Homeowners are always looking for better ways to do things. Work smarter not harder, as they say. So, it’s no wonder that gutter guards have become an increasingly popular option for people trying to cut down on the messy, tedious business of cleaning gutters. But, do gutter guards themselves require maintenance? Let’s discuss it.
In this article:
Do Gutter Guards Work
The short answer is yes, gutter guards do work. However, it’s important to know the purpose of gutter guards before determining whether to make that investment. Gutter guards help to prevent large buildups of debris in gutters, so long as the gutters and guards are cleaned as often as they need it. They will not prevent you from ever having to clean your gutters but are, rather, a tool to help maintain them.
Prior to purchasing a gutter guard system, you’ll wonder if they’re worth the investment. Ask yourself:
- Do I expect a maintenance-free solution? Because, if you’re looking for a maintenance-free solution to keeping your gutters squeaky clean, gutter guards don’t provide that. Whichever guard you choose will require maintenance of its own, and you’ll still need to do a light cleaning of your gutters as well. This must be done twice a year, or more if you have a large number of trees surrounding your home.
- Can I commit to maintaining them? Gutter guards will still require you to break out that ladder of yours for a good gutter cleaning a couple of times a year, just as you would do if you only had gutters. The upside is that the gutter cleaning won’t be so tedious. You must be committed to taking care of your gutter guards, thus protecting your gutters and your home as a whole.
If your answers to the first question is no and the second is yes, then gutter guards will certainly work for you.
Cost of Gutter Guards
| Type of gutter guard | Average cost (per linear ft.) | Installation | Professional install fee (per linear ft.) | Total cost (per 200 linear ft.) |
| Screen gutter guards | $1-$3 | DIY or professional | $2-$4 | $200-$1,400 |
| Mesh gutter guards | $1-$3 | DIY or professional | $2-$4 | $200-$1,400 |
| Micro-mesh gutter guards | $2-$4 | Professional | $2-$4 | $800-$1,600 |
| Surface tension gutter guards | $4-$7 | Professional | $2-$4 | $1,200-$2,200 |
| Foam gutter guards | $2-$4 | DIY | DIY | $400-$800 |
| Brush gutter guards | $3-$5 | DIY | DIY | $600-$1,000 |
Gutter Guard Maintenance
Screen Gutter Guards
Screen gutter guards are the most common gutter guard and are typically made from plastic or aluminum. They’re a great choice for a tight budget and for a DIY installation.
They’re easy to maintain because they sit atop the gutters, unattached, preventing you from the need for power tools. However, that makes them vulnerable in heavy rain and strong winds.
How to Clean: Remove debris that is sitting on top of your gutter guard and detach the guards from the gutters. Rinse the gutter guards with a pressure cleaner or a garden hose.
Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards are a great option for a DIY installation. They clip onto your gutters, making them easy to clean.
How to Clean: Remove debris that has accumulated on top of your gutter guards. Then, pry the small metal clips that hold the gutter guards to your gutter with either your hand or a flathead screwdriver. Lift the mesh screens so that they rest on your roof while you rinse them, and your gutters, with a garden hose.
Micro-mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh gutter guards are one of the pricier, more complex, to install. They are not a perfect option, either. Small debris can build up and mat itself on top of the gutter guard, slowing water, from getting through.
How to Clean: You’ll benefit from having a gutter guard cleaning brush when cleaning micro-mesh guards. Because of their tiny holes, which can become clogged with even the smallest of debris, water pressure doesn’t always penetrate. Brush off the micro-mesh as much as possible before using a hose or pressure cleaner to get the remaining built-up grime and dirt.
Surface Tension Gutter Guards
Surface tension gutter guard systems, also known as reverse curve systems, block most debris from getting into the gutters while allowing water to flow back into the gutters via a bend in the gutter guard. This system is disputable, as some people claim that the water doesn’t cling to its surface as it is supposed to. Others prefer this system because it keeps your gutters especially clean.
How to Clean: A buildup of dirt, small debris, and grime can accumulate underneath the gutter, due to its reverse curve. This requires some extra effort in the cleaning process. Use a pressure cleaner, and in some circumstances you’ll need to put in a little elbow grease, to get off any tough stains left behind by caked up dirt and debris.
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards fit snugly into your gutter system, keeping it well protected while only requiring periodic rinsing themselves.
How to Clean: These gutter guards are one of the easiest to both install and maintain. When it’s time for a rinse, remove debris that lay on top of the foam and pull the gutter guard from your gutters. They’ll rinse out well with the help of a pressure cleaner, set to a low pressure, or garden hose.
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush gutter guard sections, similar to foam ones, fit snugly inside the gutter. They have bristles on top designed to prevent leaves from washing into the gutter while allowing water to flow freely.
How to Clean: Brush gutter guards are one of the easiest gutter guards to both install and maintain. To clean a brush gutter guard, simply remove debris sitting atop the bristles and pull the gutter guard out from your gutters. Clean out the debris and dirt built up between the bristles with your gloved hands or with a hose or pressure cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Maintenance Required with Gutter Guards?
Yes. No matter which type of gutter guard you purchase, there will be some sort of maintenance required to ensure that they can function properly.
How Long do Gutter Guards Last?
Depending on the type, gutter guards can last 10 to 20 years. Ones made of steel, rather than aluminum, tend to last the longest.
Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?
Gutter guards are designed to work in heavy rain, but certain types work better in severe weather than others. A mesh or screen gutter guard, that is fastened to the gutter, can withstand heavy rain the best because it helps to direct the flow of the water. Micro-mesh, reverse curve systems, and even foam gutter guards can often deter water from flowing through the gutters the way that it’s supposed to.
While there are various types of gutter guards to choose from, all types will require some sort of maintenance. Like anything else, regular cleanings will allow your gutter guards to function optimally. But, if the maintenance turns out to be too much for you to handle on your own, consider hiring a professional to handle all gutter and gutter guard installation and maintenance.
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