A gutter protection system, also known as gutter guards, is a system of plastic or metal gutter screens or covers designed to let water drain into your gutters but keep debris out. Gutter protection is a good idea if you have large trees in your yard, or the neighbors have trees. 

Falling leaves, maple tree helicopters, oak tree pollen, and acorns can collect in your gutters, and eventually rot unless they are washed into the downspouts. This turns them into muck and sludge that can actually allow weeds to grow in your gutters!

You can reduce the debris that lands in your gutters by trimming tree branches that overhang your roof or brush against it. This will also protect your roof. But a professionally installed gutter protection system provides a longer-lasting solution.

A gutter protection system can also help prevent ice dams in the winter when the freeze-thaw cycle can cause water to back up under your shingles and damage both your roof and the gutters.

Types of Gutter Protection Systems

Choosing the right gutter protection system is important because some systems are better than others. Gutter screens, micro-mesh, and gutter covers are the main types. Screens have larger holes but will keep out large debris like leaves and twigs, but not seeds and pine needles.

Micro mesh gutter protection has smaller holes that will keep out small debris, so are a step up from gutter screens. Gutter covers, also known as reverse-curve or surface tension gutter guards are covers that force water to flow over the cover and around a curve before flowing into the gutter. This means that leaves and debris flow over the edge of the gutter and down to the ground rather than into your gutters.

Here are the top brands of professionally installed gutter protection systems:

  • Bulldog Gutter Guard
  • Alcoa Leaf Relief Gutter Guard
  • Xtreme Gutter Guard
  • LEAFAWAY®

Other Considerations

Pay attention to your roof warranty. If the installation of the gutter protection system requires lifting up the bottom row of shingles, this could void your warranty. If appearance matters to you, select gutter guards that can’t be seen from the ground, or select a color that matches your gutters and your home’s exterior. 

Related Reading: Top Reasons to Consider Gutter Replacement When You Get a New Roof

Hire Roofing Professionals to Install Your Gutter Guards

Unless you’re very handy and have a single-story home, it’s a good idea to leave tasks involving your gutters to the professionals. That includes gutter cleaning, gutter replacement, and installation of gutter guards. We do not recommend DIY gutter protection systems, as they are cheaply made, don’t last as long, and don’t work as well.

If your gutters are in good shape, it’s possible to install a gutter protection system on your existing gutters. But if you’ve been contemplating getting new gutters, plan to install gutter guards at the same time. It will protect and beautify your home, and reduce the need to clean your gutters.

You Still Need to Keep an Eye on Your Gutters

Even with the best gutter guards installed, you can’t afford to ignore your gutters. You, or someone you hire, should inspect your gutters at least once a year. Even the best gutter protection system can let small debris through, or have debris get caught on top. Both of these situations interfere with the proper drainage of rainwater off your roof and away from your home.

If you have taller trees in your yard, especially oaks and maples, you will still likely need to clean your gutters once a year.

Get a Quote from Northern Virginia’s Most Trusted Roofing Contractor

If you need new gutters, we advise investing in seamless gutters with a gutter protection system.  It’s the best way to avoid leaky gutters and the need to clean your gutters multiple times a year. To get the best results and to protect your investment, you need to be sure to hire a reputable roofing company with the training and expertise to guide you through your options and then complete a flawless gutter system installation. 

Don’t make the mistake of hiring less experienced tradesmen. Hire one of the most experienced, expert roofing companies serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.