NORTHERN VIRGINIA GUTTER GUIDE

In Northern Virginia, Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

An honest look at the pros, the cons, the cost, and when guards actually pay off

⏱ 4 MIN READ

If you have had enough of the hassle of removing the ladder each fall, you have probably asked yourself: are gutter guards worth it? It’s a reasonable question. Oak, maple and pine trees overhang houses in Northern Virginia and all of those leaves, seeds and pine needles are in your gutters. Gutter guards claim to prevent that debris from entering so water can flow freely, and you won’t have to climb up to many ladders. However, they are not free and no guard is totally maintenance free. A fair evaluation of the pros and cons, its cost, and when it’s actually necessary to have guards in a home in our neighborhood.

The Argument for Gutter Guards

There are real and practical reason why homeowners install them:

Far less cleaning. Guards prevent most leaves and debris from entering gutters, so they will need to be cleaned less frequently, once a year or less as opposed to 2 to 4 times a year.
Less clogging and overflowing. When gutters are clean, they will not cause damage to your foundation, siding and landscaping.
Reduction of standing water = reduction in mosquitoes = reduction in winter ice dams.
Longer gutter life. By staying away from debris and standing water, rust and sag can be avoided over the years.
Safety. Each time a ladder is not used it’s a real fall preventer.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It? The Argument Against

Therefore, to answer the question “are gutter guards worth it?” you must also take into account the downside:

Upfront cost. Quality guards are a true investment, particularly professionally installed systems.
Not zero-maintenance. Not all guards can stop fine debris from sliding over and/or into the guards, e.g. shingle grit and pine needles.
Performance varies. Low quality screens clog or simply fall off, high quality micro-mesh and reverse-curve screens are much more effective.
Heavy rain. Under some designs, if not sized correctly, heavy rain can cause the water to spill out of the edge.

The bottom line: Guard can make a huge difference and be either good or bad. A big-box bargain screen may prove to be disappointing, but a well installed gutter guard system will last for years.

How Much Does Gutter Guard Cost?

Gutter guards in Northern Virginia are typically $5-$15 per linear foot of installed guards, depending on the material and design. Most homes with about 150 to 200 feet of gutter will cost around $1,000 to $3,000 for this typically. The higher end is the micro-mesh, surgical-grade aluminum systems and the lower end is basic screens which are less expensive but less durable. Compare that with the costs you pay today: $150-$300 for a regular gutter cleaning and the cost of repairing the fascia or foundation that has been damaged by water is far more expensive than gutter guards.

The Northern Virginia Factor

Our area is an area where guards are necessary. Fall is when you will find large amounts of leaves falling from mature hardwoods, spring is when you will find large amounts of pollen and seed pods from hardwoods and pines shed needles throughout the year. Gutters can get clogged in as little as a few weeks if there are trees on the property. Add in winter freeze and thaw cycles and clogged gutters can be a one-way trip to ice dams and overflow. Guards are “clearly worth it” when there’s a lot of wooded area on your property.

The Time to Install Gutter Guards Is When They Are Needed

The best time to use gutter guards is:

There are trees around your home and gutters are being cleaned several times a year.
Your gutters are OK — don’t use new gutter guards with rusted gutters. If these are failing, consider replacing gutters, too.
Safety concerns: Use of a ladder on a high or steep roof.
You plan to stay in the home for a period of time that will compensate for the savings in the cleaning and prevent water damage.

The math isn’t as strong if you don’t clean gutters often, don’t have many trees or are planning to sell soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gutter guards work in Northern Virginia?

Yes, for most homes that are in close proximity to trees. These substantially reduce cleanings, prevent clogging which can cause water damage, and save ladder trips. Fewer benefits in homes with less trees.

What are the costs of gutter guards?

The price of professionally installed guards is approximately $5-$15 per linear foot ($1,000-$3,000 for the average home) and depends on the material and design.

Is gutter guards the ultimate gutter cleaning solution?

No, whilst quality guards will dramatically reduce cleaning, some fine debris (e.g. pine needles and shingle grit) may still build up and maintenance is still recommended.

So, which gutter guard is the best?

Micro-mesh and surgical grade aluminum reverse curve systems have proven to be more effective than low cost plastic screens, especially in Northern Virginia, where the leaf and pollen count is high.

Get a Direct Response for Your House

The actual answer to the question, “are gutter guards worth it” is dependent on the trees you own, your roofline, and the current situation of your gutters. As a BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ rated and Angi Super Service Award contractor, Northern Virginia homeowners have trusted Nations Choice Exteriors for more than 30 years and we will inspect your gutters, tell you the truth about whether or not gutter guards are right for your home, and recommend the best system for your home.

Give us a call (571) 389-7500 or get your free quote for gutter guards today.