Is the Cost of Gutter Guards Worth It?

Protect your home from costly water damage with gutter guards – learn how LeafFilter can simplify maintenance.

Key Takeaways

• Gutter guards can reduce the frequency of gutter cleanings, saving up to $500 per year in cleaning fees.
• Keep debris out, helping to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation, basement, roof, and landscaping.
• Professional installation may offer better performance and longevity compared to DIY gutter guard installation. 

Are gutter guards worth it? For many homeowners, the answer is a resounding yes. Gutter guards help minimize maintenance, prevent water damage, and extend the life of your gutters. However, their effectiveness can depend on factors like your local climate and the type of trees around your home. If you live in an arid environment, you most likely will not need gutter guards. Let’s explore the cost benefits, types, and overall value of gutter guards.

In this article:

• Cost of Gutter Cleaning Over Time
• Why are Gutter Guards Important
• Types of Gutter Guards
• The Bottom Line: When Gutter Guards Are Worth It
• Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Gutter Installation & Cleaning

The cost of gutter guards can vary greatly depending on location, house size, type of gutter guards, and whether you need an entire gutter system installed. On average, gutter guard installation costs between $650 and $2,450, with an average price of $1,500. For homeowners needing an entire gutter guard system installed, the average cost jumps to $6,348 for high-end gutters.

Once installed, regular maintenance and gutter cleaning can be time-consuming and costly. Depending on the size and height of your home, professional gutter cleaning services charge between $100 and $250 per session.

Therefore, if you clean your gutters bi-annually, you could spend up to $500 annually. Over a decade, that’s $5,000. Gutter guards, while having an upfront cost, can significantly reduce or eliminate this recurring expense.

Why are Gutter Guards Important

Gutter guards play a crucial role in maintaining your home’s integrity by preventing common issues associated with clogged gutters. They help homeowners save time and money by reducing the frequency of regular gutter cleaning and mitigating potential damage caused by excess water flow. While gutter guards may not be a fix-all solution, they significantly ease the maintenance burden and protect against long-term damage. Here are some of the main reasons to consider installing them:

Water Damage

Clogged gutters can lead to severe water damage, affecting your foundation, basement, roof, and landscaping. Overflowing water can cause mold buildup, landscape erosion, and even structural damage to your home. Gutter guards can help prevent this damage by keeping gutters debris-free and allowing water to flow freely through them.

Pest Control

Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for pests, particularly mosquitoes, birds, and rodents. These unwanted visitors not only damage your home but also pose health risks to you and your family. Gutter guards can prevent debris buildup that attracts pests and keep them from nesting in your gutters.

Wildfires

Gutter guards can be a valuable investment for homeowners living in areas prone to wildfires. Dry leaves and debris collected in gutters can easily catch fire and spread to your home’s roof. Gutter guards act as a barrier, preventing these materials from accumulating. By keeping flammable debris out of your gutters, gutter guards can help reduce the risk of potential fires.

Ice Dams & Freezing

If you live in an area with cold winters, water running off your roof from rain or melting snow can freeze in your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, causing water to back up and damage your roof. Gutter guards minimize the accumulation of debris, reducing the likelihood of ice dams. They allow water to flow through gutters and drain properly.

Clogged Gutters

Sagging gutters, pulling away from the home, and the need for entire gutter system replacements are common issues caused by clogged gutters. In addition, clogged gutters provide all the ingredients for seeds to sprout: water, light, air, and warmth. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can also accumulate in clogged gutters. Gutter guards help maintain the structural integrity of your gutters while keeping seeds out.

Cost of Emergency Medical Treatment

DIY gutter cleaning can be dangerous without proper precautions. Ladder falls are common and can lead to serious injuries requiring expensive medical treatments. According to the CDC, more than 100 deaths and thousands of injuries occur each year from ladder-related falls. Gutter guards reduce the need for frequent cleaning, minimizing the need to climb ladders and its associated risks.

Home Value

Gutter guards do not generally increase a home’s resale value. For instance, if you spend $2,000 on gutter guard installation, your home value will not automatically increase by $2,000. However, gutter guards can be an attractive addition for future buyers as they can help save on home maintenance costs over time.

As we’ve mentioned, clogged gutters can lead to water overflow that can damage your roof and cause soil erosion, leaking through the foundation, leading to basement flooding. If caught early, a minor basement flood can cost $500 to $1500 to repair. If there is a delay in clean-up, this can quickly lead to mildew and mold growth, which can cost up to $10,000 to repair.  Gutter guards can help prevent costly, unforeseen home repairs by keeping gutters clear and water away from your home’s foundation.

Types of Gutter Guards

Different types of gutter guards are available to homeowners, professionally installed and DIY options, each with its own pros and cons. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision:

Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards consist of a porous material that fits directly into your rain gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to flow through. Foam guards are a popular choice for homeowners due to their affordability and ease of installation. “While foam inserts are the most affordable, they do deteriorate and often are not very durable,” advises Chris Counahan, President at LeafFilter. Foam inserts typically cost about $2 per linear foot to install.

Brush Gutter Guards

Gutter brushes resemble large pipe cleaners placed inside your gutters to keep debris out. They are good at trapping large debris like leaves and twigs. Brush guards are a great option for those on a budget, costing around $3 per linear foot to install.

Screen Gutter Guards

Screen guards are made of metal or plastic mesh placed over the gutter. They allow water to pass through while blocking debris. Metal gutter screens are a popular gutter cover choice among homeowners. They usually cost between $1 and $4 per linear foot to install. 

Reverse Curve or Surface TensionGutter Guards

These guards use the principle of surface tension to guide water into the gutter while debris slides off. Reverse curve gutter guards excel at keeping out large debris and are highly effective in areas with heavy foliage.Reverse curve gutter guards are made from a solid sheet of metal. “Aluminum and steel gutter guards have a higher price tag up-front but are more resistant to rust and often need less maintenance over time,” says Counahan. They are typically installed at a slight pitch to allow water to pass through a small gap while shedding large debris. Reverse curve gutter guards range in cost from $4 to $8 per linear foot installed.

Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

While more expensive than other gutter guards, “micro-mesh gutter guards are among the most effective types available,” says Counahan. They provide excellent filtration, ensuring that your gutters remain clear of all kinds of debris, including pine needles and shingle grit.Micro-mesh guards feature fine mesh screens that block even the smallest debris while allowing water to flow through. They are typically made of high-grade metals like stainless steel. In areas experiencing harsh weather conditions, like heavy rain and snow, “it’s important to have professional grade gutter guards made of sturdy materials, such as micromesh, that can stand up to these conditions,” says Counahan.

The Bottom Line: When Gutter Guards Are Worth It

In regions with heavy foliage or frequent storms, gutter guards can be invaluable. They reduce gutter maintenance, prevent water damage, and enhance your home’s safety. Counahan emphasizes, “Gutter guards are a wise investment to prevent damage to the roof and foundation of a home. They protect your home and reduce long-term maintenance costs.”

Ready to protect your home and simplify your maintenance routine? Schedule a consultation with a LeafFilter technician today to find the best gutter guard solution for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a downside to gutter guards?

Yes, there can be downsides to gutter guards depending on the type of gutter guards. Gutter guards may not keep out all debris, including pine needles and seeds, leading to clogs. While gutter guards reduce maintenance, they are only partially maintenance-free. Some types still require occasional cleaning, and professional gutter cleaning costs can be expensive. Additionally, if your gutter guards are installed under roof shingles, it can void your roof’s warranty.

Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?

Yes, most high-quality gutter guards are designed to handle heavy rain efficiently, allowing water to flow through while keeping debris out. Micro-mesh and reverse curve designs are particularly effective in managing heavy rainfall, ensuring that your gutters do not overflow and cause damage to your home’s foundation or landscaping.

Are there specific types of gutter guards that are better?

Micro-mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards are often considered the most effective due to their superior debris-blocking capabilities. Micro-mesh guards feature fine screens that prevent even the smallest particles from entering, while reverse-curve guards use surface tension to guide water into the gutter while debris slides off.

What do roofers say about gutter guards?

Many professional roofers recommend gutter guards because they help prevent common roofing issues related to water damage and ice dams. By keeping gutters clear, gutter guards minimize the risk of water backing up and seeping under the roof shingles, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. Additionally, they reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming in cold climates, protecting the roof’s integrity.

Are gutter guards worth the investment?

Yes, especially if you live in an area with heavy foliage or severe weather. Gutter guards can save you time and money by reducing the need for frequent gutter cleaning and help prevent costly water damage to your home. While the initial cost can be higher, the long-term benefits, including added home protection, make them an ideal choice for many homeowners.