Leaf guards for gutters are designed to protect your gutters from dirt, debris, and fallen shrub rubbish, such as twigs and leaves. Before we dive into whether or not you still need to clean your gutters even if you have leaf guards, let’s take a look at what a leaf guard is and what its purpose is in conjunction with your gutters:
Leaf guards are a type of protective cover installed on the top of gutters to prevent obstructive items from clogging the gutter system. Leaf guards come in various styles and materials, but they all serve the same primary purpose: a gutter with guards will keep them from being stuffed with things that restrict water from flowing freely through them.
There are several types of leaf guards available, including:
- Mesh leaf guards – These are made of a fine mesh material that allows water to pass through while blocking leaves and other debris.
- Solid top leaf guards – These are made of solid materials, such as aluminum or plastic, and are designed to channel water into the gutter while preventing debris from entering.
- Reverse curve leaf guards – These have a curved design that causes water to flow over the top of the gutter while leaves and other debris are deflected away from the gutter.
Leaf guards are typically installed on the top of the gutter and are generally purchased as a separate component of a gutter system. They are designed to be easy to install and maintain, and not only do they allow water to flow more easily through the gutter system, but they also reduce the need for regular cleaning.
However, that does not mean they eliminate the need to clean your gutters altogether. You’ll still want to periodically inspect and clean your gutters even if you have leaf guards installed.
So, yes. Leaf guards will reduce the amount of time you’ll need to spend cleaning out your gutters, but you will still want to give them a good old cleaning from time to time to keep them functioning correctly.
First, if you notice any issues with your leaf guards, it is essential to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your gutters. Now, Besides leaf guards, here are a few things you can do to reduce the need for gutter cleaning:
- Trimming trees, foliage, and shrubs that are near your gutters to reduce the amount of leaves and debris that fall into them.
- Installing a gutter cover or mesh cover (leaf guards) to prevent debris from entering and clogging the gutter.
- Use a leaf blower or broom to remove dirt, mud, leaves, debris, etc., from the roof before it can inhabit your gutters.
Are leaf guards necessary?
Whether or not leaf guards are necessary for your gutters depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether leaf guards are suitable for you:
- The amount of leaves and debris that fall into your gutters – If you live in an area with a lot of trees or if large amounts of foliage and shrubbery surround your home, you may benefit from leaf guards to help prevent clogs.
- The frequency of gutter cleaning – If you find yourself cleaning your gutters frequently due to clogs, leaf guards may help reduce the need for regular maintenance. They won’t eliminate the need altogether but will definitely reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning.
- Consider the cost – Leaf guards are, unfortunately, not free. However, you’ll need to weigh the cost against the potential benefits to determine if they are worth the investment.
They can help prevent potentially pricey fixes caused by damage to your gutters from becoming clogged with gunk. So, you’ll need to decide if they are worth the investment in the long run.
Why should you have your leaf guards professionally installed?
While you can potentially install leaf guards on your own, it is generally recommended to have them professionally installed for several reasons:
- Expertise – Professional installers have the knowledge and experience to properly install leaf guards to ensure they function correctly and effectively. They will also know how to measure and cut the guards to fit your gutters properly.
- Quality materials – Professional installers typically use high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. This can save you money in the long run as you won’t have to repair or replace inferior quality products constantly.
- Safety – Installing leaf guards can be dangerous, as it involves working at heights on a ladder. Professional installers are trained to safely install the guards and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents and potential injuries.
- Warranty – Many leaf guard systems come with a warranty, but this warranty may not be valid if the product is not installed by a professional.
Are leaf guards worth it?
Whether installing leaf guards on existing gutters is worth it will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider when determining if leaf guards are a good investment for you:
- The type of trees in your yard – If you have a lot of trees with leaves that fall into your gutters, leaf guards can be a worthwhile investment as they can prevent clogs and reduce the need for gutter cleaning.
- The condition of our gutters – If your gutters are in good condition and don’t have any existing problems, leaf guards can help prevent issues from occurring in the future. However, if your gutters are already damaged or in poor condition, it may be more cost-effective to repair or replace them before installing leaf guards.
- Your budget – Leaf guards can be a significant upfront investment, so you’ll want to consider if you can afford the cost. However, the long-term benefits of reduced gutter cleaning and maintenance may outweigh the initial cost.
- Your willingness to clean gutters – If you’re comfortable cleaning your gutters and don’t mind the task, leaf guards may not be necessary for you. However, if you don’t like cleaning gutters, paying someone else to clean them for you regularly, or are physically unable to clean them yourself, leaf guards can save you time, money, and effort.
Ready to protect your gutters from becoming clogged and hard to clean? Contact M & M Gutters & Exteriors today and let our professionals install your leaf guards to keep your gutters clean.