Are gutter guards a good investment?

Started by JohnT38 • 14 replies • 738 views

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JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

We have 144 condos. (Side by side) Our community is 40 years old and we have tons of large trees that drop a lot of leaves. As a result we have the gutters cleaned out at least 3 times a year. The latest quotes were for $6500 from one company and $2985 for the other. We have used the cheaper company before but they do not clean up the debris that falls on the area of front and back doors. Residents complain about this but because of the price difference we still may use them again.

This issue got me thinking about gutter guards and I was curious if other communities have invested in these and if they end up paying for themselves over the long run? I can research prices and figure out the payback but I'm concerned that the benefits may be exaggerated. Do they really cut down the number of times gutters need to be cleaned? For example, one company runs an ad that says they will pay for cleaning if their gutter guards don't work. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Good gutter guards work well. Cheap ones don’t. Buyer beware.

I had the solid type that covers the gutter, allowing only a slot for water to adhere to as it runs into the gutter.

Run the numbers and see what you get with various types and costs.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

I've heard reports that gutter guards can lead to ice damming (I have no first-hand knowledge about this), but that would be a non-issue for those down south.

Have you thought about doing a test install in one or more buildings where the need is greatest and see how they perform?

My community is also considering them, not only because of the leaves but because critters can get trapped in drainage pipes. The latter can result in a call to the local critter removal company or to a blocked pipe, neither of which is good.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 12/05/2019 10:29 AM
I've heard reports that gutter guards can lead to ice damming (I have no first-hand knowledge about this), but that would be a non-issue for those down south.

Have you thought about doing a test install in one or more buildings where the need is greatest and see how they perform?

My community is also considering them, not only because of the leaves but because critters can get trapped in drainage pipes. The latter can result in a call to the local critter removal company or to a blocked pipe, neither of which is good.

The OP is in SC. No such thing as ice dams here. Only ice here is in our drinks. One reason I retired here.....LOL

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

JohnC46 is right. The only ice I have to deal with is in my southern style sweet tea! CathyA3, that's an excellent idea.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I would google it or I like watching "This Old House". They give good advice. Plus Family Handyman another good resource. A salesperson is going to tell you they are always the best. Not so much from those not purchasing but educating.

Will tell you it was a bad idea to get gutter filler type. It's like a black mesh type inserts into gutters. Had them for years. It ends up they encourage plant growth. So maybe not bad if can afford to rip and replace that material once every few years. They do work for a little while to prevent cleaning till plants grow.

Also seen a gutter insert that looks like a Christmas tree branch. They can be inserted and cut to size. Has a metal rod in the middle and branches of wires. Seems to work as well. This could avoid the cleaning as often.

Former HOA President

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnT38 on 12/05/2019 1:24 PM
JohnC46 is right. The only ice I have to deal with is in my southern style sweet tea! CathyA3, that's an excellent idea.

I only menntioned it because people in other states may read the post. I'd be perfectly happy never to see ice except in drinks or ice rinks. :-)

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

Since I know the cost per condo to clean gutters and I can research pricing for the gutters it should be easy to see how many years the payback would be. Does anybody have advice on how many years would make it a worthwhile investment? Is there a general rule that people use?

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

I’d use 5-7, maaayyybe 10.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Before I moved out west I had a product called gutter helmet installed never had to pull another leaf out of the gutter again.

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

Thanks LetA. I've book marked their site. By any chance do you remember the cost?

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

https://www.roofingcalc.com/gutter-guard-installation-cost/

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnT38 on 12/06/2019 6:29 AM
Thanks LetA. I've book marked their site. By any chance do you remember the cost?

So long ago it was a ranch style house, I want to say it was about $1200

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnT38 on 12/06/2019 6:29 AM
Thanks LetA. I've book marked their site. By any chance do you remember the cost?

So long ago it was a ranch style house, I want to say it was about $1200

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

I bought these for $1.28 and they work great for 5 years now. It has a fine screen on one side to keep out leaves, debris.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-3-ft-Snap-In-White-Gutter-Guard-85270/100009044

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