Gutter covers, leaf protectors, and other types of gutter guards are popular with homeowners because they reduce the number of times a year a gutter system requires cleaning. While gutter protection systems are effective in keeping debris out, there are situations where you might not want to install gutter guards.
Wide Roof Overhangs
Roof overhangs = the part of the roof that extends past the exterior walls – serve functional and aesthetic purposes. Not only do they protect a home’s exterior from rain, snow, winds, and the effects of direct sunlight, roof overhangs help keep debris out of the gutters. If your roof has a medium overhang (12 to 24 inches) or an extended overhang (over 24 inches), gutter guards might be unnecessary.
Certain Roofing Materials
Roofing materials such as some types of concrete tiles, stone chip sheets, or asphalt shingles can flake or shed granules regularly or as the roof ages. These bits of sediment are too small for most kinds of gutter guards. When sediment enters the gutter system, it can provide an ideal environment for vegetation to grow, creating “gutter gardens.” Especially if you have fruit trees or seed producing trees like maple, birch or ash on your property, leaf protection might not be effective or beneficial.
Gutter Maintenance Concerns
Many homeowners are attracted to gutter guards or all-in-one gutter covers because of the general perception that they will never need to clean the gutters again. The reality is bits of twig, leaves, dirt, and sediment do still manage to pass through the holes or slots, no matter how small, of most types of gutter guards. A gutter system with gutter guards will need to be cleaned and checked for damage at least once a year to prevent debris accumulation from becoming a real problem.
Gutter guards like covers or micro-mesh screens and metal leaf protection panels in dark colours can make it difficult to visually inspect your gutters after a storm or in between gutter cleanings. If you are used to cleaning your gutters in the usual amount of time you complete the job and are happy with that, keep in mind that gutter cleaning with gutter guards will take longer – they will have to removed so you can access the gutter channel and then reattached.
Roof Performance Concerns
Some types of gutter guards such as mesh, micro-mesh, and metal screens are installed under the first row of shingles. Depending on the kind of roof and its configuration, leaf protection screens can disrupt or reduce water flow, allowing for the buildup of any debris that does manage to enter the gutter system.
If the roof configuration is complex or steep pitched, or you have a custom designed gutter system unique to your home, standard gutter guards might not be compatible with your roofing system.
When your home is two or more storeys, combined with a steep or complex roof, installing gutter guards could make access tricky, difficult, and unsafe. Stick with regular and reliable manual gutter cleaning with the proper tools.
