By Chester Aho, Founder of Udderly Gutters · Last updated November 5, 2026
The short answer: Simple snap-in guards from the hardware store can work on a one-story home with mostly big leaves. If you have pine needles, a two-story house, or a roof that sees heavy snow and ice, a professionally installed guard is usually the better investment. Cheap guards tend to clog, sag, or slide off the first winter.
Can I Install Gutter Guards Myself?
Some types, yes. Brush guards and snap-in screens are made for homeowners to install. One we’ll steer you away from: foam inserts. We don’t recommend them at all, because in our experience they just don’t work. If your gutters are within easy reach and you mostly deal with big leaves, a brush guard or screen can cut down on how often you need to clean.
The catch is that most DIY guards sit loosely on top of or inside the gutter. That’s what makes them easy to install, and it’s also why they don’t always hold up.
Why Don’t Cheap Gutter Guards Always Work in New England?
- Pine needles slip right through basic screens and get stuck in brush guards.
- Snow and ice can push loose guards off or bend them out of shape.
- Gutters still need to be in good shape. A guard on a sagging or leaking gutter just hides the problem.
What’s Different About a Professionally Installed Gutter Guard?
A professional guard is matched to your home, your trees, and your roof, and it’s fastened in place so it stays put through New England winters. We install three: Alu-Rex Double Pro, Valor, and Gutter Topper. Compare the three types.
Your Service Advisor can tell you if guards are a good fit for your home. Sometimes a cleaning membership makes more sense, and we’ll tell you that too. See when guards aren’t the right call.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Guards at a Glance
| DIY guards | Professionally installed | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Snap in, slide in, or lay on top | Fastened to your gutter system |
| Pine needles | Often get through or get stuck | Fine mesh and hood guards handle needles |
| Snow and ice | Can shift or come loose | Fastened to stay put |
| Cost | Lower up front | Get a price range online |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gutter guards worth it?
If you have a lot of trees near your house, or your gutters are hard to get to, a good guard can be worth it. If you have few trees and an easy-to-reach roofline, a regular cleaning schedule might be all you need.
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean my gutters?
Not quite. Guards cut way down on clogs, but they still need an occasional check. Anyone who promises “never clean again” is selling you something.
Do gutter guards work with pine needles?
Some do and some don’t. Basic screens usually struggle with needles, and we don’t recommend foam inserts for any home. Fine mesh guards tend to do much better.
So, Should You DIY Your Gutter Guards?
If you have a one-story home with big-leaf trees, a DIY guard is worth a try. If you have pine needles, heavy snow, or a taller house, a professional install will save you a lot of trouble and a lot of ladder trips. Your Service Advisor will give you an honest answer, even if that answer is “you don’t need them.”
Call (603) 899-2465 or get a price estimate online.
Read next: Should you install gutters yourself? · DIY gutter cleaning vs. hiring a pro