Do gutters fitted with leaf guards still need cleaning?

Why do gutters with guards still need cleaning?

Gutters with guards still need cleaning because no guard keeps everything out. Fine silt and grit washed off the roof, especially from older concrete tiles, pass through mesh and settle in the bottom of the gutter. Seeds, pine needles and small bits of moss get through too. Over time this sludge builds up at the outlets, just as it would without a guard.

What problems can guards cause?

Guards can cause their own problems:

• Leaves pile up on top, forming a mat that stops rain getting into the gutter, so water runs over the edge
• Moss grows on the guard, especially in damp, shaded spots
• Cleaning takes longer, because guards often have to be lifted out, cleaned and refitted
• Poorly fitted guards can lift in strong wind or sit on top of the tiles and hold water

What types of gutter guard are there?

The main types of gutter guard are:

• Mesh covers, which clip over the top of the gutter. They stop leaves but can clog with fine debris.
• Brush guards, which sit inside the gutter like a long bottle brush. Easy to fit and remove, but they trap leaves in the bristles.
• Foam inserts, which fill the gutter and let water soak through. They can grow moss and need replacing.
• Outlet guards, small cages over the downpipe outlet. These are cheap and stop the most common blockage point.

How often should gutters with guards be cleaned?

Gutters with guards should usually be checked once a year and cleaned every year or two, depending on trees nearby. Homes near woodland, such as around Pleasington, Feniscowles or Witton, may still need yearly cleaning. Look at your gutters during heavy rain: if water overflows, the guards or the gutters need clearing.

Are gutter guards worth fitting?

Gutter guards are worth considering for homes under large trees, where gutters fill quickly. On homes with few trees, a yearly gutter clean often costs less and works just as well. A contractor can tell you whether guards suit your house when they come to clean.

What should you tell a contractor?

Tell the contractor your gutters have guards, and what type, when you request quotes. It affects how long the job takes and the price.