Gutters are!! After a roof over your head... The most Important component to your house. They are responsible for directing the water away from your house. With out gutters the water falls to the ground and in time will crack and sink your foundation, sidewalks, deck, and any vegetation that holds everything together from dissolving . When covered at the roof causes major water and ice damage that will destroy all shingles, framing, soffit, overhangs and more. The true Geniuses are the inventors themselves and they did not add gutter guards to their invention just let them do there job and make sure they are kept cleaned and in working condition.......