Are Gutter Guards Really Worth the Investment?

by Legacy Construction | May 3, 2025 | Gutters

Let’s get honest about gutter guards. Your gutters can only do their job if they stay clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Gutter guards are protective systems designed to keep your gutters clean and flowing freely, but are they really worth the investment? For many Minnesota homeowners, they’re a smart and worthwhile upgrade.

Remember that, while your gutters are not the flashiest part of your home, and they’re not something you show off at the neighborhood BBQ, they keep your home protected, your foundation safe, and your roof healthy. When they’re not working, you’ve got water backing up, damage creeping in, and one big headache on your hands.

We’ll give you the simple and honest truth about gutter guards.

What Are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards (also called leaf guards, gutter covers, or screens) are attachments that go over the top of your existing gutters. Their job is simple: keep debris out while letting water in.

There are different types:

Mesh screens
Reverse curve (surface tension) covers
Foam inserts
Brush-style guards

Each one has pros and cons. Some are better at filtering small debris like pine needles. Others are more affordable but require more maintenance, but they all work to stop your gutters from clogging. They also save you from dragging out the ladder every few weeks.

How Gutter Guards Work

Gutter guards work by creating a physical barrier that blocks leaves, twigs, pine needles, seed pods, and other debris from entering your gutters. Rainwater, meanwhile, still flows through, either by filtering through small openings (in mesh and foam styles) or by following the curved surface into the gutter trough (in surface tension models).

When properly installed by a gutter installation company, gutter guards can dramatically reduce how often your gutters clog and how much time you spend cleaning them.

The Benefits of Gutter Guards

1. Less Maintenance

The most obvious benefit: you don’t have to clean your gutters as often. For many homeowners, that’s reason enough. Gutter cleaning isn’t just time-consuming, it’s dangerous. One wrong step on the ladder and you’re in the ER.

2. Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Clogged gutters don’t drain properly. That means water can overflow and spill down your siding, puddle around your foundation, or even leak into your basement. Over time, that water does real damage. It rots wood, erodes landscaping, and causes structural issues. Gutter guards help your gutters function the way they’re supposed to: directing water away from your home.

3. Extend the Life of Your Gutters

When gutters are always full of debris, they get heavy. And when they’re heavy, they start to pull away from your home or sag in places. Gutter guards help keep your gutters clean and lightweight, which means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.

4. Deters Pests

Birds love nesting in clogged gutters. So do squirrels, mosquitoes, and other critters. Gutter guards help make your gutters less inviting by eliminating the debris they use to nest.

5. Reduce Ice Dams in Winter

In Minnesota, ice dams are a real concern. While gutter guards won’t completely eliminate ice dams, keeping your gutters clean and flowing can reduce buildup and allow melting snow to drain properly.

Are Gutter Guards Right for Your Home?

Now comes the real question: Should you invest in gutter guards? Here’s the honest answer: It depends.

If your home is surrounded by trees, especially pines or maples, gutter guards can be a game changer. You’re probably cleaning your gutters multiple times a year. Gutter guards could save you hours of labor and hundreds of dollars in maintenance costs.

If you have fewer trees nearby, gutter guards may still help, but the return on investment might take a little longer. In either case, it’s not just about convenience. It’s about preventing long-term damage and protecting your home.

At Legacy Construction, we always recommend weighing the cost of installation against the cost of not doing anything: cleaning gutters multiple times a year, replacing damaged siding or soffits, or dealing with foundation repairs due to water pooling around your home.

Common Questions We Hear About Gutter Guards

Do they completely eliminate the need to clean your gutters?

No, but they can significantly reduce it. Most high-quality gutter guards cut down gutter cleaning to once every few years, depending on your tree coverage. Some systems may require occasional brushing or rinsing, but nothing like a full-scale gutter clean-out.

Will they fit my current gutters?

In most cases, yes. Many gutter guard systems are designed to fit over existing gutters. During your free estimate, we’ll inspect your system and recommend the best fit for your roofline and gutter type.

Will they hold up in Minnesota winters?

Absolutely. At Legacy Construction, we install gutter guard systems built to handle heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and designed for our climate.

What’s the cost?

Costs vary based on the type of gutter guard, the size of your home, and installation complexity. We’re happy to provide a free, no-pressure estimate to help you understand your options.

Are They Worth It?

If you want a quick answer: For most homeowners, yes, gutter guards are worth it. They save time. They reduce risk. They protect your home. And when you invest in high-quality materials and professional installation, they pay for themselves over time.

At Legacy Construction, we’re not just here to sell you something. We’re here to help you make smart, lasting decisions for your home. That means being honest about what works, what doesn’t, and whether a particular product makes sense for your needs.

If you’ve been climbing the ladder year after year, scooping out sludge and cursing the trees, it might be time to stop the cycle. Let us help. We offer expert installation, trusted brands, and advice you can count on. Reach out today for a free inspection and see whether gutter guards make sense for you.

Your roof, your gutters, and your knees will thank you.