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Gutters fitted with gutter guard still need cleaning beneath the mesh. AGCCO generally recommends maintenance every six to twelve months, depending on the property's tree cover, debris and gutter guard condition. Removing leaves from the top is only part of the job.
Gutter guard can hide the build-up it was meant to reduce. Leaves break down, fine material gets underneath, and the gutter can gradually fill without the owner seeing much from the ground.
Expert insight from Dylan Howell, Director of Australian Gutter Cleaning Co., with 15 years in roofing and eight years in gutter cleaning. Updated 28 October 2026.
Already have gutter guard and cannot remember the last clean beneath it? Request a quote with your full property address, and let us know how long the gutter guard has been in place.
Why the underside matters
Mesh reduces some of the debris entering a gutter, but it does not make the space underneath maintenance-free. Fine debris and decomposing leaf material can accumulate around the gutter and its outlets.
Dylan regularly sees the same situation: the homeowner was told that gutter guard would end the need for cleaning, several years pass, and a substantial layer of material is found under the mesh.
When the underside has been neglected, cleaning often becomes a more involved job. The amount of debris, the way the system is attached and the condition of the mesh all affect the work needed.
How AGCCO approaches the clean
Our initial quote is for a top clean of the gutter guard: clearing debris from the surface of the mesh. Satellite imagery cannot show the build-up or condition underneath, so we assess beneath the mesh on the day.
We first assess the roof, access and gutter guard condition and take before photos. If cleaning is needed underneath, the on-site assessment lets us explain the additional work involved and provide an accurate price.
Where under-mesh cleaning forms part of the agreed work, access may involve lifting one edge, opening sections or more extensive removal where the gutters have been left for a long time. We vacuum out accessible debris, use crevice tools in tight gutter sections and air-flush accessible above-ground downpipes using our industrial vacuum equipment.
The extra time is in safely reaching the gutter, opening the mesh and refitting it. For you, this means the price reflects the work your installation actually needs, including any fragile or damaged mesh that needs attention.
We assess visible roof concerns, take after photos and prepare a roof and gutter condition report. Underground drainage problems require a plumber.
Why gutters fitted with gutter guard can cost more to clean
With an open gutter, the debris is directly accessible. With fixed gutter guard, reaching that same material can mean dealing with many fixings, carefully lifting the mesh and then reinstating it.
The work can increase substantially when the gutter guard is old, brittle or has not been opened for years. Some mesh bends or tears when handled and may need repair or replacement rather than simple refitting.
Let us know if gutter guard is fitted. An existing photo or previous service report can help us identify the system. Your initial quote covers the top clean; lifting the mesh and cleaning underneath is additional work assessed on the day.
How often should the underside be cleaned?
AGCCO's usual recommendation is maintenance every six to twelve months, adjusted to the property's conditions. Heavy tree cover can justify the shorter interval. The amount of material found during a clean helps guide the next booking.
Gum trees shed debris throughout the year. Norfolk pines and larger-leafed trees can also create recurring problems. Do not use a tidy-looking top surface as the only indication that the gutter below is clear.
Overflow, visible debris around outlets, plant growth or a long gap since the underside was inspected are reasons to arrange an assessment. Persistent water entry also needs investigation; cleaning will not repair every roof or drainage fault.
Should gutter guard stay or come off?
That depends on why it was fitted and how it is performing. For a home that previously needed three or four gutter cleans a year, a suitable system may still offer a useful reduction in visits.
If the home would otherwise need one annual clean, the installation and extra maintenance work may be harder to justify. Our guide to whether gutter guard is worth it explains how we approach that decision.
Get a quote for cleaning gutters with gutter guard. We require your full property address for an accurate quote. Include the number of storeys, any known roof or access concerns and when the gutter underneath was last cleaned. Each job is priced individually according to the work required.
What can be hidden beneath gutter guard?
From above, gutter guard can conceal a substantial build-up. This AGCCO photo shows vegetation growing beneath slotted gutter guard. We assess underneath on the day because satellite imagery cannot reveal this condition.
