If you’ve ever spent a weekend climbing a ladder and scooping out soggy leaves from your gutters, you know it’s not exactly a fun chore. While it’s a necessary part of home maintenance, there’s a better way to keep your gutters flowing freely: installing gutter guards. At Smith Roofing & Exteriors, we help homeowners in Fort Atkinson protect their homes and save time with professional gutter guard installation.
Gutter guards are a simple yet highly effective solution that sit on top of your gutters to keep out leaves, debris, and even pests. However, before deciding if they’re right for you, it’s essential to understand how they work, what the installation process entails, and why they can significantly impact your home’s long-term health.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards are covers, screens, or inserts that cover or protect the inside of your existing gutters. Their job is to block out large debris like leaves, pine needles, sticks, and even birds’ nests, while still letting rainwater flow through your gutters and away from your home. They come in different styles and materials, and we’ll help you choose the right one based on your home’s layout and the kind of trees around your property.
Why Gutter Guards Matter
Clogged gutters may not seem like a significant issue, but they can cause serious problems if left unaddressed. Water that doesn’t drain properly can overflow and pool around your home’s foundation, leading to cracks, erosion, and basement leaks. It can also back up onto your roof, causing rot and mold. Gutter guards help prevent all of that by keeping your gutter system working the way it’s supposed to—with less maintenance and fewer clogs.
What to Expect During Installation
When you hire Smith Roofing & Exteriors for gutter guard installation, we make the process simple from start to finish. First, we’ll inspect your current gutters to make sure they’re in good shape. If there’s any damage or sagging, we’ll repair it before adding the guards. Then, we’ll carefully install your selected gutter guards, making sure they’re secure and properly fitted to your gutter system.
Installation usually takes just a few hours, depending on the size of your home. You don’t need to be home during the process, but we’re always happy to walk you through what we’re doing and answer any questions. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident in the work we’re doing and the product we’re using.

Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards
The primary benefit of gutter guards is the peace of mind they provide. Once they’re in place, you won’t need to worry about spending hours cleaning gutters multiple times a year. That means no more climbing up a ladder in the fall or after every storm just to clear out wet, messy leaves.
Another advantage is protecting your home from water damage. Gutter guards help keep water flowing smoothly through your gutters and away from your siding, windows, and foundation. This helps prevent wood rot, mold, and the costly repairs that can come with it.
Additionally, gutter guards keep out pests like birds, squirrels, and insects who love to make nests in open gutters. With guards in place, your gutters won’t be an attractive home for unwanted guests.
Do Gutter Guards Eliminate Maintenance?
Gutter guards drastically reduce the amount of maintenance needed, but they don’t make your gutters 100% maintenance-free. Over time, small particles such as shingle grit and dirt can still accumulate. We recommend having your gutters checked annually to ensure everything is functioning properly. Still, this is a huge improvement over the several times a year most people need to clean their gutters without guards.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
In our experience, absolutely. Gutter guards are an investment that pays off by protecting your home and saving you time and energy. They’re especially useful if your property has a lot of trees, which can drop leaves and twigs that quickly clog up your gutters.
Additionally, with our expert installation and high-quality materials, your gutter guards will last for years, providing reliable performance without the hassle. We’ve seen countless homeowners in Fort Atkinson benefit from making the switch, and we’re confident you will, too.
Choosing the Right Gutter Guards
Not all gutter guards are created equal, which is why it’s essential to work with a team that understands the differences. At Smith Roofing & Exteriors, we’ll explain the pros and cons of different styles and help you choose what works best for your home’s needs and your budget. Whether you’re looking for mesh, foam, brush-style, or solid covers, we’ve got you covered with trusted products and professional service.
We’ll also make sure your entire gutter system is functioning properly, which is just as important as the guards themselves. Our team is experienced, friendly, and ready to help you protect your home the right way.
Contact Us Today
If you’re tired of climbing ladders or worrying about water damage, it’s time to take the next step. Let Smith Roofing & Exteriors help you protect your home with reliable gutter guards and expert installation. For peace of mind and less maintenance, contact our team today. We proudly serve Fort Atkinson and the surrounding areas with honest service and top-quality work. Call Smith Roofing & Exteriors at (608) 473-3590 and let us take care of your gutters, so you don’t have to.
