Are Gutter Guards A Waste Of Money?

June 19, 2024

Installing gutter guards – a luxury or a necessity?

It’s a question many homeowners grapple with. Are gutter guards a waste of money? While it’s true that some gutter guard options can be a waste of money, making the right choice can save you thousands in the long run.

The key lies in:

1) Selecting a reputable company, ideally one with a proven track record in your local area;

2) Selecting a product designed to actually reduce maintenance for homes in your specific area.

For example, here in Kansas City, many designs like gutter screens and meshes can worsen the problem by trapping debris on the top of the existing gutters, leading to even more cleaning hassles.

So, let’s examine this subject in detail. A little time now can save you huge expense later!

The Costs of Not Having Gutter Guards

Let’s be clear: neglecting your gutters can lead to a cascade of costly problems. We’re talking (in 2023 averages):

Foundation Repairs: The average cost of low-end foundation repair in Kansas City in 2023 ranges from $4,500 to $10,000, with more complex repairs averaging $15,000-$30,000.
Basement Flooding: Water damage restoration in Kansas City averages $2,700, with costs varying widely depending on the extent of the damage.
Wood Rot: Repairing wood rot on fascia, soffit, and other areas can range from $500 to $2,000 per section, depending on the severity.
Siding and Window Damage: Siding repair costs can average $750, while window replacement can cost an average of $650 per window in Kansas City.
Personal Injury: According to the CDC, falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury in the U.S., and cleaning gutters is a risky activity. The average cost of a fall injury can easily exceed $30,000 in medical bills.
Lost Time: Cleaning gutters takes time away from your life. While it’s hard to put a price on that, consider the value of your free time and the activities you could be enjoying.

In a nutshell, if you’re struggling to find the money to prevent these problems, imagine how much harder it’ll be to find the money to fix them.

The Costs of Paying Someone Else to Clean Your Gutters

Hiring gutter cleaners might seem like a solution, but it’s a temporary fix with its own set of costs:

Time: Even if you’re not cleaning them yourself, you still have to manage appointments and stay on top of regular gutter cleaning.
Risk: Is the company insured? What if they cause damage? Will they clean thoroughly and at the right times to prevent water damage?
Money: Professional gutter cleaning in Kansas City typically costs between $150 and $300 per cleaning, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. Since this will likely be 2-6 times a year, year after year, the costs quickly add up.

The Advantage Gutter Guard® Difference: An Investment in Peace of Mind

With quality gutter guards like Advantage Gutter Guard®, you can say goodbye to these worries.

Time: Reclaim your weekends and never think about gutter cleaning.
Risk: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professionally installed, high-quality gutter guard system that protects your home 24/7.
Money: Quality gutter guards with a one-time investment that pays for itself over time. Let’s crunch the numbers:

Your Estimated Savings

Years in home x Average cost x Number of cleanings per year = Savings over time

Example: 15 (years in home) x $900 ($225 per clean, 4 times a year) = $13,500.

The Costs of the Wrong Gutter System

Choosing the wrong rain gutter systems can lead to even more headaches:

Increased Gutter Maintenance: Not all gutter guards work. Some designs trap debris for example (foam gutter guards/screen gutter guards), making maintenance harder, not easier.
Hidden Costs: If your “solution” doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll be out the cost of the gutter cover installation plus the potential for all the household damages we mentioned earlier.
Ladder Hazards: If you still need to climb a ladder to maintain your gutter guards, you haven’t eliminated the risk of falls.

Can I Afford Gutter Guards Near Me?

In the Kansas City metro area, the answer is a resounding yes! Gutter Cover KC® understands you have a budget.

If investing in the right gutter guard seems like too much right now, talk to us about it. One of these two solutions may well work for you:

1) Gutter Cover KC® offers a variety of financing options.

2) Solve your biggest problem areas first with gutter guard installation. Then continue from there. By doing the house in sections over time, it keeps your initial investment down, but ensures your problems gradually get resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions like “are gutter guards a waste of money”

Are covered gutters worth the price?

Absolutely. They can save you time and money, as long as you choose the right product and it’s installed by a reputable company.

See reviews on Advantage Gutter Guard® below:

Are leaf filters worth the money?

Perhaps in certain parts of the USA, but not necessarily in the Midwest. Decades of experience has shown that leaf filters don’t stand up to the tree debris in the KC Metro.

Why should I install gutter guards?

For peace of mind
To save time and money
To protect your home from rainwater damage

Are gutter guards really necessary?

It depends on your individual situation, but most homes benefit from them, and they can prevent costly repairs from overflowing gutters.

Is there a downside to gutter guards?

There can be many downsides to gutter guards (as listed above). If you get the wrong design for your area, or even get a good design for your area but installed by a disreputable company, then the downsides can outweigh the positives. Like most home improvement projects, do your homework.

What do roofers say about gutter guards?

Roofers who care about their customers will care about the maintenance of their customer’s homes. Some roofers will upsell an “add-on” gutter protection. However, it is good to do research on the quality. It is usually best practice to have gutter guards installed by a specialist who knows gutters.