Why Gutter Guards Are Are Not The Answer: The Hidden Costs & Maintenance Issues

Many homeowners believe that installing gutter guards will eliminate the need for gutter cleaning altogether. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, gutter guards are an expensive gimmick that still require regular maintenance, often at a cost much higher than simply cleaning your gutters. Before investing thousands in a so-called “set-and-forget” solution, here’s why regular gutter cleaning in Brisbane is the smarter choice.

1. The High Cost of Gutter Guards vs. Regular Cleaning

✔ Gutter Guards Cost $2,000+ to Install

The average cost of gutter guard installation ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of your home and the type of guard used. Many homeowners assume this is a one-time cost, but they don’t realize gutter guards still require cleaning and maintenance.

✔ Gutter Cleaning With Gutter Guards Costs 10x More Over Time

A standard gutter cleaning service in Brisbane costs $99-$450 per clean, whereas cleaning gutters with gutter guards can cost $1,000-$2,250 per clean due to the extra labor involved in removing and reinstalling the guards.

On average, gutter guard cleaning is required every 2 years, meaning homeowners will pay between $5,000-$11,250 over 10 years just for maintenance. In contrast, regular gutter cleaning (every 12 months) over the same period costs only $990-$4,500.

Even worse, the initial cost of installing gutter guards is between $2,000 and $5,000, which is equivalent to 10 years’ worth of professional gutter cleaning. In total, homeowners with gutter guards could spend up to $16,250 over a decade, while those who opt for regular cleaning spend only $990-$4,500—a massive cost difference of up to $11,750.

Technicians must remove and reinstall the guards before and after cleaning.
Debris still builds up on top of the guards, requiring manual removal.
Downpipes and drainage systems still clog, requiring professional servicing.

A standard gutter cleaning service in Brisbane costs $99-$450, whereas cleaning gutters with gutter guards can cost $1,000-$2,250 per clean. Over a few years, you’ll spend more on cleaning than you would have without the gutter guards.

2. Gutter Guards Do Not Prevent Clogs

Despite their marketing claims, gutter guards don’t stop debris from entering your gutters. Here’s what happens:

Leaves, dust, and dirt still accumulate on top of the guards, blocking water flow.
Small particles slip through, leading to sludge buildup inside gutters.
Pests like birds, rodents, and insects nest in clogged gutter guards.
It actually turns your gutters into a small green house and actually make weeds and plants flourish in them.

In the end, homeowners must still schedule professional gutter cleaning Brisbane regularly if they have gutter guard which is very costly to keep their drainage systems working properly.

3. Gutter Guards Can Cause More Problems Than They Solve

Instead of making maintenance easier, gutter guards create new problems, including:

Water Overflow Issues – Blocked guards cause water to spill over, leading to roof leaks, foundation erosion, and interior damage.
Difficult Repairs & Replacements – Once installed, removing or replacing gutter guards is costly and time-consuming.
Increased Weight on Gutters – Some guards add extra weight, causing gutters to sag or detach from the roof over time.
Blockages you cant see because they are hidden under the guard. Most of the time its way too late and damages will be already caused as you wont be able to prevent them.
v We get call all the time to have them removed due to all the above and that isn't cheap either as you now have screw holes all over your roof and gutters from fixing them down.

Many homeowners eventually pay to have gutter guards removed, realizing they are more hassle than they’re worth.

4. Why Regular Gutter Cleaning Is the Best Solution

Instead of wasting money on gutter guards, routine gutter maintenance is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. Here’s why:

Much Lower Cost – A regular gutter cleaning costs $99-$450, compared to $1,000-$2,250 per clean with gutter guards.
Better Water Flow – With open gutters, rainwater flows freely, reducing the risk of overflows and roof damage.
No Extra Repairs – Unlike gutter guards, professional Brisbane gutter cleaning services don’t damage your roof or drainage system.

5. How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Every 12 months – For homes and homes in low-debris areas.
Every 6 months – If your property has tree coverage.
Every 3-4 months – For storm-prone regions.
Quarterly Cleaning – Ideal for commercial & body corporate buildings.

6. Save Money & Avoid the Gutter Guard Scam – Book a Cleaning Today!

At UltraVac Gutter Cleaning Brisbane, we help homeowners avoid costly mistakes by offering affordable, professional gutter cleaning without unnecessary gimmicks.

✅ High-Powered Vacuum Gutter Cleaning – A deep clean with no mess. ✅ Trained & Insured Technicians – Safe and reliable service. ✅ Servicing All Brisbane Suburbs – Providing expert gutter cleaning services Brisbane for homes and businesses.

Request a free quote now and stop overpaying for gutter guard maintenance today!