Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
Yes and no. Most gutter guards are poorly designed and that is why they are cheap. Invest in a quality set of gutter guards and remember to still have your gutters inspected AND CLEANED on a routine basis. They are not an alternative to cleaning, they will still get clogged!
Gutters are a vital part in protecting your home or business. Water is one of the biggest dangers to a building, especially the foundation. Without gutters, water will destroy your roof and foundation over time. These dangers include flooding, water damage to siding, damage to concrete, pavers and more. Because of these dangers, gutter guards were created in an attempt to prevent or prolong the need for gutter cleaning. Just know that like everything, there are pros and cons to these products. Therefore, I am here to let you in on an industry secret, they don’t work as advertised! Most guards are poorly made and actually increase the chances of your gutters becoming clogged. In addition, they make the job of unclogging and cleaning gutters much more difficult.
Check out this previous article to learn more about the importance of gutter cleaning. Otherwise, keep reading as we break down the details of gutter guards, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The Problem with Gutter Guards
They aren’t the worst investment in the world, but I recommend buying quality. You get what you pay for. If you are unaware, gutter guards are designed to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutters while allowing water to flow into the gutters through little holes, a lip or mesh. The problem lies in the marketing of these products. You are led to believe that you will never have to clean your gutters again and this is far from true. The truth is, what you can’t see…
Debris, leaves and pine needles will still enter your gutters, they will. And they will still clog your gutters and downspouts. Furthermore, algae, mildew and mold will continue to grow untouched if cleaning is not completed. All of which combines into the perfect habitat for the dreaded New Jersey mosquitos. So that means that regular cleaning is still needed. Not only is it needed, but it now becomes more difficult and sometimes more expensive once gutter guards are installed.
Do Gutter Guards Keep Debris Out?
Yes, in most cases they do keep debris from falling in your gutters when installed correctly. However, they do not keep everything out and your gutters will still get dirty and most likely clogged over time. Gutter Guards are not a one and done, never clean your gutters again solution. The problem is the misleading information out there. You have probably become tricked into believing that you will never need to clean your gutters again, and that is completely false. Regardless of the make, model or brand of gutter guards, you WILL STILL HAVE TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS, I promise. Surprisingly, it does not take much to clog a gutter or down spout. And the combination of rain water and a small amount of debris will promote the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, like I previously stated, insects and mosquitos will absolutely love their new home.
Check out our previous article covering the Top 6 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters.
Should I Buy Guards?
Only you can answer this question. With many years of experience cleaning gutters, i have seen it all. Don’t take what I am saying as gospel but understand that installing guards will not prevent cleaning but it can prolong the need for cleaning. There are some people that have had incredible success with guards. They are far from a waste of money. But you must remember that they are not foolproof and you still have to inspect and clean your gutters. In my professional opinion based on years of experience in cleaning gutters, invest in quality and reliable gutter guards and have them professional installed. After they are installed, don’t forget about your gutters, remember to inspect them and have them routinely cleaned.
Want to learn about installing gutter guards? Give us a call at 732-570-4923 and we can answer all your questions. We will even provide a free estimate for installation.
