Gutter Guards vs. Traditional Gutter Cleaning: Which is Right for You?

July 2, 2022

Gutter Guards vs. Traditional Gutter Cleaning: Which is Right for You?

Maintaining your gutters is a crucial part of ensuring the longevity and functionality of your home. It may not be the most glamorous task, but when your gutters are clogged or damaged, serious problems can arise such as water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. The question is, what is the best way to maintain your gutters? Gutter guards or traditional gutter cleaning? Let’s take a closer look at both options to determine which is right for you.

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards, also known as gutter screens, are designed to cover your gutters, preventing debris such as leaves, branches, and twigs, from entering and clogging your gutters. There are several different types of gutter guards on the market, including mesh screens, foam inserts, and solid covers.

Pros:

– Gutter guards prevent clogs: By blocking debris from entering your gutters, you can avoid the hassle and danger of climbing a ladder to clean them out. This feature also means that you’ll have to clean your gutters less frequently which can save time and money in the long run.

– Gutter guards protect against pests and animals: Gutter guards can also prevent animals and rodents such as birds, squirrels, and rats, from making your gutters their home.

– Gutter guards can extend the life of your gutters: By reducing the amount of debris that gets into and damages your gutters, gutter guards can help prolong their lifespan.

Cons:

– Gutter guards can be expensive: Depending on the type of gutter guard you choose, the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

– Gutter guards may not be fully effective: While gutter guards are designed to keep debris out, some debris may still get through and clog your gutters.

– Gutter guards require maintenance: While gutter guards can reduce the amount of debris in your gutters, they still need to be maintained by periodically removing any debris that may have accumulated on top of the guards.

Traditional Gutter Cleaning

Traditional gutter cleaning involves manually removing any debris that has accumulated in your gutters. This can be done with a ladder, a scoop, and a bucket, or with a specialized gutter cleaning tool.

Pros:

– Traditional gutter cleaning is affordable: The cost of traditional gutter cleaning is relatively low, especially if you do it yourself.

– Traditional gutter cleaning ensures that your gutters are completely clean: Unlike gutter guards, traditional gutter cleaning ensures that every piece of debris is removed from your gutters.

Cons:

– Traditional gutter cleaning can be dangerous: Climbing a ladder to clean your gutters can be dangerous, especially if you’re not experienced or comfortable with heights.

– Traditional gutter cleaning is time-consuming: Depending on the size of your home and the amount of debris that has accumulated in your gutters, traditional gutter cleaning can take several hours.

– Traditional gutter cleaning is required more frequently: Because debris can still enter your gutters even with regular cleanings, traditional gutter cleaning is required more frequently than gutter guards.

Which is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between gutter guards and traditional gutter cleaning comes down to personal preference and budget. If you’re willing to invest in gutter guards, they can provide an added layer of protection for Gutter guards your gutters and save you time and money in the long run. However, if you prefer a more affordable and hands-on approach, traditional gutter cleaning may be the right choice for you.

It’s important to note that regardless of which option you choose, keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is crucial for maintaining the overall health of your home. Failing to do so can result in costly damage that could have been prevented with a little maintenance.