Gutter guards are worth it for most homes with trees nearby, because they cut how often you have to clean, but they don’t end cleaning. Fine grit, seeds and needles still get through or pile up on top, so plan on checking your gutters at least once a year.
The short version
- Gutter guards cover your gutters so leaves stay out and water gets in. They reduce clogs and cleaning, and that’s all.
- Foam inserts wear out fast. Fine micro-mesh does the best job but costs the most.
- Guards on a sagging gutter or a soft fascia board just hide a problem. Fix those first.
- Guards don’t stop ice dams. Air sealing and insulation in the attic do.
- A new roof doesn’t include gutter guards. They’re priced as part of gutter work.
What do gutter guards do?
A gutter guard is a cover or insert that sits over or inside your gutter so water can flow in while leaves and bigger debris stay out. Less debris in the trough means fewer clogs, and fewer clogs means less water spilling over the edge or sitting against the board behind the gutter.
We see that board rot a lot. Standing water in a full gutter, or water wicking behind a gutter with no apron, rots the fascia first, then the rafter ends, then the first few inches of roof deck. Our article on fascia boards covers how that goes. A guard keeps the trough clearer, which is the real reason to buy one.
Which type of gutter guard works best?
Fine micro-mesh works best at keeping small debris out, but it’s also the hardest to fit and the most expensive. This Old House rates micro-mesh (opens in a new tab) as the right pick for filtering fine particles like roof grit and pine needles, and notes that it’s difficult to install because it needs precise fitting, especially on pitched or uneven roofs.
Here’s how the four common types compare, using This Old House’s figures. These are national averages per linear foot, not a quote from us.
| Type | What it does well | Where it falls short | Average cost per foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam insert | Easy to install | Wears out after a few seasons, can hold moisture | about $21.58 (opens in a new tab) |
| Mesh screen | Lasts for decades with upkeep | Doesn’t stop pine needles or shingle grit | about $38.12 (opens in a new tab) |
| Micro-mesh | Blocks debris of all sizes | Hard to fit well | about $40.50 (opens in a new tab) |
| Reverse-curve | Covers the whole gutter | Bulky, visible from the ground, struggles with heavy water | about $41.22 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Gutter Installation work covers new aluminum gutters, guards and downspout systems, so the type is something we choose with you for your roof and your trees.
Do gutter guards mean you never clean gutters again?
No. Gutter guards significantly reduce the need for cleaning (opens in a new tab), but they don’t remove maintenance. In This Old House’s reader survey, about 41% cleaned (opens in a new tab) their gutters once a year after fitting guards.
The annoying part is that guards can clog from the top. Debris that piles up on them can still block water (opens in a new tab) from getting through. A heavy week of oak leaves in October can leave you with a guard that sheds water over the edge, which is the exact problem you bought it to prevent.
So the honest picture is a quick brush or rinse of the surface now and then, plus a look at the gutter itself once a year. Our gutter cleaning covers the troughs, downspouts and underground lines when you want it done for you.
When are gutter guards worth the money?
Gutter guards are worth the money when trees drop a lot onto your roof, or when getting to the gutters is awkward or risky. Tree overhang is top of the list in Ellicott City’s wooded valley lots. Branches sweep the roof, heavy shade grows moss, and leaves and debris end up dammed in the valleys and gutters.
They also make sense when:
- You have a tall or steep roof and don’t want to be on a ladder twice a year.
- You’ve already had a clog that backed water up under the shingles or rotted a fascia board.
- A new roof or new gutters are going on anyway, so the guard goes in once rather than as a separate trip.
When are gutter guards not worth it?
They’re not worth it when the gutters under them are failing. A guard doesn’t fix a sag, a leaking seam or a gutter pulling away from the house. It covers them.
Skip foam inserts if you want something to last. This Old House says foam tends to wear out (opens in a new tab) after just a few seasons. And if you’ve got few trees and clear skies above your roof, the money is better spent on a yearly clean and a look at the roof edge.
Rotted wood behind the gutter has to come off before anything goes over it. Our gutter repair work covers resealing, re-pitching and fascia, and the free roof inspection includes a look at the gutters.
Do gutter guards stop ice dams?
No. An ice dam is a ridge of ice (opens in a new tab) at the edge of the roof that stops melting snow from draining off, and the University of Minnesota Extension’s long-term fix is to make the ceiling airtight (opens in a new tab) so warm, moist air can’t flow into the attic, then add insulation. Its advice on ice dams doesn’t mention gutters at all.
A full gutter does give ice something to build on, so a clear gutter helps at the edge. The cause is still heat leaking into the attic, and that’s where the fix is.
Does a new roof come with gutter guards?
No. When we put on a new roof, gutters and gutter guards are not part of the price. Detaching and resetting them, replacing them, or repairing damage from the tear-off is separate. That surprises people, because the gutters sit right at the edge of the job.
The best time to add guards is when new gutters go up, as part of gutter installation. Ask for it in the same quote so nothing gets left out.
Common questions
Do gutter guards stop pine needles?
Not all of them. This Old House says mesh screens aren’t great (opens in a new tab) at blocking smaller debris like pine needles or shingle grit. Micro-mesh is the type built for that job.
How often should I clean gutters with guards?
Look at them once a year, and brush or rinse any debris off the top after a heavy leaf fall. Fine grit that gets through can build up into sludge in the trough over time.
Can gutter guards go on old gutters?
Only if the gutters are sound. A guard on a sagging or leaking gutter just covers the problem. Get the gutter pitched and sealed first, and check the board behind it.
Will gutter guards stop my fascia from rotting?
They help by keeping the trough from filling and holding water against the board. They don’t help if the gutter has pulled away or water is running behind it.
What to do next
If your gutters fill up every fall, or you’re not sure whether yours are worth guarding, call us any time. We’ll look at the gutters and the roof edge together and tell you straight whether guards make sense for your house.
