Something to consider when getting your roof or new gutters installed is gutter protection, especially if you live in a mature neighbourhood with large trees. Gutter guards are a great solution to avoiding another property maintenance task. They save you both time and money, getting a proper gutter cleaning is not cheap since many Toronto and GTA homes are hard to access. I’ve had many clients tell me, I had my gutters cleaned this spring/fall. “What did it cost I ask?” If the answer is $80-$100 and you live in Toronto I can tell you that your cleaning consisted of the easy to reach sections. Therefore instead of being taken advantage of by a Kijiji gutter cleaner I recommend installing gutter guards to drastically reduce the amount of gutter maintenance. Below is an explanation of gutter guards and some additional benefits.
What are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are designed in many different styles. The one I think is best is a mesh style gutter guard. These are basically covers that are fitted into your existing gutters in order to stop leaves and other debris from entering the gutter and potentially blocking the gutter, downpipes and even the storm water drain. One disadvantage I would like to mention is that on very heavy rainfall, they won’t always let in water fast enough creating a similar effect to an overflowing gutter. I do not agree with manufacturers claiming that gutter guards keep water in and create a perfect balance.
Gutter Guard additional benefits:

1. Firstly, they stop leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutters so that you don’t have to spend your time cleaning out the blockages or spend money to hire professionals. These blockages can become costly issues during winter months.
2. Protect from the expansion of ice as it thaws and refreezes inside of the eavestrough.
3. It means that your gutters only have to be cleaned every three to five years, instead of twice a year. From experience this usually means cleaning by the downspout opening, as this is the only place I have ever seen a build up when gutter guards were used. This particular property was at Yonge St. & College and Smart Screen was installed 4 years ago.
4. Gutter guards can improve the flow of water through the gutters and downpipes as they stop them from blocking up. This is excellent if you have a rainwater tank as it means that your tank will refill more quickly when it rains. The water will also be cleaner as the gutter guard filters out debris and contaminants.
5. They can also stop insects and vermin such as mosquitoes, mice, cockroaches, and spiders from breeding in the gutters. Gutter guards greatly reduce the amount of stagnant water that just sits in the gutter and because there is little to no stagnant water. Gutter guards are also a physical barrier to rodents, birds, and possums that can otherwise find their way into your roof space.