Do Gutter Shields Really Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Experts tend to agree that gutter guards don’t provide foolproof protection against all the debris that can litter and clog gutters. … They don’t make your gutters invincible or magically resistant to the debris of the seasons. That being said, gutter guards have been known to

reduce the frequency of gutter cleanings

.

Why gutter guards are bad?

Although these cheaper versions are known to

stop debris from entering the system

, they do also stop water from flowing into the system; building up a layer of mildew and algae which will in turn lead to water pooling on your roof and causing significant structural damage.

What is a gutter shield?

Gutter guards—or its other name gutter screens, helmets, or

covers supposedly prevent debris from entering your rain gutters

. In turn, the guards will then reduce your amount of gutter cleaning and will save you money in the long-term.

Why do you need gutter guards?


Keeps Debris out of Your Gutters

The first and most obvious benefit of a gutter guard is that it keeps unwanted debris out of your gutters. The guard will let water trickle down and safely away, but stops those unwanted items like leaves, dirt, and other irritations from clogging up your gutters and causing problems.

Do gutter guards cause problems?

Having a gutter guard installed

can also cause problems with the appearance of your home

. These systems might stop leaves from getting into your gutters, but this debris can end up accumulating on top of the guard. When this happens, your home can take on a worn-down appearance.

Is gutter Helmet worth the money?

The Good. Gutter guards can do a

very good job of keeping gutters flowing freely

. If you have big trees in your yard, gutter guards really will save you time and nasty work by helping to prevent your gutters from getting clogged. … These systems won’t prevent ice dams, because ice dams begin to form above the gutter.

What is the best gutter system for a house?


Galvanized steel rain gutters

are by the far most popular as they are very competitive cost-wise and are sturdier than their aluminum counterparts when it comes to damage incurred by falling branches and ladders.

What are the disadvantages of gutter guards?

  • May not prevent pine needles, seeds and other small debris from slipping through.
  • May exaggerate roof ice dam issues.* …
  • Gutter Guards are not 100% maintenance free – gutters will still need occasional cleaning.

Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?

Water slips around the guard, but large debris can’t make it in. However, these

guards fail during heavy rain

, and they aren’t designed to handle the volume of water during a major downpour. … Water flows through the sponge while it blocks large debris from clogging the gutter.

Is leafguard worth the money?

Leaf guards have been shown to

be relatively effective at keeping large leaves

from entering your gutter. … For many people looking to save money, it may actually be worth it to hire gutter professionals to come clean than to purchase the leaf guard and then have to clean it yourself.

How expensive is LeafGuard?

Type of Guard Cost (per foot)
Micro-Mesh


$1.50–$10

Screen


$0.50–$5

Reverse Curve


$5–$10

Foam


$2–$3

How often should you clean gutters with gutter guards?

While the gutter guards do prevent leaves, branches and other debris from building up there are smaller particles, like seeds, that can sneak through the guard. For this reason, you should plan on cleaning your gutters and gutter covers

at least every two years

; more often if your home has heavy tree coverage.

How expensive is leaf filter?

How much do leaf filters cost per foot? Leaf Filters gutter guards cost

$17 to $43 per foot

on average for materials and installation. Leaf Filter gutter protection for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $2,650 to $6,300 for professional installation.

Is it OK to put gutter guards under shingles?

Other gutter guard systems require

installation under your first row of shingles

. This can break your roof’s water barrier, leading to costly water damage down the road. If a gutter guard requires you to lift your roof shingles — avoid it at all costs.

Do gutter guards cause ice damming?


Gutters and gutter guards do not cause ice dams

. … The real damage happens as the ice builds up and pushes against the roof shingles, finding a weak spot and getting underneath where it begins to melt and leak into your home. Your gutters are not completely innocent when it comes to the formation of ice dams, however.

Why do my gutters overflow in heavy rain?


Too few downspouts will tend

to make the gutters overflow during a heavy rain. … The drip-edge flashing at the edge of the roof may have to be adjusted so that water does not flow between the gutter and the fascia board to which most are attached.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.