If your home is surrounded by trees, gutter guards are one of the most useful additions you can make. They keep most leaves, pine needles and twigs out of the gutters, so water keeps flowing to the downspouts and cleaning becomes a quicker, less frequent job. Here is how gutter guards for trees help and what to expect from them.
Why Clogged Gutters Are a Problem
Gutters that are packed with debris cannot carry water away from the roof. The water backs up and spills over, and it can damage the roof, siding and foundation. That kind of damage can show up outside and inside the house, and it is expensive to repair.
A house with few trees nearby may never have a serious clogging problem. A house on a wooded lot is different. Leaves, pine needles, twigs and acorns fall for much of the year, and keeping the gutters clear can feel like a constant struggle.
How Gutter Guards for Trees Protect Your Home
They keep debris out
Gutter guards cover the gutter so that water gets in and most debris stays out. Fewer clogs means less risk of overflow and water damage.
They discourage animals
Branches that hang near the house give squirrels, birds and rodents an easy path to the roof. Some will nest in open gutters, and a nest can block water from reaching the downspout. Gutter guards make gutters far less inviting and help protect them from animal damage.
They save time and money
Cleaning gutters several times a year is time consuming, and working on a ladder is dangerous. Paying someone else to do it adds up. Gutter guards cost money up front, but they cut down on cleaning a great deal and can save time, money and hassle in the long run.
Have Realistic Expectations
Be wary of any sales pitch that promises you will never clean your gutters again. No product works perfectly all the time. Gutter guards still need to be cleaned occasionally, especially where trees drop large amounts of leaves and pine needles. The work is much lighter than cleaning unprotected gutters, and it does not have to be done as often.
Other Exterior Trouble Spots on Wooded Lots
Trees are hard on more than gutters. Shade and falling debris keep surfaces damp, so doors, windows and trim on the wooded side of a house tend to wear faster. Check them when you check the gutters.
A door canopy or window awning keeps rain and dripping branches off an entrance. If frames are soft or drafty, low-maintenance vinyl replacement windows and new entry doors and patio doors hold up well in damp conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gutter guards need to be cleaned?
Yes, from time to time. The job is quicker and easier than cleaning open gutters, and it is needed less often.
Are gutter guards worth it if I only have a few trees?
They can help on any home, but they matter most on houses surrounded by many trees, where gutters clog again soon after each cleaning.
Will gutter guards keep animals out of my gutters?
They help. Covered gutters are much harder for birds and squirrels to nest in.
Questions About Your Home’s Exterior?
Aladdin Inc. is a family-owned exterior contractor that has worked on Connecticut homes for generations. For help with windows, doors, canopies or awnings, send us a message or call (203) 776-9996.