The Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards: Are They Worth It for Your Home?

You can pick up gutter guards just about anywhere in the Waukesha area, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, Walmart, Ace Hardware & more.

BUT….before you go all gung-ho gutter guard, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of gutter guards to make sure you have the right solution for your home.

Pros of Gutter Guards:

Installing gutter guards on your home offers several long-term benefits. Here are the main advantages of gutter guards homeowners should know:

They can be installed onto existing gutters.
Prevents leaves, sticks and other debris from clogging the gutters & downspouts.
Prevents birds & rodents from building nests in your gutters.
Prevents insects from breeding in gutter water & debris build-up.
Helps prevent water leakage into your home by preventing water and debris build-up that can cause overflow and subsequent water problems.
Eliminates frequent gutter cleaning.
Extends service life of gutters since gutter guards prevent water, moisture and debris from collecting and contributing to gutter rust & rot.

Cons of Gutter Guards:

While gutter guards provide many benefits, there are a few disadvantages of gutter guards to consider before installing them:

May not prevent pine needles, seeds and other small debris from slipping through.
May exaggerate roof ice dam issues.*
- Heated gutter guards are able to be installed, which help prevent icicles, snow and ice dams.
Gutter Guards are not 100% maintenance free – gutters will still need occasional cleaning.
Gutter Guards can dent and lose some of their effectiveness, so avoid posting a ladder against your gutters during cleaning or when putting up seasonal lights & decorations.
If not cleaned as needed, the added weight of build-up on your gutter guards may cause your actual gutters to sag.

Other Things to Consider Before Installing Gutter Guards:

Before investing in gutter guards, it’s important to understand a few additional factors that can affect their performance and value.

Choose the right gutter guard system. Not all gutter guards are created equal, some styles are far more effective than others. It’s worth consulting with a professional to make sure you select a system that fits your roof design and debris type.
Seeds and small debris can still cause growth. Even with guards installed, seeds can sometimes slip through and sprout small plants or moss inside your gutters if not cleaned occasionally.
Gutter guard installation cost varies. Prices typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your home’s size, roofline complexity, number of stories, and the type of gutter guard you choose. Professional installation ensures proper fit and lasting performance.
Gutter guard maintenance still matters. While gutter guards reduce cleaning frequency, occasional inspections help prevent buildup and keep your system functioning properly year-round.

Find more great homeowner tips now on roofing, siding and more!

Reimer Roofing and Remodeling of New Berlin, WI a full service exterior home remodeling company, specializing in roofs, windows, siding and home additions. We serve all of Southeast Wisconsin with most of our customers coming from Waukesha and the Lake Country area.