Key numbers
Colorado law (HB16-1005) allows up to two rain barrels per household with a combined capacity of 110 gallons, filled only from rooftop downspouts and used outdoors (Colorado State University Extension, 2016 law).
| 71.7% | According to Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, an asphalt shingle roof replacement in the Mountain region cost $28,475 on average and recouped 71.7% at resale. Source: Remodeling / JLC (Zonda), 2025 |
|---|---|
| 20 | NAHB's 2007 study puts gutter life at more than 50 years for copper and 20 years for aluminum. Source: National Association of Home Builders / Bank of America Home Equity, 2007 |
| 67.5% | According to Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average asphalt shingle roof replacement cost $31,871 and recouped 67.5% at resale. Source: Remodeling / JLC (Zonda), 2025 |
Gutter guards are worth it in Colorado Springs if trees hang over your roof, especially pines and cottonwoods, or if your gutters are on a tall second story you do not want to climb to twice a year. They are usually not worth it on runs with no trees overhead. In snow country the type matters as much as the decision: choose a guard that sheds snow and ice rather than holding it on the gutter, and have it fastened so it does not loosen the hangers. Done right, guards keep water flowing away from the fascia and foundation and cut down on cleaning.
When guards pay off, and when they do not
| Worth it | Usually not worth it |
|---|---|
| Ponderosa pines, spruce or cottonwoods over the roof | Gutter runs with open sky above |
| Two-story gutters or steep lots where cleaning is risky | Single-story gutters you clean easily |
| Overflow that has stained fascia or soaked the foundation | Gutters that overflow because they are undersized or poorly pitched |
| Homes in the foothills, Black Forest or Woodland Park | Rental properties with yearly maintenance already contracted |
Our gutter cost guide puts guards where trees are overhead and leaves them off open runs, which keeps the cost down.
Types of guards, and how they handle our winters
| Type | Keeps out | Snow and ice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine micro-mesh | Needles, seeds, most grit | Good when installed on a slope that sheds | Best all-round for pine lots; brush pollen off the top |
| Perforated metal or screen | Leaves, larger debris | Fair | Short needles slip through |
| Reverse curve (surface tension) | Leaves | Can let ice build at the lip | Works best under broadleaf trees |
| Foam or brush inserts | Leaves | Poor; hold water that freezes | We rarely recommend them here |
Colorado Springs averages about 32.5 inches of snow a season, and freeze-thaw cycles are common. The guard should sit at the roof’s pitch so snow slides over it, and the gutter needs hangers strong enough for snow and ice. If your roof sheds snow in slabs, such as a metal roof, snow guards on the roof protect the gutter too; see how to choose a gutter system for a Colorado Springs home.
For a neutral side-by-side of all five guard types, including the LeafGuard hood system we install, see our gutter guard guide.
Why professional installation matters
- Fastening. A guard tucked under the shingles in the wrong place can lift the first course, void a shingle detail, or let water behind the gutter. We fasten to the gutter and keep the roof edge intact.
- Pitch and drainage. Guards will not fix a gutter that holds water. We check slope and downspout count first.
- Hail. Lightweight guards dent. Ask for a gauge and material that will survive a typical storm.
- The roof edge. Drip edge, ice and water shield and a sound fascia come first; guards go on top of a good edge, not instead of one.
Keeping guards working, twice a year
- Late fall, after leaves and needles drop: brush debris off the top of the guards.
- After the first big snow: look for ice building on the guard at the gutter lip.
- Spring, after pollen: rinse the mesh and flush each downspout.
- After hail: check for dents or guards pulled loose from the gutter.
Guards, gutters and the roof work together
Water that overflows a clogged gutter backs up at the eave, rots fascia and soaks the foundation. In winter, ice at the eave is mostly an attic problem; see why attic ventilation matters. Rooftop rain can also feed garden barrels within Colorado’s limits; see metal roofs and rainwater. If your gutters are aging, read when to replace your gutters and compare seamless and sectional gutters.
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Call (719) 488-2800, book a free Colorado Springs inspection, or see gutter guards in Colorado Springs.
Sources: National Weather Service Pueblo, Colorado Springs normals and records (1991 to 2020 seasonal snowfall); Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Reroofing Guidelines (drip edge required at eaves and rakes).
