---
title: Pros & Cons of Gutter Guards
date: 2026-07-07T21:34:17Z
modified: 2026-07-07T21:36:04Z
permalink: "https://aicroofing.com/pros-cons-of-gutter-guards/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 25008
categories:
  - Gutters
tags:
  - Default
content_type:
  - Video
featured_image: "https://aicroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/video-pros-cons-of-gutter-guards.webp"
featured_image_alt: Video thumbnail showing a gutter guard installed on a shingled roof with the title Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards
---

# **Pros & Cons of Gutter Guards**

In this video, Blaine Adams with AIC Roofing answers the most common questions homeowners ask about the pros & cons of gutter guards. He covers what they are, how they protect your gutters and your safety, the drawbacks worth knowing about before you buy, and why proper installation matters. If you’re weighing whether covers are right for your home, this is a great place to start.

## **Video Transcript**

Blaine Adams, Owner of AIC Roofing & Construction

Hi, I’m Blaine Adams with AIC Roofing, and today I’m going to answer some common questions we get about [gutter guards](https://aicroofing.com/pros-cons-gutter-guards/).

First, what is a gutter guard? To answer simply, it is an aluminum, steel, or plastic covering that keeps leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts. By keeping this debris from getting into your gutter system, [clogs, overflow](https://aicroofing.com/why-gutters-overflowing/), and landscape erosion can all be prevented or greatly reduced.

A lot of people tell us that they already [clean their gutters out themselves](https://aicroofing.com/clean-my-gutters/) and don’t need any covers. This is a well-intentioned but risky strategy to prevent gutter issues. With over 880,000 homeowner falls per year from gutter cleaning, the risk for injury is pretty high. Even seemingly easy gutters to clean come with a risk due to the height of the roof line. Most gutters are at least 9 feet off the ground, and a fall from this height can easily result in broken bones or worse.

Another common question we get is, are there any drawbacks to gutter guards? The answer is yes, there are a few that should be considered before making any decisions. The first one I always mention is the occasional water flow issue. Depending on the pitch of your roof and the style or type of guard installed, some people report that during heavy rains, water can run over the front of the gutter, especially around the valleys. It is important to understand that some types of debris can still get into the gutters as well. Pine needles, for example, can still get past many of the current gutter cover options. The final drawback I like to mention is the price. The [cost for gutter guards](https://aicroofing.com/cost-of-new-gutters/) can fluctuate wildly, from as little as a couple dollars per foot to more than 30. There are a lot of companies out there installing their own variation of gutter guard, and it can be confusing and very expensive. I always encourage people to do your own homework and make the decision that checks the most boxes for your unique situation.

Another common problem we see with gutter guards is incorrect installation practices. It’s important to choose a [reputable and experienced contractor](https://aicroofing.com/trustworthy-gutter-installer/) to install the gutter guards for you, or it could be setting yourself up for even more problems down the line.

In closing, gutter guards are a great addition to most homes. They can save you time, protect your gutters from leaves while protecting your home from water damage, and most importantly, they can protect you from getting hurt or from falling off your roof or ladder. However, they should not be considered a silver bullet solution that eliminates all your gutter issues or something that never needs maintenance or attention. As I said, they can come with their own home-specific issues that can cause other problems or require additional care. Have a professional contractor come out and [assess your home](https://aicroofing.com/schedule/) and see if your gutters are a good candidate for covers.

For more information about all things gutter related, be sure to visit the Learning Center on our website or subscribe to our channel.