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Yes, gutters can still get clogged even with gutter guards installed. While guards significantly reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters, they are not 100% effective.

Small debris such as pine needles, seedlings, algae, small leaves, and pebbles can pass through the guard's screen or mesh and accumulate over time. Clogs can also form if the guards themselves are not cleaned and become overwhelmed with debris on top, preventing water from entering the gutter.

If this buildup is neglected, it can lead to clogs, water leaks, mold growth, and even plants sprouting from the gutters. The primary benefit of gutter guards is not the complete elimination of maintenance, but a dramatic reduction in how often you need to perform it, often from several times a year to just once a year or less.

The cost to install a downspout extension or reroute a downspout generally falls between $30 and $200. The final price depends on factors like whether you DIY the project or hire a gutter professional, the complexity of your gutter system, and the length of the new extension. A simple, above-ground DIY installation can cost as little as $30 for materials. In contrast, a more complex project involving professional installation and digging trenches for underground piping could cost over $1,000. This is still a significant saving compared to replacing your entire gutter system, which costs around $1,900 on average.

Installing a leaf protection system that keeps leaves and pine needles out of your gutter downspout is the best way to prevent clogs. Additionally, you may want to remove any trees or branches that are hanging over your downspouts to prevent leaves and branches from making their way into your gutter system. Of course, routine downspout cleaning and inspection can also help you stay ahead of clogs that create water damage at your home.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, to remove the debris from trees that can clog the eavestroughs and downspouts. Debris like leaves, twigs, and seed pods can build up and cause your gutters to overflow, potentially causing damage to your roof and foundation. Water backing up under the shingles can rot the edge of your roofline. Overflow water falling next to your foundation can end up leaking into your basement or crawl space.