Should You Install Gutter Guards? 5 Surprising Reasons Why You Want To Avoid Them

Like every part of your home, gutters need maintenance in order to continue to function properly. However, staying on track of gutter cleanings can be annoying. You may be tempted to install gutter guards in order to save yourself money in the long run. However, gutter guards may not be the lifesaver you believe them to be. 

Here is what you need to know about gutter guards and why they may not work the way you hope. Let’s get into it.

What Are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards are essentially filters for your gutters. The idea behind them is that they keep leaves, bird nests, and other such debris out of your gutters, so that the only thing that gets in there is the water that’s supposed to drain away. Supposedly, this makes your gutters easier to maintain. However, the unfortunate reality is that even with guards, your gutters still need regular maintenance.

What Are The Problems With Gutter Guards?

With so many articles spouting the benefits of gutter guards, you may not be aware of the reasons why these could potentially do more harm than good. 

For some people, it’s true that guards help them keep their gutters cleaner longer. However, others can end up having significant problems with their guards, and even find it easier to rip the gutter guards off and revert back to scheduling gutter cleanings as needed. 

Some of the problems with gutter guards are as follows.

#1. Not Maintenance Free

For some people, yes, gutter guards may reduce the amount of maintenance their gutters need. However, the tops of the guards will still need to be cleaned. Even with guards, debris can still end up in your gutters – however, cleaning said debris out becomes harder with a guard in place. As such, it may be necessary to take the guards off in order to clean inside the gutters, then put them back on.

#2. Not Pest Free

Because guards cover up your gutters, but there are still holes at the ends, birds and the like can still get into them. They may think the shade from the gutter guard is nice, like from a tree. It’s harder to remove bird nests and pests with gutter guards in place, and then you have the added tragedy of birds potentially drowning in your gutters when it rains.

#3. Expensive

Perhaps the most prevalent problem with gutter guards is the cost associated with them. Professional installation can cost you thousands of dollars. Beyond installation costs, you still have to maintain your gutters. Additionally, gutter guards need to be replaced.

It can take years of having your gutter guards before you’re able to recoup the costs of simply having your gutters cleaned once or twice a year. As such, it’s typically more economical to simply schedule regular gutter cleaning services, rather than to have guards installed.

#4. Freezing Over In The Winter

In the winter months, during freeze-thaw cycles, ice can form over gutter guards. This prevents your gutters from being able to do their job properly. This can result in all sorts of problems, such as gutters pulling away from your home under the weight of ice and snow, foundation damage, and more.

#5. Water Sheeting Over Them

Rather than water going into your gutters and draining away properly, the way it should, if your gutter guards have debris on them, this can direct the water to go over your gutters entirely. As such, rather than draining away to designated areas, now you have water coming off your roof all around your house – talk about ineffective. 

Are Gutter Guards Good For Anyone?

If you live somewhere that doesn’t have much tree cover and is a fairly temperate climate, then gutter guards may be a good choice for you. However, they are still a costly investment, and one that is often unnecessary for most homeowners. Simply cleaning your gutters as needed is cheaper, easier, and more effective. 

If you don’t want to clean your gutters yourself, hiring a professional to do it for you still saves you money in the long run. 

Do You Need Your Gutters Cleaned?

Above & Beyond Window Cleaning provides professional gutter cleaning services in and around Concord, MA. To learn more about our gutter cleaning services or any of the other exterior cleaning services that we provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.