Installing a good gutter system on your home is crucial. It can mean the difference between having a structurally sound home that is safe from water damage, and having a home that deteriorates over time from the ravages of inclement weather. This is especially the case for those in areas prone to heavy rain or snow. In order to have effective gutters that provide the protection, safety and functionality you need, a gutter guard installation is worth considering. Gutter guards make gutter systems do their job more effectively as well as lessen the time you need to spend on routine cleaning and maintenance.
What are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are coverings or screens for your gutter system that are designed to keep them from clogging. Many homeowners are familiar with the fact that gutters tend to collect large amounts of debris, precipitation, dirt, and other outdoor muck. Cleaning out the gutters is one of the necessary but tedious chores that comes along with being a homeowner. Having gutter guards installed can help to alleviate the issue of clogged gutters by preventing large amounts of debris from clogging the system. To this end, they can effectively divert rainwater away from your home and keep it better protected.
How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?
The cost to have gutter guards installed ranges between $3.10 and $6.70 per linear foot on average for U.S. homes. The national average to install gutter guards is $4.40 per linear foot for aluminum and $5.20 per linear foot for vinyl. To get gutter guards installed on a 1,600 square foot U.S. home, the average cost would be $700 to $830. Many homeowners opt to add gutter guards onto their gutter replacement project cost for convenience.
This price range includes the most common gutter guard materials – aluminum and vinyl – but you can find other types of gutter guards and their costs below. Note that this average cost is by your home’s linear feet – not square feet.
| Gutter Guard Type | Cost per linear ft. | Cost for 150 linear ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | $0.30 - $1 | $45 - $150 |
| Foam | $1 - $2 | $150 - $300 |
| Mesh | $2.50 - $4 | $375 - $600 |
| Bottle brush | $3 - $4 | $450 - $600 |
| Aluminum | $3.10 - $5.70 | $465 - $855 |
| Reverse curve | $3.50 - $6.50 | $525 - $975 |
| Vinyl | $3.70 - $6.70 | $555 - $1,005 |
How Do Gutter Guards Work?
Gutter guards are a simple, preventative systems for your gutters. They help gutters do their main job more effectively – keep water from flooding or pooling in or around your home.
Without guards, gutters can become easily clogged with outdoor debris, such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, and even birds nests. This can prevent rainwater from seamlessly flowing away from your home and out the downspouts, and can quickly become a problem.
Gutter guards are coverings that are equipped with small holes, which allow water to pour into the gutter and out the downspouts, while preventing larger debris from becoming trapped and preventing water flow. They can be used on virtually any type of gutter system, including both sectional and seamless gutters.
Keep in mind that most roofing and gutter experts agree that most guards are not 100% effective. However, they can do a great deal to help prevent dangerous clogs and gutter replacements, not to mention expensive water and foundation damage. Using guards on your gutters can also reduce tons of unnecessary weekend maintenance for the homeowner.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards provide plenty of benefits, such as helping you avoid gutter repairs and damage. Let’s investigate the pros and cons of installing guards.
Cons of Gutter Guards
Are there any downsides to having gutter guards installed? While gutter guards are incredibly valuable to most homeowners, some may opt out of an installation. We recommend considering the below factors to ensure gutter guards are right for your home.
Types of Gutter Guards
Some gutter experts say that there are three main types of gutter guards – screens, mesh, and surface tension (also known as reverse curve). However, it’s important to know about two additional types as well – bottle brush and foam gutter guards. Take a look at the details of each type of gutter guard below, including installation costs.
Screen
Screen gutter guards are one of the most simple and popularly used gutter guard types, thanks to their low cost and easy installation. They can be made of aluminum or vinyl.
Typically made with either metal, nylon, plastic, or wire, screen guards are installed by lifting the bottom row of roof shingles and inserting them beneath. When installed, screen guards sit atop your gutter openings and prevent debris from entering.
Screens can be installed on one’s own, but many homeowners choose to have them professionally installed to ensure they are secure. They are one of the easiest and most affordable types of guards to install.
Screen guards can cost between $1 and $6.70 per linear foot, depending on the screen material. Aluminum and vinyl screens cost more, while plastic will cost less. However, screen gutter guards are not entirely foolproof and leave the gutters somewhat susceptible to clogs from smaller debris, such as pine needles or seeds.
The most durable and long-lasting screen gutter guards are usually metal types, such as aluminum. You should plan to clean these screens at least twice per year.
Mesh
Mesh gutter guards work much like screens, but they are made of a lightweight micro mesh material. Just like screens, mesh guards can be inserted beneath the roof shingles and sit tightly against the roof, atop the gutter opening.
One benefit of mesh gutter guards in comparison to screens is that they are lighter-weight. Because mesh openings are smaller in size, they also provide better protection and filtration from debris. Only very small particles are filtered through mesh guards into the gutters. This is usually very effective at keeping leaves away. Micro-mesh gutter guards are also available to offer even more effective protection from debris build-up. Still, you should plan to clean mesh gutter guards at least once annually.
Keep in mind that mesh guards are slightly more difficult to install on your own. You will probably need to have them professionally installed, which results in a higher cost than DIY options.
In addition, sometimes during heavy rainfall, water can slide across mesh gutter guards (and especially micro-mesh guards) due to the very small openings. This can defeat the purpose of the guard entirely, and also potentially cause damage to your home.
Reverse Curve
Reverse curve gutter guards, also known as surface tension gutter guards, and made with light-weight metal or plastic. They are different from other types of gutter guards in how they divert water from your gutter system.
Reverse curve guards, as their name suggests, directs water over the top of the gutter, around a curve, and ultimately into the gutter beneath. At the same time, debris is directed away from the gutter by sliding off the top of the curved guard and onto the ground.
Reverse curve gutter guards can be slightly more attractive compared to other types like screens and mesh. They often come in various colors that can match your home’s visual style. Keep in mind that will likely be able to see the guards from the ground level, which some homeowners may not like. Additionally, they tend to work effectively in keeping leaves out of the gutters, especially compared to brushes and foam.
At the same time, reverse curve gutter guards are more costly and do require professional installation. Similar to mesh guards, they could potentially void your roofing warranty if they lift roof shingles significantly over time. Also, keep in mind that during heavy rainfall, they may not be totally effective.
Roof and gutter experts tend to debate their effectiveness, appearance, and longevity. Some experts do not believe in the effectiveness of reverse curve gutter guards at all.
Bottle Brush
Brush gutter guards are unique in their material. They are made of heavy bristles, also known as “bottle brush,” which are inserted directly into the gutter. This allows water and smaller particles to flow through the gutters, while keeping out larger debris such as leaves and twigs. After a storm, heavy wind, or simply once a month as routine, homeowners can use a ladder and easily remove debris from the bristles by hand.
Luckily, bottle brush guards are DIY-friendly and very easy to install. Homeowners can simply measure and cut the brushes to fit their home. They are also cheap, can be purchased easily at a home improvement store, and make gutter maintenance easier. They will not void your roof warranty since they are inserted easily into the gutter, rather than beneath roof shingles.
On the downside, brushes can trap smaller debris in their bristles which can require additional attention. Plan to remove them and clean them thoroughly at least twice per year. Over time, you will want to either switch out the brush guards to invest in a heavier duty option.
Foam or Sponge
Foam or sponge gutter guards are similar to bottle brush guards, as they sit directly inside the gutter. Since they are made of porous materials, they allow water to flow through the gutter while keeping debris out. Debris will normally sit on top of the foam without falling inside the gutters, then simply blow away or can be removed by hand.
Homeowners can easily purchase and install foam and sponge guards on their own. Like bottle brush, they can be measured and cut to fit the gutter easily. Before inserting them into the gutters, clean out the gutters and make sure there is no debris stuck inside that will sit beneath the foam or sponge.
Although they are an affordable gutter guard solution, foam and sponge guards are not intended to be used for the long-term. They may need to be removed and cleaned, or even replaced, twice a year. Plus, they have the ability to freeze in the winters when temperatures drop very low. When this happens, water flow can be impacted. Lastly, due to their material, they can cause mold, mildew, and moss build-up.
However, foam guards can be a great solution to easily insert into the gutters and protect your home prior to a storm.
Finding an Experienced Gutter Professional
If you decide to add gutter guards to your home, be sure to consult with an experienced professional. A gutter installer can help you explore the best options for your home, as well as your budget. Be sure to investigate whether or not you want a short-term DIY solution, or a long-lasting professional solution that will protect your gutter system for years to come.
The pros at Modernize can connect you with trusted, local gutter professionals who will help you choose the best guards and complete the installation.
