Gutter guard cleaning: covered does not mean finished

Why guarded gutters still get dirty

Screens and covers help most against big leaves. They are less effective against the fine matter that Central Florida trees produce: pollen, oak tassels, pine needles that lie across a screen and the gritty film that washes off shingles. That layer can bridge the openings and shed water over the edge instead of into the trough.

If you have guards, tell us what type they are and whether they are screwed down, tucked under the shingle edge or clipped in. Lifting and re-fitting take different amounts of time.

What to confirm before you book

Not every gutter company works on every guard system, and lifting some products can affect their fit. Before you book, with us or anyone else, ask:

• Do you service my type of guard, and do you lift it or clean in place?
• Is cleaning under the guard included in the price?
• Will you tell me if a section is damaged or loose?
• What happens if a panel is bent during removal?

Are guards worth it on a large home?

It depends on the trees, the roof and how reachable the gutters are. On a taller house, fewer ladder trips is attractive, and guards can reduce how often the troughs fill. They do not eliminate the need for a check, particularly under heavy oak cover or after a big storm.

If you are weighing installation, that is a different trade from cleaning, and we do not do it. We clean existing gutters and guards. For the product question, the FAQ has a short answer, and the gutter cleaning page covers the standard clean-out.