How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost for Homeowners in Myrtle Beach?

Are you tired of scooping out leaves and debris from your gutters after what seems like every rain storm? 

You’re not alone. In fact, this issue is so common that there are a number of companies who hear your frustration and design what are known as gutter guards. Gutter guards are designed to take some of the maintenance involved with having gutters on your home out of the equation by catching debris before it clogs up your gutters.

But are gutter guards worth the price? And how do gutter guards work?

There are a few different varieties of gutter guards on the market. So today we’ll break down the cost of each type of gutter guard you can find and explain how each one works to protect your home. 

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

Generally gutter guards are a wise choice for those who live in tree-lined areas or homeowners who might have difficulty getting to their gutters to clean them out. They may also be a helpful option for homeowners who want to take “clean out gutters” off of their Saturday ‘to do’ list. 

Before you decide which gutter guards might be best for your home, let’s take a look at pricing so you can determine whether or not gutter guards are worth the price.

If you know the linear footage of gutter guards you need, you can use the table above to get a rough estimate of the installation cost for your gutters. These price ranges reflect the average cost per linear foot for 4 inch, 5 inch, and 6 inch gutters. Most homes in the Myrtle Beach area have 5 inch gutters, meaning the average cost for gutter guards would most likely sit in the middle range of the prices listed above. 

If you’ve found that one or more of these options sits within your budget, then it’s important to get a better idea of what they are and how they perform.

6 Types of Gutter Guards Explained: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Now that you know the average price range for gutter guards, you’ll want to know how they perform so you can choose the best option for you. 

Foam Insert Gutter Guards

Foam insert gutter guards are sponge-like blocks that fit directly into your gutters. Water filters through the porous foam while leaves and debris stay on top.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Readily available at hardware stores

Cons:

• Prone to clogging quickly with dirt, shingle granules, and debris
• Can harbor mold
• Degrades over time with UV exposure
• Usually needs frequent replacement

Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards look like extra large pipe cleaners. The bristles are inserted into the gutter and are meant to block leaves while allowing water to flow.

Pros:

• DIY-Friendly
• Low cost
• Easy to Install

Cons:

• Can be difficult to remove 
• Clog easily and trap debris inside the gutter
• Difficult to clean without making a mess
• Not ideal for homes in treelined areas, as they can fill up quickly
• Doesn’t prevent small build up 

Screen Gutter Guards

Screen gutter guards are typically made of plastic or metal. They snap onto the top of the gutter and have large openings that allow water to flow through them while trapping debris.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to find at home improvement stores
• Simple install as they typically snap onto to gutters

Cons:

• Holes can allow seeds into gutters that could sprout into gutter blocking plants
• May allow debris like pine needles and shingle granules into gutters
• Can come loose if they are not attached with screws

Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

Micro mesh gutter guards feature a fine mesh screen made of steel or aluminum over a frame that look similar to screen gutter guards. The mesh design helps keep smaller particles out of the gutter.

Pros:

• Great for keeping seeds, pine needles, shingle granules, and small debris out of gutters
• Durable
• Some high-end brands like Leaf Filter include professional installation and warranties

Cons:

• Can clog with small and/or large debris fairly quickly if not installed on an angle
• May require occasional cleaning

Raindrop® System Gutter Guards

Raindrop® System are installed underneath roof shingles and slope outward over the gutter, creating a seamless transition for water to flow off of your roof. They have vertical slits that allow water in while keeping debris out of your gutters.

Pros:

• Extremely strong and durable, resisting heavy debris
• Have a slight angle that helps reduce pooling and clogging
• Lower cost than options like the gutter helmet

Cons:

• May allow tiny debris (like seeds) in through slits
• Should not be installed on your own without an installer

Gutter Helmet Gutter Guards

Gutter Helmet gutter guards are designed by the principle of water adhesion. This allows water to curve around the guard and drip into the gutter, while debris is meant to fall off the edge.

Pros:

• Deflects large debris
• Water can enter gutter cleanly
• Comes with a warranty

Cons:

• Much more expensive than other gutter guard solutions
• Repairs can be difficult as you have to have them repaired by an installer, not your roofer
• May not perform well during heavy rain
• Can cause water overflow in heavy rain if not angled properly during installation

Now that you know how each gutter guard performs, you may be curious to know if this is a job you can do yourself. And while some options allow for easy install, others require a professional to get the job done.

Can You DIY a Gutter Guard Installation?

You may be looking for a quick fix. So instead of making an appointment and waiting for an installer, you may want to install gutter guards yourself. 

DIY-Friendly Gutter Guard Options:

• Foam Insert Gutter Guards: Can be slid into gutters easily
• Brush Gutter Guards: Can be slid into gutters easily, but may be difficult to clean on your own when removed
• Screen Gutter Guards: Snap design allows for easy DIY installation

Gutter Guards that Need Professional Installation:

• Micro Mesh Gutter Guards: Unique design requires a professional to install
• Raindrop® System Gutter Guards: To work effectively, Raindrop® System gutter guards should be installed at the right angle and installed underneath roof shingles, making them an option that should be installed by a professional
• Gutter Helmet: Because this option is only available by certain franchises, the installation is included in the price. Gutter Helmets are not available at home improvement stores.

While we’ve gone over a lot of information about gutter guards, there are some great questions homeowners ask about them to make sure gutter guards are the right option for them.

FAQ About Gutter Guards

Are there downsides to gutter guards?: There can be some downsides to gutter guards. All types require some maintenance. Cheaper guards often clog, while premium ones need occasional rinsing. Proper selection based on your preferences minimizes issues.

How often should I clean gutter guards?: It's generally suggested to clean gutter guards as needed. But a good rule is to inspect every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice overflow or pooling.

Can I clean gutter helmet systems myself?: Often not. Doing so may void the warranty, depending on the brand (like Gutter Helmet).

Are Gutter Guards Right for Your Myrtle Beach Home?

When you’re sick and tired of cleaning out your gutters, you may start looking for options to reduce time spent on gutter maintenance. Gutter Guards are a great option for that. Though it’s important to know that gutter guards will need maintenance from time to time. 

You may find that different gutter guards work best for your preferences, location, and budget than others. And while we tend to recommend the Raindrop® System for its price point, durability, and low-maintenance nature, you may find that another option is best for you. 

However, if you’ve found yourself stuck between the options – you’re not alone. We at Linta Roofing are happy to help you choose gutter guards that work best for you. Regardless of our preferences. So whether you’re ready to have gutter guards installed on your home or you need a little extra help, we’re happy to assist you in getting a gutter guard system that will bring you peace of mind for years to come.