Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards: Are They Worth It?

Nobody enjoys cleaning the gutters, especially if you live in an area with heavy rains. Most people clean their gutters twice a year. However, depending on the climate and the type of trees nearby, you may need to clean your gutter as frequently as every three months. With average gutter cleaning ranging from $119 to $234 for an average home, your expenses can build up quickly over the years. As for DIY cleaning, any project involving height comes with significant risk, let alone the time and effort it would take. In recent years, more people have turned to gutter guards either to save on regular cleaning or add an additional layer of protection against severe storms.

What are Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a type of gutter protection system designed to prevent debris from entering your gutters. Most gutter guards add a blockage layer on your gutters or cover them up. The three popular types of gutter guards in the market are mesh, foam, and brush.

Mesh gutter guards are the most effective model. These systems use plastic or metal micro-meshes to block out most debris from entering the gutters. Plastic meshes are typically made with polyethylene or PVC, and metal meshes are often made with stainless steel. 

Foam gutter guards are the most affordable option in milder climates. However, they are the easiest to install and remove. On the other hand, brush gutter guards are a medium option between foam and mesh guards. They can prevent most large debris, but the brush design may allow smaller pieces to fall through.

Pros of Gutter Guards

The most significant benefit of installing gutter guards is to protect your gutters and thus extend their life span. By installing gutter guards, you can block out most debris carried by inclement weather, ensuring your gutter remains clear and allows water to be diverted.

This means you are saving yourself the expenses you would have paid if your gutters had been clogged. As of 2024, gutter repair costs $385 on average but can easily exceed thousands if you need a full replacement. In comparison, installing a gutter guard system that lasts 5 to 10 years seems much more preferable.

Cons of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are an upfront investment and can get costly really quickly. And that’s the main reason that turns some people away. However, gutter guards also come with a few other drawbacks.

First, nothing is ever 100% sure-safe. Gutter guards may prevent large debris from entering, but there will inevitably be some small pieces that fall through them. Another issue is pine needles and small seeds a tree may drop, as both can easily sneak past brushes or mesh openings and lead to a clog.

With a gutter guard system, it will be much harder to clean out the gutters since the system must be removed first. Therefore, once clogged, you face a far more intensive project to get your gutters back up and running.

Finally, improper installation can cause damage to your roof and compromise its water resistance. Cheap or poorly installed gutter guards may also void your roof’s warranty or raise problems with insurance claims.

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

The cost of gutter guards is determined by several factors: type and material, location, and type of house. On average, gutter guard installation costs $1,125. This price can fluctuate significantly depending on material costs.

Generally, foam guards cost from $2 to $3.50 per linear foot. Brush guards cost from $3 to $4.50 per linear foot. Regular mesh guards cost from $1 to $2.75 per linear foot, and micro-mesh guards cost from $2 to $4.

Because faulty installations can damage your roof, we recommend you hire a professional gutter guard installation company.

Are Gutter Guards Right for You?

Ask yourself if you truly need gutter guards. How extreme are the rain storms? Do you deal with inclement weather often? If clogged gutters have been a regular occurrence, installing some gutter guards could be a game-changer. You can only install a partial system if a specific portion of the gutters is more prone to clogging. Also, think about how cold your winters get, as that determines if you can use foam guards.

Another thing to consider is your personal goals. Do you plan on staying in this home for the long term, or are you in transition and plan to move within a year or two? 

Gutter Guards Alternatives

For those wanting to go the extra mile, consider installing gutter helmets instead of gutter guards. Gutter helmets are a more extensive gutter protection system and can block out almost all debris. Surface tension gutter helmets cost $3.50 to $6.50 per linear foot and are the most expensive gutter protection system available.

Another alternative is to add additional water diversion systems since gutter guards’ main purpose is to prevent subsequent water damage caused by clogged gutters. For example, add a drain edge if your gutter doesn’t have one by default. Another effective method is rain chains, a traditional Japanese system to replace downspouts. You don’t need to worry about clogging with rain chains. They also create unique aesthetics.