option!

Cons of Gutter Guards:

1. Upfront Cost

Gutter guards can be expensive to purchase and install, depending on the type and material. Some homeowners may find the initial investment outweighs the long-term savings on maintenance.

2. Not 100% Maintenance-Free

While gutter guards reduce cleaning frequency, they don’t eliminate it. Debris can still accumulate on the guards, requiring occasional brushing or rinsing to maintain proper water flow.

3. Potential for Ice Dams

In colder climates, some gutter guard systems can contribute to ice dams, as snow and ice may build up along the roof edge instead of melting and flowing through the gutters.

4. May Not Work Well for All Roof Types

Some gutter guards don’t perform well with specific roofing materials or styles. They may not function as intended if they aren’t correctly installed or suited to your roof.

5. Can Void Gutter or Roof Warranties

Depending on the manufacturer, installing gutter guards may void warranties on your gutters or roof, especially if they require modification or drilling into roofing components.

What are the types of gutter guards?

There are quite a few types of gutter guards including brush guards, foam gutter protection, and screens. The most common types include gutter screens, surface tension guards, and reverse curve gutter guards. Below, we will highlight the most commonly used rain gutter protection methods:

Gutter Guard Screens

Screen gutter guards are the most common because they are easy to install and cheap. Most roofers and gutter companies won’t install screens, but DIY homeowners love them because they are easy to install, inexpensive, compatible with all types of roofs, and the ability to keep leaves out. The downside is that gutter screens are easily broken, often cause clogs, and still require cleaning your gutters.

✅Our Rating: 1/10

Surface Tension Guards

If you want to install a durable, effective, affordable gutter guard, then surface tension gutter guards are your best bet. They are designed to withstand branches, snow, ice, and windstorms while keeping the more considerable debris out. The positive aspect of surface tension gutter guards is that they last longer than others and require zero maintenance when installed correctly. They require technical installation; since they cover the gutter entirely, you need a professional exterior contractor to install them.

✅Our Rating: 9/10

Gutter Helmet

Also known as reverse curve gutter guards, the Gutter Helmet (photo credit) is perhaps the most popular gutter guard because of great marketing efforts. Reverse curve gutter guards require professional installation and do not fully cover the gutter. The concept is that the rain rolls down the curve into your gutter, but debris such as sticks and leaves is prevented from entering your gutters. The drawbacks of reverse curve guards are that they are costly, birds like to nest under them, and heavy rains sometimes fly off your home’s roof.

✅Our Rating: 7/10

How much do gutter guards cost?

Gutter guards are priced per linear foot, and this typically includes installation. Depending on the design and size of the home, the average home has between 100 and 200 linear feet of gutter. Here is the breakdown of pricing per gutter guard type:

Screen Gutter Guards: $0.50 – $3.50 per linear foot

• Made of metal or plastic mesh
• Affordable but may require frequent maintenance

Foam Gutter Guards: $2.00 – $4.50 per linear foot

• Fits inside the gutter to block debris
• Easy DIY option but can deteriorate over time

Brush Gutter Guards: $3.00 – $5.00 per linear foot

• Cylindrical bristles sit inside the gutter
• Effective for leaves but may trap small debris

Surface Tension (Reverse Curve): $3.50 – $6.50 per linear foot

• Directs water into gutters while repelling debris
• Requires professional installation for best performance

Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards: $4.00 – $10.00 per linear foot

• Fine stainless steel mesh blocks even the most minor debris
• High durability and low maintenance, but costly

What you need to know about gutter guard installation:

Gutter guards can be an excellent investment for homeowners like yourself who want to reduce maintenance and protect their home from water damage. However, they do come with drawbacks, including cost and ongoing upkeep. Before deciding, consider your climate, roof type, and budget to determine if they fit your home.

For starters, if you don’t have many trees near your home, you might not even need to install gutter guards. On the other hand, if you have to clean your gutters multiple times per year, installing gutter guards can be a great ROI.

We recommend that you don’t go for cheap gutter protection. You aim to get a guard that requires little to no maintenance but is also not overpriced. Here at Legacy Roofing, we recommend not using the DIY approach to gutter guards. Similar to your home’s roof, your gutters are vital for keeping your home safe and dry. Trying to install guards yourself could cause more issues than it helps.

FAQ:

1. Do your gutters and gutter guards get removed during a roof replacement?

It depends on the roofing contractor and the condition of your gutters. In many cases, gutters and gutter guards remain in place during a roof replacement unless they are damaged or obstructing the installation. However, if the gutters are old, sagging, or improperly installed, they may need to be removed, reinstalled, or replaced. Some gutter guards may need to be temporarily removed to ensure proper roof installation and flashing placement. Always discuss this with your roofer beforehand.

2. Are gutter guards worth it?

Gutter guards can be worth the investment to reduce gutter cleaning frequency and prevent clogs, but that also depends on the type of gutter guard. They help keep out leaves, twigs, and debris, improving water flow and reducing maintenance needs. However, they’re not 100% maintenance-free and may require occasional cleaning. Gutter protection effectiveness depends on the type, installation quality, and surrounding environment. If you have many trees around your home, they can be especially beneficial.

3. How do you clean gutters with gutter guards?

Even with gutter guards, occasional cleaning is necessary. Use a leaf blower, garden hose, or brush to remove debris from the top of the guards. For mesh or screen guards, check for clogs and rinse with water. If debris gets inside, you may need to remove sections of the guard for deeper cleaning. Regular inspections help ensure proper water flow and prevent buildup.