Gutter guards cover or screen your gutters to keep out leaves and debris while letting rain through. They can cut down on cleaning, especially if trees hang over the house, but no guard is completely maintenance free.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent gutter provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs gutter guards could help
Guards are worth considering if these sound familiar.
- Trees that drop leaves, needles or seeds on the roof
- Gutters that clog several times a year
- Overflowing gutters during heavy rain
- A two story home where cleaning is hard or unsafe
- Pests nesting in gutters
- Ice building up in clogged gutters in winter
What to do right now
Do not climb ladders to clean high gutters in wind, rain or ice. Falls from ladders cause many serious injuries.
- Note which trees drop debris on the roof
- Check how often your gutters overflow
- Decide whether you want guards on all gutters or just some
- Ask whether your roof type affects which guards can be used
- Get written quotes
- Ask about cleaning before installation
Kinds of gutter guards
Screens
Simple mesh or perforated covers that block leaves. Affordable, but small debris can get through.
Micro mesh
Fine mesh that blocks even small debris and needles. Usually more costly.
Reverse curve
Covers that guide water around a curved edge while leaves slide off.
Foam and brush
Inserts that sit inside the gutter. Easy to install, but they can trap debris.
How gutter guards are installed
- Gutters are cleaned and checked for leaks and sagging first.
- Repairs are made so the gutters are sound.
- Guards are fitted along the gutters and fastened to the gutter or roof edge.
- Downspouts are checked so water flows freely.
- The system is tested with water.
What to know before buying
- No guard is fully maintenance free, so plan for occasional checks
- Very heavy rain can overshoot some covers
- Some guards affect roof warranties, so ask first
- Fine mesh handles pine needles better than basic screens
- Guards work best on gutters that are in good condition
Questions to ask before you hire
- Which kind of guard suits the trees around my house?
- Will the guards affect my roof warranty?
- Will you clean and repair the gutters first?
- How do the guards handle heavy rain?
- What warranty do you give?
Frequently asked questions
Are gutter guards worth it?
They often are for homes under trees, because they reduce clogs and cleaning. Homes with few trees may not need them.
Do gutter guards need cleaning?
Yes, occasionally. Debris can collect on top or in fine mesh, so check them once or twice a year.
Can guards go on old gutters?
Usually, if the gutters are in good shape. Leaking or sagging gutters should be fixed first.
Do guards stop ice dams?
No. Ice dams come from heat escaping into the attic. Guards can help keep gutters clear, but attic insulation and ventilation matter more.
Learn more
Our main gutter guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.