Gutter cleaning vs gutter guards: which works better long term?

Keeping your gutters clean all year round is an essential part of the general maintenance of your home. However, knowing the different options available to keeping your gutters clear can help you to understand and decide on the best long-term solution for you. Gutter cleaning and Gutter guards are both effective solutions to help protect your home from moisture damage, however, they both work in different ways. Here is a simple guide to explain both options:

Gutter cleaning – This is essentially a more traditional method. This process involves clearing out the gutter by removing fallen leaves, dirt, moss and other debris which has collected over time. Having this done professionally or a regular basis will keep your gutters working efficiently and allow rain water to flow away from the property. This method is both simple and cost effective, however, it would need to be repeated at least a couple of times a year, if not more depending on where you live. Blocked gutters can lead to further damage to your property therefore it is essential to have this carried out regularly.

Gutter guards – This are mesh screens or protective covers which are placed over the gutters to stop leaves and other debris from falling in. Having gutter guards in place will ensure only rain water enters the gutters, therefore reducing how often you would need them cleaning. Although they are lower in maintenance, it is important to know that sometimes smaller debris can still enter the gutters like seeds and moss which can sit on top of the guards eventually falling through the openings. Gutter guards do cost more to have fitted and may not fit over old gutters.