How long do foam gutter guards last?
Short answer. Foam gutter guards often last only a few years in a sunny, wooded Georgia yard before they crumble, sag or clog with grit, though they can go longer under light tree cover. Even before they wear out, foam tends to trap pine needles and seeds and stay damp, so many homeowners pull them out sooner than expected.
How foam guards work
Foam guards are long wedges of porous foam that fill the gutter. Water soaks through the foam and drains along the bottom, while leaves are supposed to sit on top and blow away. They are cheap and easy to install, which is their main appeal.
How they fail
- Sun damage. Ultraviolet light breaks down the foam, which turns crumbly and sheds pieces into the downspouts.
- Clogged pores. Pollen, grit and shingle granules fill the foam, so less water gets through and more runs over the front.
- Gutter gardens. Seeds land on damp foam and sprout. Roots then lock the foam in place.
- Needles. Pine needles spear into the foam and stay put.
- Constant moisture. Foam holds water against the gutter and fascia, which encourages algae and, over time, wood rot behind the gutter.
Signs they are done
Overflow in moderate rain, plants growing along the gutter, foam that is gray, compressed or breaking apart, and dark streaks on the fascia below.
What to do next
Pull the foam, flush the gutters and downspouts, and check the fascia for soft spots. If you still want a guard, rigid metal screens or stainless micro-mesh last much longer and handle needles better. See gutter sizing, seamless gutters and guards and pine needles and leaves on the roof.