Are gutter guards worth it?

so inclined, but experts recommend hiring a professional for this work. You’ll want your gutters to be cleaned at the same time guards are installed, to provide a good baseline for the future.

If you do decide to do the installation yourself, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions closely. Take care to use safe measures, including gloves, safety glasses and a second person to steady the ladder while you work. Pay particular attention if your guards integrate with shingles; improper installation may void your roofing warranty.

Proper installation is crucial to getting gutter guards to work.

Plastic or vinyl grid screens: $0.40 to $4 per foot. This is one of the least expensive options, but also less effective than others. The grid works similarly to a metal mesh screen, but doesn’t last as long.

Full surface tension covers: $4 to $8 per foot, or higher for name brands. This is a solid cover with an engineered curve sloping down into a gap between guard and gutter. Water will flow own the curve while debris flows off the edge. It’s one of the most effective methods. Many name brand covers use a system similar to this principle, and can cost up to $30 per foot.

Gutter brushes: $3 per foot. These long rolls of brush fit inside the gutter like filters, allowing water to pass through while blocking leaves. They work well, but need to be cleaned more frequently.

Foam inserts: $2 per foot. These inserts go directly into the gutter trough. They let water pass below them while leaves get washed off. They’re a cheap and quick way to protect your gutters, but less effective and efficient than others.