The intended function of gutter covers is to keep vegetative debris (for example, leaves, needles, etc.) out of the rain gutter. These devices either cover the gutter with a solid material or screen, or fill the gutter with a porous foam material. The covers and fill materials won't be maintenance-free — some have a tendency for debris to accumulate on the roof behind the device. This debris should be removed on a regular basis. If you are looking for a device that you can install and then walk away, these probably won’t meet your needs. Clearing debris from your gutter should be part of your regular maintenance, regardless of your wildfire threat. Whether these devices will help protect your home from wildfire will depend on how well they keep debris out of your gutter and to some degree how your gutter is attached to the roof edge. Look at this attachment area. If you see wood or plastic immediately above the gutter, then the device could help. If you see metal flashing, either integral to the gutter or as part of the roof edge flashing system, then it may not be as helpful.

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