You can buy guards for your gutters that let water through but catch leaves and debris. It sounds like the end of gutter cleaning forever, but most experts agree that guards don’t eliminate the need for cleaning, and some types can even make cleaning more difficult. So, are gutter guards worth it?
The honest answer: it depends on your trees, your roof and the type of guard. Here’s how to decide.
What gutters do (and why clogs matter)
Gutters collect rainwater from your roof and send it away from your house through the downspouts. When they clog, water spills over the sides and can:
- Soak and rot fascia boards and soffits
- Pool along the foundation and leak into the basement
- Erode landscaping and wash out mulch
- Back up under shingles, especially during winter ice dams
- Add weight that pulls gutters away from the house
Keeping gutters flowing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home from water damage.
Are gutter guards worth it? The main types compared
Screens and basic mesh
Plastic or metal screens with larger openings that sit over the gutter.
- Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, block large leaves.
- Cons: Small debris and pine needles get through. Some lift off in wind, and they have to be removed to clean underneath.
Micro-mesh
Fine stainless steel mesh over a supporting frame.
- Pros: Blocks most debris, including pine needles and shingle grit. Durable.
- Cons: Higher cost. Fine debris and pollen can build up on top and need brushing off, and heavy downpours can overshoot it if it gets clogged.
Reverse-curve (surface tension)
A solid cover that curves over the gutter edge. Water follows the curve into the gutter while debris slides off.
- Pros: Good for heavy leaf loads. Low profile from the ground.
- Cons: Usually professionally installed, can be more expensive, and water may overshoot during very heavy rain. Small debris can still get in.
Foam and brush inserts
Foam blocks or bristle brushes that fit inside the gutter.
- Pros: Inexpensive and simple to install.
- Cons: Debris sticks in them, seeds can sprout in foam, and they need to be pulled out and cleaned regularly. Often the most maintenance of any option.
Who benefits most from gutter guards
Guards tend to make the most sense if:
- Your home is surrounded by large trees
- You have a tall or steep roof where cleaning is difficult or dangerous
- You’ve had repeated clogs, overflows or downspout blockages
They’re less useful if you have few trees nearby, or if your gutters are older, sagging or improperly pitched. In that case, fix the gutters first.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What trees are nearby? Broad oak and maple leaves are easy for most guards to shed. Pine needles, seed pods and “helicopters” call for finer mesh.
- How steep is the roof? On steep roofs, water moves fast and can overshoot some guard designs during heavy storms.
- Will it work with your roof? Some guards slide under the first row of shingles. Installed carelessly, that can lift or damage shingles, so check the roofing manufacturer’s guidance.
- How will you clean it? Ask how the guard comes off, or how debris gets brushed from the top. If it’s hard to service, you may end up putting off maintenance.
On many Philadelphia rowhomes, gutters run along a flat or low-slope rear roof and a front cornice, which changes which guard styles fit. In leafy parts of the suburbs and South Jersey towns like Haddonfield and Collingswood, mature street trees make guards more appealing.
How to maintain gutters, with or without guards
Step-by-step gutter cleaning
- Set up safely. Use a sturdy extension ladder on firm, level ground. Use ladder standoffs so you’re not leaning on the gutters. Have someone hold the ladder.
- Remove debris. Wear gloves and scoop leaves and gunk into a bucket or onto a tarp below. A plastic gutter scoop works well.
- If you have guards, brush off the top. Remove sections if debris has collected underneath.
- Flush with a hose. Start at the far end and work toward the downspout. Check that water flows freely.
- Clear downspouts. If water backs up, use a plumber’s snake or a strong spray from the bottom up.
- Check the pitch and fasteners. Gutters should slope slightly toward downspouts. Note any loose hangers, leaks at seams or sagging sections.
- Check where water goes. Downspout extensions or splash blocks should carry water several feet away from the foundation.
Seasonal tips for Philadelphia and South Jersey
- Spring: Maples and oaks drop seeds, flowers and pollen in April and May. Clean gutters after the “helicopters” fall.
- Summer: Watch for overflow during heavy thunderstorms. That tells you where clogs or undersized downspouts are.
- Fall: Leaf drop peaks from late October through November. Clean once most leaves are down, and before the first freeze.
- Winter: Clogged gutters freeze solid and can contribute to ice dams. Clean, flowing gutters are your best defense.
Safety notes
- Ladder falls are a leading cause of home injuries. Never overreach; move the ladder instead.
- Stay well away from overhead power lines, especially with metal ladders.
- Don’t work on wet, icy or windy days.
- If your roof is high or steep, or you’re uneasy on a ladder, leave it to a pro.
When to call a pro
Gutters and guards are closely tied to your roof’s health. Call a pro if:
- Gutters are sagging, leaking at the seams or pulling away from the house
- Water overflows even after cleaning
- You see rotted fascia, peeling paint or water stains below the gutters
- You have a two- or three-story home or a steep roof
- You want gutter guards installed or need advice on which type fits your trees
We handle gutter and roof repairs, exterior repairs like fascia and trim, and seasonal home maintenance. For landlords, our property management service includes leaf removal and upkeep. Request a quote today.
