Pros & Cons of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are not an extra add-on option, they are an integral part of your home’s guttering system. The guards help keep debris out of the gutters so they can do their job effectively and protect both your home and landscape from water damage. Several gutter guard choices are available, ranging in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Some types of gutter guards are simple DIY projects while others require professional installation. These pros and cons will help you decide on the right gutter guard system for your home, and keep you gutters clean and your home safe.

Micro-Mesh

The best of the best, mirco-mesh keeps out everything but rain water from your gutters. Made of stainless steel with drainage hole smaller than the tip of a needle, mirco-mesh provides years of protection for your home and gutter system. Providing the most curb appeal for your home, mirco-mesh gutter guards are virtually invisible and will not detract from your home’s exterior look. Cleaning is not required, but this type of gutter guards must be professionally installed on your home.

Reverse Curve Guards

This is the type of gutter guards most companies offer. Their reversed curve design is a tried and true style that encourage water to flow in and debris to stay out. A curved sheet of metal or plastic is installed over existing gutters. Some smaller debris will find its way into the gutters and periodic cleaning will be needed.

Reverse Waterfall Guards

This style takes the reverse curve up one notch. The sheet of curve metal or plastic tops the gutters with a one, two or three slot design that draws water in and keeps in moving downward and away from your roof. Cleaning will be required as this waterfall system will allow small debris to enter the gutters.

Metal Guards

Perfect choice for the DIYer homeowner. Metal gutter guards look like chicken wire and are easy to install. The open weave of the metal does allow debris to enter and regular gutter cleaning will be needed.

Plastic Guards

The least expensive choice and a simple DIY project, plastic gutter guards do offer some protection from debris. However, small debris will become lodge in the small plastic holes and require frequent cleaning.

Sponges and Pipe Cleaners

Easy to install, hard to clean. Sponges and pipe cleaners fit inside of the gutters and catch debris while allowing the rain water to run through the gutter. Either choice will have to be removed and cleaned frequently to prevent the gutters from becoming clogged.