If you’re tired of dealing with clogged gutters after a few months, you may consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out of your gutters. As you grow old and lack the stamina to climb the ladder to clean your gutters now and then, you may be compelled to install gutter guards to make your roof maintenance easy.

But do gutter guards work? This is a common concern among homeowners. If you are dealing with the same predicament, this article will help you understand gutter guards’ viability.

Are Gutter Guards Effective?

While your gutter guards will save you the hassle of cleaning your gutters every so often, they may not prevent your gutters from getting clogged once in a while. But you can rest assured that your gutters can go for months without the need to clean them. Gutter guards also reduce the risk of damage to your roof and other parts of your house due to clogged gutters and pools of water on the roof.

Without gutter guards, your gutters will catch all debris, including leaves, twigs, dirt, and roof overflows. When this grime builds up in the gutters, it blocks rainwater from flowing freely. The buildup of dirt in your gutters may also cause them to disintegrate and collapse. When rainwater backs up, it forms pools on the roof, which may lead to leakages and flooding in your house.

The effectiveness of your gutter guards mainly depends on the type of guards you install. For example, if you install leaf gutter guards, they’ll be able to prevent leaves and other large debris from getting into the gutters, but they won’t prevent them from getting clogged. So, while you may go for a long time without cleaning your gutters, you might have one or two cases of clogging, especially if too much dirt and other tiny particles find their way into the gutter and get stuck there.

Other gutter guards include reverse curves, mesh, bottle brush, nylon, foam type, and non-gutter cover. Each of these guards has its benefits and downsides. So, you should consult your local roofing expert for advice on the kind of gutter guard suitable for your roof.

How Gutter Guards Work

Also referred to as gutter screens, covers, or helmets, gutter guards are designed to cover the top of your gutters to prevent large debris like leaves, rocks, and twigs from getting into the gutters. They come with tiny holes that allow water to flow into the gutters for proper drainage. Gutter guards can significantly reduce your roof and gutter maintenance costs if installed correctly.