What is the purpose of gutter guards?
Short answer. The purpose of gutter guards is to keep leaves, needles and other debris out of the gutter trough and downspouts so rainwater can drain freely, which cuts down on cleanings and the overflow that rots fascia and soaks foundations. They are a maintenance reducer, not a maintenance eliminator.
The main job
An open gutter collects everything that slides off the roof. Debris builds up at the outlets, plugs the downspouts, and the next heavy rain spills over the front. Guards sit over the trough and let water through while keeping most solids out, so the downspout, the weakest point, stays open.
Secondary benefits
- Fewer ladder trips. The biggest benefit for two-story homes and anyone who should not be on a ladder.
- Less standing water. Clogged gutters hold water through Georgia's long warm season, breeding mosquitoes.
- Lighter gutters. Wet debris is heavy, and that weight pulls hangers loose and makes gutters sag.
- Less rot. Overflow soaks fascia and soffit; clear gutters keep water where it belongs.
- Fewer nesting spots. Birds and rodents nest in debris-filled gutters.
What they do not do
- They do not make gutters bigger. An undersized gutter overflows with or without guards.
- They do not stop all debris. Pollen, grit and fine seeds collect on top or pass through.
- They do not fix bad slope, leaking seams or water running behind the gutter.
- They do not remove the need to look. A yearly check is still part of the deal.
Who benefits most
Homes under pines and oaks, two-story houses, houses with history of overflow or basement dampness, and owners who would rather not climb. For a single-story home on an open lot, the purpose is better served by a couple of quick cleanings a year. Read trees and your roof and gutter sizing and guards.