Homeowners often ask us about gutter guards and screens, such as foam gutter fillers, wire screens, covers, and similar devices that claim to eliminate the need for gutter cleaning. It’s understandable that homeowners want to reduce or even eliminate gutter cleaning, but gutter guards and screens are not the solution. In this brief guide, we’ll explain what these devices are and why you should avoid them.

The most common question we get asked is: Do gutter guards or screens really work? Experts from various industries have weighed in on this question, and they tend to agree that gutter guards and screens do not provide adequate protection from debris such as leaves and dirt that cause gutter clogs. At best, they may reduce the number of times you need to have your gutters cleaned each year. However, the consensus is that these devices are more likely to cause problems than they are to solve them.

The reasons for this are simple: gutter guards or screens trap debris rather than allowing it to be carried away by water or the wind as it normally would be. Trapped debris, such as leaves piled on top of gutters with a guard or screen installed, prevent water from flowing into the gutter, which can cause roof damage and leaks. Mesh guards or screens are especially problematic as they can get clogged with even the smallest debris, including dust. Foam filler-type screens often fill with dust that becomes mud when it rains, blocking the foam pores and preventing them from working. And bristles only cause leaves and branches to get stuck, which makes rainwater overflow onto the ground below.

When it comes to the cost of gutter guards or screens, it’s important to keep in mind that if they don’t provide the results you want, the price is not important. However, if you are looking to reduce how often gutters need to be cleaned, the price is important to consider. On average, screens and installation can run from $550 to $1,500 depending on the size and type of screen installed. Guards that fit over the top of the gutters (usually made from metal or high-density plastic) can run from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. In comparison, you can have your gutters professionally cleaned twice a year for five years or more for the same price.

Another question we get asked is whether gutter guards or screens should be removed in the winter. If they are correctly installed and the gutters themselves are clean, there is no reason to remove them in the winter. However, if they are not cleared of debris before winter weather hits, they can cause ice dams which can damage your roof, fascia, and the gutters themselves. Ice dams can also cause gutters to pull away from the hangers and fall off, possibly causing damage or injury.

Finally, homeowners often ask if gutter guards or screens add value to a home. The answer is no. Clean and properly maintained gutters add value to a home. However, guards or screens have nothing to do with that. Even with them, if the homeowner does not take the steps needed to have their gutters cleaned and properly maintained, the guards will not make a difference. Clogged, rusty, leaking gutters filled with debris can make a home look worse, and this can happen with guards or screens installed just as easily as without.

In conclusion, gutter guards and screens do not provide adequate protection from debris and may cause more problems than they solve. If you want to ensure that your gutters are clean and properly maintained, contact WeCleanGutter.com for professional gutter cleaning services.