Hey there, Handy Homeowners!
Tired of playing leaf scooper every fall?
Gutter guards promise to end the mess, the ladder balancing act, and the endless sludge. But do they actually work—or are they just another overhyped upgrade collecting dust (and leaves)?
Let’s dive into the truth about these so-called “set it and forget it” systems.
Maintenance Minute
Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus
Lubricate garage overhead door rollers
Lubricate garage overhead door hinges
Lubricate garage overhead door springs
Test garage overhead door safety stop/autoreverse
Pro tip: Test your garage door’s safety stop and auto-reverse every three months to prevent accidents and ensure it's working properly.
Here’s how:
Safety Stop Test: Lower the door and place a solid object (like a 2x4 or a roll of paper towels) in its path. If the door doesn’t stop and reverse when it touches the object, the pressure sensitivity needs adjusting.
Photo Eye Sensor Test: Wave a broomstick or your foot in front of the sensors while the door is closing. If it doesn’t reverse instantly, the sensors may be misaligned or dirty—clean them and adjust their positioning.
🚨 If your door fails either test, check your opener's manual for troubleshooting steps or call a pro before someone or something gets hurt!
Gutter guards
Let’s talk about one of the most hyped (and debated) upgrades a homeowner can slap on their house: gutter guards.
Now, if you’ve ever balanced on a ladder in late fall, elbow-deep in a soggy mix of leaves, sludge, and whatever that weird smell was, the idea of “never cleaning your gutters again” sounds downright magical. But is it legit? Or are gutter guards just another overpriced gimmick?
Let’s break it down.
🍁 The Promise
Gutter guard companies make some bold claims:
No more gutter cleaning (ever!)
Prevent water damage from clogs
Keep pests and debris out
Extend the life of your gutters and fascia
Sounds great, right? But like all things in homeownership, the devil’s in the details—and the downspout.
🧰 The Types (and What Works)
There are several types of gutter guards, each with their own pros, cons, and DIY-friendliness:
Screen Guards
Cheap and easy to install.
Good at blocking big leaves and twigs.
But small debris (like pine needles) still sneaks through.
Foam Inserts
Simple plug-and-play.
Great at keeping out debris.
But… they degrade over time and can grow mold, weeds etc. Yuck.
Micro-Mesh Guards
High-end performance, blocks almost everything.
Pricier and usually needs pro install.
Best for long-term performance.
Reverse Curve (Surface Tension)
Water flows over the edge and into a slit. Debris slides off.
Effective—but very visible and can cause overflow if not pitched perfectly.
🔍 The Reality
Here's the thing: no gutter guard is 100% maintenance-free.
Yup. Sorry. Even the fanciest, “never touch your gutters again” model will eventually need a little TLC. Leaves can pile up on top of the guard. Seeds can sprout. And if your gutters aren’t cleaned before installation, all that crud is now locked in like a time capsule of regret.
Plus, if installed wrong (which happens a lot with DIY kits), you risk:
Water overflowing and damaging your siding or foundation (think wet basement)
Ice dams in colder climates
Sagging gutters from excess weight
💰 The Cost Factor
DIY kits run around $1–$3 per foot.
Pro-installed systems can be $7–$15+ per foot.
For a typical home with 150 feet of gutter, that’s anywhere from $150 to over $2,000 depending on the system and installation.
🛠️ Should You Get Them?
Here’s who should consider them:
You’ve got a lot of trees nearby and clean gutters more than twice a year.
You’re not comfortable on a ladder (or just tired of pretending you are).
You want to reduce the risk of ice dams and water overflow.
You might skip them if:
You don’t have many trees nearby.
You don’t mind seasonal cleaning.
You want to save your money for something more fun (like a backyard smoker or outdoor TV).
👍 Handy Verdict: It Depends
I know, I know. That’s not as exciting as “buy this now!” But gutter guards are one of those things where the right system in the right situation can be a game changer. Just don’t believe the “set it and forget it” hype.
My advice? If you’re gonna do it, go micro-mesh and hire a pro—or at least be very picky about the pitch and installation. Your gutters—and your future self—will thank you.
🧼 Pro Tip: Still Cleaning the Old-Fashioned Way?
Here’s a quick ladder safety refresher:
Use a stable, extendable ladder—never stand on the top two rungs.
Don’t clean gutters alone. Seriously. Even a neighbor pretending to help is better than no one.
Use a gutter scoop or plastic spatula (not metal!) to avoid damaging the lining.
Q&A- Can I install gutter guards myself?
✅ When DIY Gutter Guard Installation Makes Sense
You’re comfortable on a ladder: This is non-negotiable. You’ll be up there for a while.
You’re using easy-to-install types:
Snap-in plastic screens,
Foam inserts, or
Brush-style guards
are all beginner-friendly.
Your gutters are in good shape: Bent, leaky, or sagging gutters should be fixed before installing guards.
Your roof isn't too steep: A steep pitch + tall house = call a pro.
⚠️ When to Think Twice
Multi-story homes: Risk = higher, literally.
Micro-mesh or reverse-curve guards: These need precision installation for proper pitch and fit. Get it wrong, and water skips the gutter entirely.
You're in a windy, icy, or tree-heavy zone: Installation matters more here—bad guards = ice dams or leaf buildup.
🛠 Pro Tip:
Always clean your gutters first before installing guards. Installing over clogged gutters is like putting a band-aid on a dirty wound—messy, ineffective, and you’ll still have to go back and fix it later.
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