Sizing Up Gutter Guards Screens Which is best for you?

So you realize you're gutters have been getting clogged and dread the seasonal chore of scooping out the mess?  Maybe, you have considered gutter covers or guards as a solution?

With or without gutter covers, you need to have a maintenance plan. I applaud you for even thinking about the care of your spouts. . You should have your eyes on your gutters 4 times per year. This doesn't necessarily mean a cleaning would be required. However, keep an eye on them. You don't know what may clump up in your gutters- tennis balls, birds' nests, a stick, roofing sediment. That is all in addition to the seasonal debris- seeds in the spring, leaves in the fall. Again, check them quarterly for proper flow during rain and expect to need a cleaning 1-2 times per year.

"after cleaning pic" Sometimes, we just can't make people understand that the screen was useless.

The unfortunate fact is that many invest in a gutter protection system with empty promises like "never clean your gutters again" or "no clog guarantee".  Sadly, you may find out that when you try get the installer to make good on their warranty, suddenly they have left town.

To help you with a little buyer beware regarding gutter covers, I have taken pictures and notes on the different kinds of guards, screens, etc. that we have come across in the 7+years cleaning out gutters with covers.

The common misconception with gutter covers is that you will never have to worry about cleaning out your gutters again.

There are several forms of the gutter cover systems all of which have their own issues. Read the product description carefully. Most of the time, you will find that the manufacturer is recommending that you still have your gutters inspected at a minimum annually.

To read more, go to our full site Mr. Green Gutter Cleaning

Another Gutter Filtration Product

This past week, we cleaned out the gutters at a home in Lancaster with a gutter filler type product.  This sponge like product fits into the length of the gutter and is designed to filter out larger debris to keep the downspouts clear of clogs.

It actually performs fairly well as far as keeping debris out of the gutters.  It has a similar downfall to the waterfall type covers.  The filter slows water flow as it has to be strained through the sponge like filter.  If water run over during heavier rains doesn't bother you, then this product would work.  If you are looking to have your spouts flow during every rain, consider routine maintenance of the gutter system instead.

The Myth about Gutter Covers and Guards

Whatever you call them, no matter the material; a cover on the gutters is essentially just another piece to clean.  Do we never think you should have them?  Well "never" is an extreme word.  Covers may be great if you are needing to keep out tennis balls from the neighborhood kid.  Covers may deter larger debris from getting into the gutter and clogging the downspout- for example acorns can be troublesome if you have to be constantly scooping them out of your gutter.  Are they a means to an end for every homeowner though?- NO

When asked  about our take on covers, because we have seen them all and we have cleaned debris out from under all types (including the "Never Clean Your Gutters Again" brand), my response is "We rarely recommend them."

However, consider all the types of trees neighboring your home (and I do mean neighboring, not just in your yard, because seed pods and leaves can travel a little bit) before you make a bigger investment than necessary.  If you do all your research and you still feel that given the types of debris that have been getting in your gutters, adding a cover or guard would cut down on the maintenance, then by all means make the upgrade.  Just remember the old adage, "Buyer beware".  Know that all carry a fine print AND all need some type of maintenance.

Thanks for reading.  For more info check our page dedicated to different types of gutter covers.