Gutter guards not only ensure your gutters function as they should, but they also make home maintenance much easier. Here's how to install them.

Installing gutter guards doesn’t take a lot of skill and can be beneficial to your home in multiple ways.

For homeowners unsure about how to install gutter guards this fall, Gutter Guards Guide recommends considering factors like climate, roof style and guard materials.

What do they do? "Gutter guards are designed to keep out debris and animals, like birds looking to make your gutters their next nest," says roofing expert and president of Window Genie David Flax.

Snap-on guards go in quickly, while screws and bolts add to the installation time and cost. If you have a steeply pitched roof or multiple rooflines, the job will require more time and cost.

That means for about $39 you could do 100 linear feet of guttering. The new snap-in gutter guards never rust and keep leaves and debris out of your gutters and downspouts.