Gutter guards cover the top of the gutter so leaves, pine needles and twigs stay out while rainwater still gets in. For homes near trees, they can cut down how often gutters need to be cleaned and reduce the overflowing that happens when a clog forms in the middle of a storm.
Types of gutter guards
- Screens: plastic or metal mesh with fairly large openings. They are the least expensive and block leaves, but smaller debris like seeds and needles can get through or stick on top.
- Micro-mesh: fine stainless steel or aluminum mesh over a frame. It blocks much smaller debris, including pine needles and roof grit, and is the most common choice for homes with heavy tree cover.
- Solid covers (surface tension or reverse curve): a curved hood that lets water follow the edge into the gutter while debris slides off. They work well with leaves but can overflow in very heavy rain.
- Foam and brush inserts: placed inside the gutter. They are easy to install but tend to collect debris over time.
Matching the guard to your trees
The right guard depends on what falls on your roof. Broad leaves from oaks and maples are blocked by most guards. Pine needles, seed pods and small blossoms are harder, and usually call for micro-mesh. If your roof is steep or you get intense downpours, ask how well a guard handles high water flow, since some designs shed water over the front in a hard rain.
Installing guards on existing gutters
Guards can often be added to gutters that are already in good shape. The installer will clean the gutters first, check the slope and hangers, and fix any leaks so the guards are not covering a problem. If the gutters are old or undersized, it may make more sense to replace them and add guards at the same time.
Maintenance
No guard is maintenance free. Debris can collect on top of mesh, and fine dirt can build up inside the gutter over the years. Most homeowners with guards still have the gutters checked or rinsed occasionally, but far less often than without them.
Questions worth asking
- Which type of guard do you recommend for the trees around my home?
- How does it handle heavy rain?
- Does it attach under the shingles or to the front of the gutter?
- Is there a warranty against clogging, and what does it require?
- Will you clean and repair the gutters before installing?
How long it takes
Installing guards on a typical home takes a few hours to a day, depending on the length of the gutters and the type of guard.
