Are Leaf Guards Really A Magical Fix?
If you live in Minneapolis, you know how important it is to keep your gutters clean. Between heavy autumn leaf falls, spring rainstorms, and winter ice buildup, clogged gutters can lead to serious home damage. Leaf guards might seem like the perfect solution—but before you invest, there are a few critical things you need to know.
1. Not All Leaf Guards Work in Harsh Minneapolis Weather
Many gutter guard systems are designed for mild climates, but Minneapolis sees heavy snow and ice. Some guards can actually make ice damming worse by trapping moisture, leading to dangerous icicles and roof damage. Be sure to choose a system designed for extreme cold. An example of a leaf filter guard you should steer away from are the plastic ones. These are mainly sold in big box stores and are not able to handle the heavy snow and ice we experience in MPLS.
2. “Maintenance-Free” Is a Myth
Some companies advertise leaf filter systems as a maintenance-free solution, but the truth is, no system is 100% maintenance-free. Debris can still accumulate on top of the guards, and small particles like pine needles or dirt can slip through, leading to clogs over time. You’ll still need to check and clean your gutters periodically. This can often be done from the ground with a boom stick. If you need to get on the roof we always suggest calling in the pros for this.
3. Some Guards Can Cause Water Overflow
Certain types of leaf guards—especially the hood style gutter cover—can block water from entering the gutter properly, causing overflow during heavy rains. This can lead to foundation damage, basement leaks, and landscaping erosion, which defeats the purpose of having gutters in the first place!
4. Installation Matters More Than the Product
Even the best leaf guard system won’t work if it’s not installed correctly. Poorly installed guards can create gaps where debris builds up or even pull away from the gutter over time. Always hire a trusted local Minneapolis seamless gutter professional who understands Minneapolis weather conditions and proper installation techniques. It may seem like gutters are gutters and hanging them is a simple thing, it’s not. There are so many factors, we’ll make another blog post for installing gutters to showcase some of them.
5. There Are Better (and More Affordable) Alternatives
Instead of investing in expensive gutter guards that may not fully solve the problem, consider regular professional cleanings or larger, seamless gutters that reduce clogging naturally. A combination of strategic solutions might be more cost-effective than pricey guards that don’t work as promised. If you do require leaf protection on your home make sure the style your choosing best fits your needs. Homes in Minnesota can be surrounded by Pine Trees, Ash Trees, Walnut Trees, Oak Trees, and Cottonwood trees to name a few. Did you know that each of these require a different type of cover to work best? Gutter covers are by far a one size fits all. Our Gutter Guy team offers a hug selection that not only vary in type, but vary greatly in price so we have options for everyone.
Some of the best leaf covers we install all over MN are RX, Leaf Blaster Pro, EZ Flow, Premier, and Black Mesh. Our team is located just west of MPLS in Rockford, we service ALL areas surrounding MPLS, estimates are free, hope to talk with you soon.
Bottom Line: Do Your Homework!
Before spending money on leaf guards, make sure they’re the right fit for your home and climate. Ask about warranties, maintenance requirements, and real customer reviews. And if you need expert advice on keeping your gutters clog-free, Call the Gutter Guys is here to help!
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s find the best solution for your home!