Top 5 Questions About Gutter Guards – Answered

Keeping your gutters clean isn’t just about curb appeal — it’s about protecting your home from serious water damage. I’ve seen what happens when homeowners ignore their gutters: water backing up under shingles, roof rot, foundation cracks, even driveways and walkways starting to shift. Over time, that trapped water can also erode your yard and be a breeding ground for unwanted guests like ants, insects, and mosquitoes.

 

That’s why I always tell homeowners — don’t wait until you have a problem. Gutter guards are a smart way to cut down on maintenance and keep your drainage system working the way it should. Gutter guards are designed to block leaves and debris while letting water flow through. But, here’s the thing — not all gutter guards are built the same. Some do the job better and last longer depending on your roof, your climate, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.

 

But before you make your decision to invest in gutter guards, I always recommend you take the time to do your homework, and ask questions. The right system can save you a lot of headaches, but the wrong one could just create new problems.

 

Here are some of the top 5 questions I get asked about gutter guards:

 

#1. Do I really need gutter guards, or can I just clean my gutters regularly?

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This is a great question, and yes you need gutter guards. Without guards, you risk gutters becoming clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, which can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation, roof, or landscaping. Without gutter guards, you’ll have to constantly be cleaning out your gutters, and I mean constantly. And if your gutters become clogged, water may flow into your house and you don’t want that.

 

#2. Will gutter guards stop all debris from entering my gutters?

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Gutter guards cannot stop every little particle from entering your gutters. The point of gutter guards is to stop most of the gunk like leaves, twigs and other debris. The system we install LeafFilter Gutter Protection, is engineered with a surgical grade stainless steel micromesh. This micromesh is very effective in preventing debris from clogging your gutters. Not all gutter guards perform the same way, so you want to do your research  to find the best gutter guard system for you.

 

RELATED: The Best Gutter Guard Protection: LeafFilter Gutter Guard

 

 

#3. Is it cheaper to install gutter guards myself or hire a professional?

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I’m all about homeowners doing their part in maintaining their home – it just makes sense. Of course anything you do yourself will be cheaper in the short term because you’re not paying for labour. However, a lot of the time you end up spending more money and time because of an error or lack of knowledge and experience.  When it comes to installing gutter guards you can install them yourselves. However, I would always recommend hiring a professional to install your gutters. It will lead to long-term savings. Plus, hiring a professional to install your gutters also means the job is done correctly. The LeafFilter Gutter Protection that we like is installed by local professionals and comes with a life-time transferable warranty.

 

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#4. Can gutter guards be installed on existing gutters?

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Yes, some gutter guards can be installed on existing gutters. It all depends on the condition of the gutters. If your gutters are in good condition and properly installed, then you might be lucky. But if they are sagging, have cracks or are not securely mounted, they may need to be repaired or replaced before guards can be installed. The pros from LeafFilter clean out the gutters first, and will repair, or if needed, replace any damaged gutters before installing their gutter guards. Plus, LeafFilter gutter guards are designed to fit a wide variety of standard gutter sizes and styles. My team and I like working with pros that will clean out the gutters, repairs and replace any damaged gutters first. It just makes sense to do it right the first time.

 

 

#5. Do gutter guards come with a warranty?

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When you do your research you will realize that not all gutter guards are created the same. Not all of them come with a warranty. That’s one of the reasons we install LeafFilter on our jobs. LeafFilter gutter guards come with a lifetime transferable warranty. If you are doing a DIY install and purchasing a gutter protection system yourself, you are likely not covered by warranties. So, hire a LeafFilter professional for peace of mind and a transferable warranty that will help keep your home protected from water damage and no more clogged gutters.

 

 

So after going through the most common questions, one thing’s clear — gutter guards can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your home. They help prevent clogs, reduce maintenance, and keep rainwater flowing where it should: safely away from your roof, siding, and foundation.

 

But remember, not all gutter guards are built the same. The right system depends on your home’s design, your local climate, and how much upkeep you’re willing to handle. A professional installation also goes a long way in making sure your gutters perform as they should — because even the best guard won’t help if it’s not installed properly.

 

If you’re ready to cut down on cleaning and safeguard your home from water damage, premium systems like LeafFilter are worth considering. They’re built to last, backed by strong warranties, and designed to keep out debris.

 

In the end, it’s all about protecting your investment and doing it right the first time. Because when your gutters work properly, your whole home stays healthier — and that’s what it’s all about.

READ NEXT: How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today?

 

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