Unless you like cleaning your gutters or paying someone to do it, JJ Quality Seamless Gutters, recommends Chicagoland area homeowners investing in gutter guards. Gutter protection systems, also known as gutter guards, can help maintain and preserve your gutters. These mesh, wire, vinyl, or aluminum guards are installed over gutter troughs to prevent leaves, pine needles, seeds, and debris from entering your gutter system and causing a clog and damage to your home’s gutters and roofing.