Gutter guards may seem to be an easy, worry-free solution, but we’ve learned that the reality is different. First of all, when we clean gutters that have guards on them, we still find pine needles, roof granules, and other debris inside them. We’ve also found that moss grows inside them because of the dark, damp conditions. Debris can also gather atop the guards and keep water from getting into them. When that happens, water spills directly over those spots, defeating the purpose of gutters and potentially causing structural damage. Gutter guards are a great way to keep your gutters clean, but they're not the only thing that needs attention. Maintaining a regular gutter cleaning schedule in addition will help prevent any clogs or other problems down the line and ensure that you have no issues with water damage from leaves getting blown into bushes by windy days!