Are Gutter Guards Worth the Investment in a Dry Utah Summer? (Pros & Cons)

Most of the summer in Utah is hot, dry, and dusty. And if there’s barely any rainwater moving through your gutters, what’s the point of covering them up?

Some homeowners install gutter guards to avoid cleaning out leaves, pine needles, or even layers of fine dust blown in by summer winds. Nearly 63% of homeowners with gutter guards say they save at least four hours a year on maintenance. That’s precious weekend time you don’t have to spend wrestling with a ladder or getting your hands dirty.

But are gutter guards required in a dry state like Utah, where dust and debris are more common than heavy rain? Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of using gutter guards in Utah during the hot, dry season, which will help you make the best choice for your home.

Advantages of Gutter Guards in Dry Utah Summers

Just because Utah summers are dry doesn’t mean your gutters get a break. Between windy conditions, all the dust, and seasonal changes, uncovered gutters can cause you trouble and even expensive repairs. Gutter guards block rainwater; in Utah, they make your gutters more effective in all seasons.

1. Wind-Blown Debris Still Builds Up

Utah winds, particularly during summer storms or early fall, blow in leaves, fine dust, and twigs that can clog up your gutters. Even if you rarely see a downpour, all that debris can create problems like puddles around your foundation, sagging gutters, or even a breeding ground for pests. 

2. Cleaning Gutters Takes Less Time and Effort

With gutter guard installation, you block most of the gunk from getting in, and spend less time on maintenance, once or twice a year instead of every month. With less buildup to deal with, you’ll spend less time on a ladder and more time doing what you enjoy.

3. Protection for Every Season

In Utah, summers are dry, but springs bring storms, and fall brings a flood of leaves if you live near trees. Installing gutter guards in summer gets you ahead of the seasonal mess. A good rain gutter leaf guard setup keeps water moving and maintenance easy throughout the year.

4. Added Fire Protection

In areas prone to wildfires, gutter guards can keep dry leaves and pine needles from building up in your gutters, which lowers your risk if embers blow in during fire season. Some metal guards are even built to resist catching fire, a useful bonus for Utah homeowners in high-risk areas.

Drawbacks of Gutter Guards

Gutter guard installation can save you time on maintenance, but it’s not the best choice for everyone. Before you decide to install them, take a look at some potential drawbacks to see if they match your home and budget.

1. The Upfront Cost

Installing gutter guards can be expensive. Depending on the type you choose and the size of your house, you might pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. If your gutters are easy to reach and stay clean, it could be cheaper to pull out the ladder once or twice a year for a quick cleaning.

2. You’ll Still Need to Clean Occasionally

Gutter guard installation doesn’t save you from maintenance. Fine dust and tiny debris can pile up on top or sneak through in small amounts. You’ll likely need to sweep off or rinse your leaf gutter guards a few times a year to keep everything working smoothly.

3. Quality & Installation Matter

Some budget-friendly models might bend in the hot sun, get knocked loose in strong winds, or even trap more debris than they stop. Investing more in useful gutter guard setups and getting them installed by a professional can save you a lot of trouble.

4. Not For Every Home

If you don’t have trees nearby and your gutters rarely fill with leaves or dirt, you probably don’t need gutter guard cleaning. For some houses in Utah, a simple once-a-year cleaning will keep things flowing just fine.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It in Utah?

If your gutters are constantly filling with debris even in summer, then yes, gutter guards can be worth the investment. They save time, reduce stress, and help protect your home from water damage and pests. 

They’re also a smart long-term move if you want to cut down on future cleaning costs. But if you rarely have gutter issues and your home doesn’t sit under leafy trees, you may not need them.

When to Install Gutter Guards

If you’re thinking of installing gutter guards, summer is the perfect time to do it. The weather is dry, your gutters are empty and dry, and preparation is easier for both you and the installer. 

Use this extra time to compare different gutter guard models and prices and choose the best one for your home. Plus, summer is a less busy season for gutter guard companies, so it’s easier to find an appointment time that matches your schedule. 

The Bottom Line

Gutter guards may not be a perfect match for every home in Utah, particularly in areas where rain is light and trees are sparse. But if cleaning gutters is a pain or if clogs are a regular problem, investing in good guards can make your life a whole lot easier and help prevent expensive water damage.

Still not sure what’s right for you? Contact Ace Gutters Inc. to take a look at your setup. We’re a gutter cleaning company, but we can also help you with gutter guard installation and repairs. Let’s discuss your options today!