Personally, I Don't Like 'Em ...

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Hi mrbanjo,

It's not that the gutter guards don't do what the mfgr. says they do, but you end up having to climb a ladder and clean off the guards anyways. Sure, I guess they may keep leaves and such out of your gutters and downspouts during heavy Autumn leaf-falls (so your downspouts and gutters run clear), but I think that's where the beauty ends.

If they made a gutter guard that 'ate' leaves and such while keeping water out of the drainage system, then you have my attention. What I do, certainly, is not what you'd do. Personally, (and I speak for myself), I do like trees. However, I don't like them near my house because of what the leaves do to my gutters, branches falling all around, squirrels jumping onto the roof, bird droppings on the roof and around the house, trees dying or falling on the house, and so on. I keep my trees AWAY from the house. Hence, no leaf problems (or otherwise). Again, this is how I handle leaves in my gutters. :)

BUT, if you like your trees near the house, gutter guards are best suited (IMO) for those folks that have underground drainage systems. You'd certainly want to keep the Autumn foliage out of your drainage system because it may clog it. BUT, again, you'll most likely end up on a ladder.

More on the downside - Assuming the leaves are 'layered' on top of your guards, where will the water drain to? It may run over TOP of the leaves, over the gutter, and on to the landscape below. Have you ever seen what 'dripping/running' water does to the landscape below??! It erodes the landscape. And it splashes 'dirt' everywhere. Now you've created another problem. Also, if you're thinking of buying those 'deflector-type' gutters (not gutter guards) that diffuse the water that runs off the roof, don't buy them! This also creates the landscape erosion problem I just mentioned, all the time.

Well, 'nough said. Hopefully, the enclosed info, along w/that of other posters, will help you decide. I'm sorry for making such a case but that's my experience w/them. (No, I don't have them but I've seen my share of the installations.) My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

PS: God Bless America!