We install gutter guards every week, and we still think you should hear the downsides before you buy. Here are the real problems with gutter guards, which ones matter in New England, and how to avoid them.
1. No gutter guard is maintenance-free
Guards cut down cleaning a lot, but they do not end it. Fine debris, roof grit and pollen can sit on top or slip through over time. Plan on a quick check once a year, especially after fall.
2. Ice can form on guards sooner
In freeze-thaw weather, ice may build up on top of guards before it would on open gutters, and meltwater can run over the edge. Guards do not cause ice dams (heat escaping into the attic does), but they will not stop one either. See Why Ice Dams Happen.
3. Pine needles get into some styles
Hood-style guards can let pine needles and small debris into the front slot. Perforated metal stops leaves but not needles. If you have lots of pines, a fine micro-mesh like Valor works best.
4. Snow and ice sliding off certain roofs
On metal, slate or solar-panel roofs, snow and ice slide off in sheets. That can bend gutters. To keep our Limited Lifetime Warranty on those roofs, you need Gutter Topper or Alu-Rex Double Pro (or snow guards), so tell us what roof you have.
5. They cannot go on every gutter
We do not put guards on plastic (PVC) or wood gutters, and we do not put them on gutters that are sagging or rotted behind. Guards on bad gutters just hide the problem.
6. They add to the price
Guards usually run $3,150 to $8,800 on a typical home. That is real money. See Gutter Guard Cost for what drives the number.
7. Cheap guards can make things worse
Snap-in plastic screens from the hardware store tend to warp, collapse under snow or blow off. A poorly fit guard can also send water over the edge in heavy rain.
So are gutter guards worth it?
For most homes near trees, yes, because you stop climbing ladders and your gutters stay clear in heavy rain. They are not worth it if your home has no trees nearby, your gutters are failing, or you are happy cleaning twice a year. Read When guards are not the right call and compare styles on our Gutter Guard Comparison page.
Warranties on the guards we install are subject to Udderly Gutters approval. Questions? Call (603) 899-2465.
More help: All gutter help articles · Mesh vs. Perforated vs. Hood