Are Gutter Guards Worth It in the West of Ireland? An Honest Answer

Gutter guards can cut down on the leaves getting into your gutters, but they don't make gutters maintenance-free. Moss, silt and small debris still build up, and guards may need lifting to clean underneath. We don't fit gutter guards, but we clean gutters that have them at no extra charge.

First, we don't sell or fit guards

We clean gutters. We don't fit gutter guards, so we've nothing to sell you either way. This is what we'd tell a customer who asks.

What gutter guards are

Gutter guards are covers or inserts that sit in or over the gutter to keep leaves out. The common types are mesh covers, foam inserts and brush inserts.

Do they stop gutters blocking?

They help with big leaves, but they don't stop everything. In the West, a lot of what fills gutters is moss washed off the roof and fine silt, and that can still get in or sit on top of the guard. So gutters with guards still need checking and cleaning.

In general terms, each type has its own weak spot:

• Mesh covers keep big leaves out, but moss, seeds and fine debris can build up on top of the mesh and stop water getting through.
• Foam inserts sit inside the gutter, so silt and debris can collect in the foam itself, and once it's clogged the water runs over.
• Brush inserts let water through the bristles, but leaves and moss can get caught in them, so they need lifting out to clean.

Cleaning gutters that have guards

If your gutters have guards fitted, they may need lifting so we can clean underneath. There's no extra charge for this. We clear everything from the ground with our gutter vac and camera, and flush and test every downpipe.

So are they worth it?

If you have a lot of trees near the house, guards can mean fewer leaves in the gutters. But they're not a reason to stop cleaning. Whether you have guards or not, get your gutters checked at least once a year, ideally in late autumn after the leaves have fallen. If you're thinking of getting guards fitted, talk to a roofer or gutter installer.

What a clean costs

Gutter cleaning starts from €80 including VAT for a terraced house or a semi with front and back gutters. A semi with a side gutter is €100 and a detached house is from €120. There's no extra charge for blocked gutters, rodding downpipes or guards, and no travel charge. See the 2026 gutter cleaning price guide.

Local pages: gutter cleaning in Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, the rest of Mayo, Galway and Tuam.

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