Gutter guards can help under trees that drop big leaves, but they aren’t maintenance-free. Moss, seeds and fine silt still get in or pile on top, and guards make the gutter harder to clean. For most Essex homes, a regular gutter clean does more good than guards. They suit some homes, not all.
What are gutter guards?
Gutter guards are covers or inserts that sit in or over the gutter to keep leaves out while letting water in. The main types are:
- Brush guards: long bristle brushes laid in the gutter
- Mesh or grille covers: plastic or metal mesh clipped over the top
- Foam inserts: foam strips that fill the gutter
- Balloon guards: wire domes pushed into the top of the downpipe
Do gutter guards stop gutters blocking?
Partly. They stop large leaves getting into the gutter, which helps under big trees. But they don’t stop fine debris. Moss crumbles, roof grit washes off concrete tiles, and seeds and blossom are small enough to get through mesh or into brushes. Over time this builds up in the gutter underneath, or on top of the guard, and water starts running over it instead of into it.
What are the problems with brush guards?
Brushes catch leaves well, but they also catch moss and silt in their bristles. After a year or two they can be packed solid. Then they have to be lifted out, cleaned and put back, which is harder work than cleaning an open gutter. Water can also run along the top of a packed brush and overflow.
What are the problems with mesh covers?
Mesh keeps leaves out of the gutter, but leaves sit on top of it, and wet leaves stick. Water then runs over the leaves and the gutter instead of into it. Fine grit still gets through and builds up underneath. To clean the gutter, the mesh has to come off. Mesh covers suit some roofs, especially where pine needles or big leaves are the main problem, but not all.
What about foam inserts?
Foam fills the gutter, so leaves sit on top. But foam holds water and silt, and seeds can sprout in it. It breaks down in sunlight over a few years. It’s one of the least popular options with people who clean gutters.
Do balloon guards help?
A wire balloon in the top of the downpipe stops leaves going down the pipe, which keeps the pipe clear. But it also catches leaves at the outlet, so the gutter blocks at the outlet instead. They need clearing every time the gutter is cleaned. They’re cheap and useful on some houses, especially where the downpipe goes into an awkward drain.
Do gutter guards make cleaning harder?
Usually, yes. Guards have to be lifted out or unclipped, cleared and refitted. That takes longer than vacuuming an open gutter. If you already have guards, we take them out, clear the gutter and the guards, and put them back. If they’re worn out, we can leave them out and tell you.
When are gutter guards worth it?
- Homes right under big deciduous trees that drop large leaves
- Gutters that block very quickly even when cleaned twice a year
- Downpipes that run into a drain that’s hard to clear
Even then, guards reduce the job, they don’t remove it. Gutters with guards still need checking and clearing.
When aren’t they worth it?
- Homes with mossy roofs, where moss is the main problem
- Homes with few trees nearby
- Gutters that are easy to clean once a year
For these, a yearly clean is simpler and cheaper.
Do we fit gutter guards?
No. We clear gutters and give honest advice. If you’re thinking of guards, we can show you on the camera what’s actually blocking your gutters, which helps you decide whether guards would help. Gutter cleaning includes that check.
What’s the best way to keep gutters clear?
Regular cleaning, at the right time of year. Once a year in late autumn for most homes, twice if there are big trees nearby. How often should gutters be cleaned? explains how to tell which your home needs.
How long do gutter guards last?
It varies by type and how much sun they get. Plastic mesh and foam break down in sunlight over a few years; metal mesh and good brush guards last longer. All of them need lifting and cleaning, and any that are cracked, crushed or full of roots are usually better taken out than put back.
Do gutter guards stop birds and pests?
Sometimes. A mesh cover can stop pigeons and starlings getting into a gutter, and a balloon guard stops nests being built in the top of a downpipe. But birds also nest under tiles and at the eaves, which guards don’t touch. If birds are the main problem, it’s worth asking a pest control company for advice on the whole roof edge.
What should I ask before buying gutter guards?
- What exactly is blocking my gutters now? (Leaves, moss or silt?)
- How will the gutters be cleaned with the guards in?
- Will the guards cope with the amount of water off my roof in a storm?
- What happens to them after a few years of sun and frost?
If the honest answer to the first question is “moss and silt”, guards are unlikely to help much.
Can guards be removed if they don’t work?
Yes. Most guards simply clip on or sit in the gutter, so they lift out. If yours are causing more trouble than they save, we can take them out during a clean and leave them for you, so the gutter is open and easy to clear next time.
