Should gutter guards go under shingles?

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Accepted Answer

Usually not. Guards that slide under the first course of shingles lift those shingles, break the factory seal strip that holds them down in wind, and can raise a warranty question with the shingle manufacturer. Better designs fasten to the gutter's front lip and to the fascia or drip edge, leaving the shingles flat and sealed. How under-shingle guards are meant to work Many inexpensive screens and some hood covers are designed with a back flange that slips beneath the bottom row of shingles. The idea is to hold the guard in place without screws and create a smooth path for water. The problem is what happens to the shingles in the process. What goes wrong Broken seals. Each shingle is held down by an adhesive strip that bonds to the course below in warm weather. Prying the edge up to slide in a flange breaks that bond, and unsealed shingles are the first to lift and tear in a strong gust. See wind damage to roofs in Georgia . Cracks and popped nails. Lifting shingles on a cool day can crack them or work nails loose. A dam in the water path. The guard's back edge sits right where water and debris flow off the roof, and leaves can pile against it. Warranty concerns. Shingle manufacturers write installation instructions that do not include tucking accessories under the starter course. Check your shingle maker's warranty before anyone lifts that edge. Better ways to attach a guard Look for guards that screw to the gutter's front lip and fasten at the back to the fascia or the face of the drip edge, or that si

Should gutter guards go under shingles?

How under-shingle guards are meant to work

What goes wrong

Better ways to attach a guard

If you already have them

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