When it comes to home improvement, there are many things homeowners can think about. One of the most important considerations, of course, is weather protection. Gutter guards can protect your home from rain and snow and are a good way to keep debris from clogging your downspouts. But are gutter guards really worth the cost?
In this article, I will explore what are the disadvantages of gutter guards so that you can make an informed decision.
Why Gutter Guards May Not Be a Good Idea?
Gutter guards are a popular home improvement product because they protect your home from rain and snow. However, this may not be the best idea for several reasons.
First, existing gutters may need to be replaced if they’re too narrow or damaged. Additionally, gutter protection may not work well with certain types of roofs or exterior surfaces. Leaf guards may also cause problems with water flow and drainage.
Second, Gutter guards can add cost to your remodeling project. They are also difficult to install correctly so you may pay extra for someone else’s mistake. And finally, gutter guards don’t always work well in the event of heavy rain or snowfall – water can still flow down the gutters and into your home.
So what are the disadvantages of gutter guards? In short, they can be expensive, difficult to install, and may not work well in heavy rain or snowfall. If you are considering installing gutters guards, it is important to weigh the benefits of doing so against the potential disadvantages.
Top 8 Disadvantages of Gutter Guards
1. Gutter guards are expensive
If your home is in need of rain and snow protection, gutter guards may be the best option. The homeowner will undoubtedly have to spend money on purchasing and installing gutter guards. Gutter guards can cost around 2 to 5 dollars per foot, depending on the type and brand.
2. Costly and difficult to install
The process of installing the gutter system can range from simple to complex installations, even requiring professional assistance. However, installing larger roofs or multi-story homes may require more time and effort.
Installing the gutter guards may be expensive, depending on the size of your gutters. The price will also increase if you have a lot of trees surrounding your home since you will need more gutter guards to keep the debris from clogging.
Whatever the case, gutter guards require some sort of installation, which will incur a cost – time, energy, or money. Even professionals sometimes make mistakes when installing gutters guards. This can add cost and time to your remodeling project.
3. Ineffective against small seeds and needles
Some types of gutter guards can let tiny seedlings and pine needles through because they’re too small to be stopped by the mesh or screen used in some types of gutter covers or guards. This is why it’s best to choose a type with smaller holes or slits so these small things can’t pass through.
4. Heavy rain or snow may cause it to fail
Gutter guards are not meant to protect your home from heavy rain. If a heavy rainstorm hits your area and your gutter guards are not installed properly, or if they fail, water will run down your home’s roofing and into the interior. This can lead to serious water damage and even structural damage to your home.
5. Roof warranties may be voided
A warranty on a home’s roof is only as good as the materials and construction of the roof itself. If gutter guards damage the roof in any way, this can void the warranty and leave you responsible for any repair costs.
6. Aesthetically unappealing
Gutter guards may be necessary in some cases, but they are definitely not something everyone wants in their house.
If your gutter guards are not installed correctly, they may create an unsightly appearance outside your home. This is especially true if they are too high or too low off the ground or if they are installed in an inappropriate location. They can be visually unappealing if you cannot match them, which could lead to decreased property values.
7. Repairs and maintenance
Though gutter guards decrease the frequency of gutter cleaning, they do not eliminate it. Depending on where the house is located and how much debris forms around the gutters, gutter guards may still need cleaning twice a year.
The leaf and branch debris can still accumulate on top of the gutter guards, especially if you live in an area with many trees around. This means that you may still need to clean them occasionally to prevent clogs from forming.
8. Gutter guard cleaning is expensive
Gutter guard cleaning is an expensive service for which most homeowners are not prepared to pay. The cost of gutter guard cleaning can range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of your home and the type of gutter guard you have installed. If you are not familiar with gutter cleaning, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you.
Final Thoughts
What are the disadvantages of gutter guards? The most common disadvantages of gutter guards are their cost and maintenance.
To sum up, yes! Gutter guards can effectively keep your home safe from flooding while making your gutters perform better in the long run. However, they are not the most practical solution if there isn’t a lot of debris or other obstacles near where you want them installed. If you think this might apply to you, consider consulting with a gutter cleaning service company before making the investment.
Read more: Top 13 Benefits of Gutter Guards Explained
Cons of Gutter Guards (FAQs)
Do gutter guards cause problems?
Gutter guards are a popular way to protect your home from rain, snow, bristles, and large debris. However, there are a few potential disadvantages of installing gutter guards. They may also interfere with materials such as fascia, siding, and shingles, prevent water from flowing properly down the roof system, or cause moisture, mold, rust, moss, and twigs to grow in unexpected places.
Additionally, gutter protection systems will often require the installation of additional components (such as a rainwater diversion system), which can increase overall cost and inconvenience.
If you’re unsure if gutter guards are right for your home, it’s best to consult an experienced plumber. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate solution for your particular property.
Do gutter guards cause water overflow?
While it is true that gutter guards can cause water overflow, this is usually only a problem in areas with heavy rainfall. The gutter guards system is designed to prevent leaves and other small debris from clogging your downspouts, resulting in overflows. In most cases, the water will simply flow through the guard and drain away normally.
Are gutter guards really worth it?
Gutter guard systems are definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re concerned about protecting your home from rain and debris. Not only will gutter guards help to prevent water and soil from entering your roof, but they can also keep critters out of the gutters. This includes birds, squirrels, raccoons, possums, bats, rats, you get the picture!
Dave Johnson is an 18-year veteran of the gutter guard industry and has experience with all types of gutters, from small residential units to large multi-unit buildings. Here he shares necessary tips to help homeowners choose the right gutter guards for their needs, install them correctly, and maintain them properly to ensure a leak-free installation.
