Gutter Leaf Guards: Why Defense is Always The Best Offense

by Martin Moran Project Management Consultant

Is another weekend wasted hanging from the edge of the roof, balancing on a wobbly ladder and removing muck from the gutters? Cleaning clogged gutters is a messy job, but absolutely necessary. If they are not regularly cleaned from dirt, leaves and other debris, it defies the entire point of having them, unless of course you want obstructed downspouts and rainwater spilling over the side of your house, creating needless damage to your property's foundations and siding. But if dealing with them has become an overwhelming job, you might want to invest in a better defense system - gutter leaf guards.

What Are Your Options

Gutter leaf guards come in two styles - gutter screens and surface tension models. Both come with their own pros and cons, but will definitely save you some time and energy from those long weekend to-do lists.

* Gutter Screens: It's really simple. Instead of leaving your gutter open to leaves and dirt, a mesh barrier is installed over its top. The lattice perforations come in a variety of sizes in order to block any solid debris, such as sticks and leaves, from entering into the gutters while still allowing water to run through them.

Cons - though they can catch large fragments, smaller dirt particles can still fall through the holes and clog things up. On the other hand, models with tighter perforations may catch all debris, but when anything collects on the top of the mesh for too long, water won't be able to fall through. That's the main reason why these models still have to be cleaned at least once a year.

Pros - though they have to be cleaned too, the cleanup process is usually less messy, because all leaves and sticks are simply resting on top and doesn't have a chance to decompose within the gutter itself. Also, even if grime falls through the holes and these gutter screens are still partially open to the outside, you'll be able to easily see the muck and gain access to it with a hose, allowing for a very easy cleanup.

* Surface Tension Models: Also fit right over the gutters, but the difference is they completely enclose the opening, leaving only a small slit between the gutter and the guard. They have a rounded rim that curves back towards the house, and when the rain water comes down, it naturally flows through the slit and collects into the gutter, while the heavy debris just roll over the edge.

Cons - There is no such thing as a perfect gutter leaf guard, so smaller debris will probably still enter. And with these models, as they are almost entirely enclosed, it's difficult to gain access to clean the gutters.

Pros - Definitely effective at removing debris and with their high-tech design, you'll hardly ever have to clean them out.

Is It Worth It?

And this is the crucial question - does the initial cost balance out the end results? Most gutter screens are fairly inexpensive, while the surface tension models can be a bit more pricey. Plus, you'll have to consider if you want to install them by yourself or hire a professional company to do it. You might also have to consult a contractor anyway just see which models will work best for your current gutters.

But consider this. How many times a year do you clean your gutters and downspouts? How much does it take away from your family and social life? How much do you spend for a professional to do this task? Balance that with the one-time expense of a leaf gutter guard installation and you may see they tend to pay for themselves in the long run.