Gutter cleaning vs gutter guards: are guards worth it?
By Charlie · Local gutter cleaner · 29 October 2026 · 4 min readGutter guards reduce how often gutters block, especially under trees, but they still need checking and occasional cleaning. They make the most sense for homes surrounded by trees.
What gutter guards do
Guards are mesh or brush inserts that stop leaves entering the gutter while letting water through. They work well against large leaves but less well against pine needles, seeds and fine silt.
The downsides
Debris can sit on top of the guard and block water, moss can grow through brush guards, and cleaning a gutter with guards fitted takes longer. They are not a fit-and-forget fix.
When guards are worth it
If your home is surrounded by deciduous trees and you are cleaning more than twice a year, guards can pay for themselves. We usually suggest a thorough clean first, then fitting guards to the worst-affected runs.