Keeping a home in good shape can be challenging, especially with the mess nature often leaves behind.

Many have opted for products designed to make maintenance easier and reduce the risk of damage.

These solutions promise convenience and protection—but could they do more harm than good?


It's time to shed some light on a gutter blunder that might be costing Aussie homeowners thousands of dollars, and it's something that many 'people might not know.'

Gutter guards, while popular, may not be the safeguard we think they are.

They can create more harm than good, leading to more expenses in the long run.


This week, a business owner observed a concerning sight: thousands of leaves accumulated on an Australian roof with gutter guards installed.

Sydney gardener and landscaper Nathan Stafford has been vocal about the potential pitfalls of gutter guards.

Despite their purpose of preventing debris build-up, gutter guards can make it harder to clean the gutters when debris inevitably gets trapped beneath them.


The issue with gutter guards is that they're often bolted down with numerous nails, making removing any build-up from underneath extremely difficult.

This can lead to unseen problems such as blockages, rust, or mould, which may go unnoticed until there's an overflow or significant damage.

And when it's time for a clean-up, the presence of gutter guards can make the job more complicated and time-consuming than if the gutters were left uncovered.

With over 15 years of experience in home maintenance and thousands of gutter cleaning jobs under his belt, Nathan is not a fan of these devices.

'I've been maintaining homes for over 15 years, and I've done thousands of gutter cleaning jobs,' he said.

'What happens is, you get them installed and a lot of people think "Well, that's it." But things fall on top of them, and they have little holes, so over time, the matter breaks down and falls in.'

'Then it turns into a soil-like substance, and it's tough. Add a bit of rain to it, and it becomes mud, and it starts pulling on the gutters, which impacts the fascia of the roof.'

Marc Plowman, the business owner of an alternative guttering product, Flowmate, echoes these concerns.

He often receives calls to address gutters filled with leaves, even those with guards installed.

'Unfortunately, a lot of the time, consumers aren't told that they still need to maintain their gutters,' he said.

'Gutter guards are very costly; for example, gutter cleaning on a standard house would generally be about $350 even after a gutter guard is installed.'

Marc warns consumers are not always informed that gutter guards still require maintenance and that the debris left on top can decompose and create problems within the gutters.

Cleaning gutters with guards installed can cost around $350 for a standard house, which is a significant expense considering the guards are supposed to reduce maintenance needs.

Furthermore, Marc notes that about 25 to 30 per cent of his weekly jobs involve issues with gutter guards, often requiring removal or cleaning.


Once removed, any product warranty is usually voided, adding to the homeowner's woes.

While gutter guards might reduce the frequency and severity of cleaning for homes with dense leaf coverage, they are not the 'set-and-forget' solution they're often marketed as.

It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider alternative products that might offer better protection without hidden costs before investing in gutter guards.


Have they been a help or a hindrance? We'd love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for keeping those gutters clean without breaking the bank. Share your stories in the comments below.