​If you are tired of climbing up a wobbly ladder every fall to scoop decaying leaves out of your gutters, you have probably considered gutter guards. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones actually work?

In the latest episode of The Stan’dard Podcast, hosts Liz and Kevin sit down (amidst their ongoing studio renovations, coffee talk, and a little debate about the musical genius of Prince) to tackle the highly debated topic of gutter guards.

Here is everything you need to know before you invest in a gutter protection system for your home.

The Big Myth: "I'll Never Have to Clean My Gutters Again"

Let’s get the hard truth out of the way first: Gutter guards are not a magic fix. While they are a fantastic home maintenance upgrade that significantly reduces how often you need to clean your gutters, they do not eliminate the need entirely. Fine debris, shingle grit, and heavy rainfall mean that most systems will still require occasional visual inspections and light maintenance to ensure water is flowing properly.

What to Avoid: The Wrong Kind of Guards

Not all gutter guards are created equal. Liz and Kevin specifically warn homeowners to steer clear of certain designs:

  • Completely Flat Systems: Leaves and debris tend to pile up and sit flat on top of these guards rather than washing away.

  • Systems with Excessive Holes: These can act like a cheese grater for leaves, allowing small debris to get trapped and clog the system from the inside out.

When debris accumulates on top of poor gutter guards, it causes serious drainage issues and can lead to fascia rot or devastating ice dams in the winter.

The Recommended System: Premier Gutter Cover

So, what actually works? Kevin highly recommends the Premier Gutter Cover.

Unlike flat or heavily perforated systems, this design combines solid aluminum with a strategically placed, small screened area. It effectively uses surface tension to pull water into the gutter while allowing leaves and larger debris to fall harmlessly to the ground. Because it manages water flow so efficiently, it requires minimal service calls and upkeep.

Installation Matters: Protect Your Roof

Even the best gutter guard in the world will cause problems if it is installed incorrectly.

Never let a contractor void your roof warranty to install gutter guards. Guards should never be fastened directly into your shingles. Instead, proper installation requires sliding the guard under the starter course of the roof, but strictly not under the underlayment.

Because installation is so technical, the hosts strongly emphasize the importance of hiring fully insured, professional contractors. Relying on an unvetted handyman to install your gutter guards can lead to massive liability issues and costly roof damage down the line.

Do You Actually Need Gutter Guards?

Before you open your wallet, take a look at your yard.

Situation
Recommendation
Heavy tree coverage near the roof
Highly Recommended: Gutter guards will save you time, hassle, and potential water damage.
No trees nearby
Skip It: If there is nothing to clog your gutters, guards are an unnecessary expense. Save your money!

Investing in your home should always be a calculated, informed decision. If you have trees looming over your roof line, a quality system like the Premier Gutter Cover installed by insured professionals is a game-changer.

Catch the full conversation, including Kevin and Liz's studio updates and music banter, by tuning into this week's episode of The Stan’dard Podcast!