US Gutter Guard Sales Lifted by COVID-19 Home Renovation Boom

A new Freedonia Group analysis finds that US demand for gutter guards grew strongly in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the surge in home renovation activity during the second half of the year:

• Consumers with the financial means (such as additional disposable income due to government stimulus payments) to afford large-scale jobs were able to undertake such projects as the replacement of older or worn gutters and downspouts, which often entails installation or replacement of gutter guards.
• Also supporting growth was the strong increase in single-family home sales – especially those located in suburban and exurban areas, where many urbanites flocked during the pandemic. Homeowners often install gutter guards shortly after purchasing a new home.
• Homeowners with more limited means were able to install gutter guards as DIY projects.

Gutter guards are increasingly popular with homeowners looking to prevent gutters from being clogged by fallen leaves, pine needles, and other debris, thereby minimizing the need to periodically clean gutters, which can be a time-consuming and potentially dangerous task.

Though these products find some use in commercial buildings – particularly restaurants, offices, and healthcare and education facilities going for a residential aesthetic – residential improvement and repair applications dominate gutter guard sales, accounting for 85% of demand in volume terms in 2020.

Storm Activity Was Another Key Sales Driver in 2020

In addition to the pandemic, the weather also impacted gutter guard sales growth in 2020. The outbreak of multiple severe weather events across the US caused widespread damage, necessitating some homeowners to repair and replace roofs. Gutters are often repaired and replaced at the same time as reroofing projects, and new gutter guards are often installed to protect them during these projects.

Looking Ahead, Gutter Guard Market to Moderate as Pandemic Effects Abate

Through the rest of 2021 and into 2022, demand for gutter guards is anticipated to grow, albeit at a more measured pace, as those homeowners who undertook gutter guard repair or replacement projects in 2020 and 2021 will be unlikely to require further work in the near future.

Through 2025, US demand for gutter guards is forecast to increase 2.5% annually to $746 million, equivalent to 362.4 million linear feet. While expanding use of higher value products in the residential market – which represents the vast majority of sales – will boost gains in value terms, the large number of units installed in 2020 and 2021 amid the pandemic era will limit further installations going forward.

Material Trends: Low Cost & Versatile, Plastic Gutter Guards Are Increasingly Popular with DIYers

Through 2025, plastic gutter guards are projected to post above average gains due to their low cost and light weight, which boosts their appeal with DIYers. Additionally, the variety of available plastic products (especially in terms of meshes and screens, and foams and bristles) will bolster growth. Plastic can be used with any gutter material, though it is less likely to be used with high-end gutter materials like copper.

Design & Construction Trends Expand Opportunities in the Residential Market

Not only is the share of US homes with gutters featuring gutter guards expanding, more homeowners are embracing construction projects that encompass these products. For instance, home design trends are leading to increased construction of homes with multiple gables, which both provide visual interest to a home and boost the amount of gutters required for proper drainage, as well as the length of gutter guard needed to protect them.

Want to Learn More?

Gutter Guards is now available from the Freedonia Group.

About the Author:

Peter Kusnic is a Content Writer with The Freedonia Group, where he researches and writes studies focused on an array of industries.