Ice and Freeze Prevention — As debris collects in uncovered gutters, it creates dams, blocking water from flowing and creating puddles within the gutters. In cold climates, these puddles can freeze and grow larger as more rain or snow enters the gutter and continues to freeze. Frozen ice dams can get so heavy that they weigh down gutters, causing them to sag, warp, crack, or even break completely and separate from the fascia of the roof.
By preventing debris from entering the gutter and creating dams in the system, gutter guards can greatly reduce the formation of ice in gutters.
Small amounts of ice may still form in colder weather and climates, but as long as water is able to flow smoothly through the system, large pools cannot form and subsequently freeze, significantly reducing this risk. Additionally, adding gutter guards can actually strengthen the gutter system, making the gutters better able to support the weight of ice if it does accumulate on top of them.
Rust and Corrosion Prevention — Preventing debris buildup and the pooling of water in gutter systems helps to eliminate the deterioration of the gutters as well. Enduring pools of water as well as damp leaves and sticks within the gutter system can lead to the formation of mold and rust, which can do permanent damage to the gutters. Once the surface of the gutter is worn from mold, they can be nearly impossible to keep clean as dirt collects more easily and as mold reappears in the same places.
Even worse, when gutters start to rust, they begin to decay. Holes and cracks can begin to form throughout the gutter system where rust has formed, allowing water to leak through and rendering the gutters useless. Using gutter guards to prevent pools of water and moist debris buildup greatly reduces the risk of rust and corrosion of gutters. Maintenance — Some homeowners assume that adding gutter guards to their rain gutter systems will eliminate the need for cleaning and maintenance altogether.
However, that is not the case—while gutter guards do greatly reduce the frequency of necessary cleaning, they do not eliminate it altogether. Gutter guards will still need to be cleaned as often as twice per year, depending on the area of the home and the amount of debris that forms around the gutters.
In areas with significant foliage, wind, and rain, leaves might begin to pile up over the top of the gutter guard, blocking water from entering the gutters and requiring them to be cleaned even more frequently. Furthermore, to extend the lifespan of the gutter guards and maintain their functionality, gutter guards should occasionally be removed and cleaned, which can be more time consuming and difficult than normal gutter cleaning.
Still, despite this necessary maintenance, adding gutter guards will reduce the time and energy spent on gutter cleaning and should greatly extend the lifetime of the gutter system in most cases.
Installation — While some gutter guards are merely inserted into the gutter, others require more effort to install, and some even require a professional installation. For the handy homeowner, installation is usually not very complex and can possibly be done in an afternoon.
However, for homeowners with larger roofs and multiple-story homes, installation can be a bit tougher. In any case, gutter guards require some form of installation, which will cost the homeowner time, energy, money, or all three.
Up-Front Cost — Gutter guards obviously will cost the homeowner money to purchase and, possibly, to install. On the flip side, cost and quality are directly correlated—higher quality gutter guards tend to be pricier than lower quality options. Still, with so many options available on the market, plenty of companies make reasonably priced guards that are also extremely effective.
This usually means that the homeowner must purchase and install new gutter guards when this time comes. However, if the homeowner purchases quality guards in the first place and takes good care of them with consistent maintenance, the gutter guards can last for many years, if not decades.
Additionally, some gutter guard companies offer lifetime warranties that guarantee the gutter guards will last. Leaf guards come in a variety of styles and may be composed of several different materials. Each style and material has pros and cons. Additionally, the method that the guards are installed is an important consideration. This section explores how to find the best gutter guards, including all of the options available and the pros and cons of each. The type or style of gutter guard refers to its construction.
The different types employ different methods of blocking debris and allowing water to enter and flow through the gutter system. Each type has benefits, and each type is prone to failure in different ways.
For a quick overview of each type, check out this short video from Consumer Reports that summarizes how well each type functioned over a 16 month test of their performance. Micro-mesh, or fine-mesh, gutter guards consist of tightly woven screens that create a fine mesh attached to a supporting frame that attaches to the rain gutter.
The mesh itself is almost always made of nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel. The fine mesh gutter screen allows water to pass through while blocking even the smallest debris. The fine mesh varies between companies, with some using a mesh screen so fine that it even blocks dirt from passing through.
Most experts agree that gutter screens using fine mesh are the most effective gutter guard systems available. The finely woven filter prevents all types of debris like pine needles, twigs, leaves, and dirt from entering the gutter, while still allowing rain water to easily enter. Similarly, insects and animals cannot enter the gutter either when these screens are used. The downside of fine-mesh screens is that when they are extremely fine, they can begin to grow algae or mold if used in very wet environments.
Because the gaps in the mesh are so small, some water droplets might remain stuck in the gaps due to surface tension. However, if the region is particularly rainy, humid, or cloudy, these droplets might rarely get the opportunity to dry, and microscopic algae or mold can start to grow within the water and slowly spread across the mesh. Over time, this can start to impede water flow or damage the mesh. However, this usually will take months to happen, so regular cleaning can prevent this issue.
Furthermore, most companies that offer this style of guard also offer a warranty that will protect the homeowner against early wear and damage. Often, these gutter guards are intended for installation by professionals; however, they can also be installed by the homeowner in many cases.
Micro-mesh gutter guards are the best option on the market, and while no solution is perfect, they are the most highly recommended and used among professional contractors. Screen gutter guards are typically made from aluminum, steel, plastic, or vinyl sections with small holes in them. The holes may be punched through a sheet of material, but sometimes a wide wire mesh with large holes is used. This style is conceptually similar to using a mesh gutter screen, but the holes are much larger.
The larger gutter screen blocks leaves, sticks, twigs, animals, and most debris from entering the gutter system, and water is able to easily pass through the screen. The size and shape of the holes in these gutter guards vary significantly between brands, and homeowners considering this type of guard should consider the types of foliage in their area. One of the biggest downsides to this style of guard is that the large holes make it easy for small debris and small insects to find their way into the gutter system.
That said, this style is best used in areas where leaves and sticks—not needles, dust, and fine debris—are the biggest concern. One positive aspect of the larger holes is that they are easier to clean. If the holes are large enough, or if a wide mesh is used, homeowners may be able to clean the gutter guards adequately by simply using a high-pressure hose. Another benefit is pricing. While this style of gutter guard can vary quite a bit depending on the materials used, it tends to be less expensive than other options.
Plastic is the cheapest option, while aluminum or stainless steel screen guards are usually more expensive. Reverse curve gutter guards also known as surface tension gutter guards leverage the unique properties of water to direct water into the gutters while keeping debris out. The upper surface is usually textured or ribbed to increase surface tension, ensuring that the water will stick to the surface and flow into the gutters. LeafGuard is the most popular example of this style product.
Reverse curve gutter guards are meant to last for a long time and eliminate the need for cleaning, though occasional maintenance will always be necessary for any type of guard. Over time, dirty water and small particles can build up and even block water from flowing in. Surface tension gutter guards are designed to be installed underneath the first or second row of roof shingles, which is problematic for a couple of reasons. First, the gutter guards will likely be visible from the street or walkway in front of the home.
Because of this, buyers must pay special attention to ensure they visually match the roof and existing gutters. Second, because the shingles must be lifted during installation, the integrity of the roof may be compromised and become prone to early wear. Lastly, surface tension gutter guards must be installed by a professional—usually a representative or affiliate of the company who makes them. For all of these reasons, surface tension gutter guards are less desirable and less often recommended by professional contractors and experts.
The brush-style gutter guard is constructed in a form that looks very much like a pipe cleaner. It is designed to rest inside of the gutter, block debris, and allow water to pass through its bristles.
This type of gutter guard is made from a thick metal wire core, usually between one and three feet in length, with polypropylene bristles extending from the center. This design was originally devised and manufactured by the family-owned GutterBrush. GutterBrush is still the primary manufacturer of this type of gutter guard. Brush style guards are one of the lowest-cost options on the market. They are also available for purchase at most hardware stores and even from online retailers like Amazon.
A major benefit of the brush-style gutter guard is the ease of installation. They are typically sold in small sections that can be inserted into the gutters. Unlike most other types of gutter guards, they require no screws or connections to the rain gutters they protect.
Virtually any homeowner with a ladder can install brush gutter guards themselves, so professional installation is rarely required unless the gutters are difficult to reach. Additionally, the brushes are easily bent to fit corners and unusually shaped gutter systems. Brush-style gutter guards do not actually cover the gutters, so while they do prevent leaves and other debris from building up and impeding the flow of water, they tend to catch the debris in their bristles, so they may need to be cleaned more often than other types of guards.
On the bright side, cleaning these gutter guards is easier than with any other style because they can be easily removed, sprayed with a hose, and replaced with little effort. However, since they do catch and fill up with debris so easily, homes surrounded by trees that drop small leaves or needles may want to try other styles.
This is a very effective type of gutter guard when used in the right situations. Foam gutter guards are triangular blocks of foam designed to sit inside of rain gutters and block debris from entering while allowing water to easily pass through their porous composition.
The most popular manufacturer of foam gutter guards is GutterStuff. They are typically sold in small sections that can easily be inserted into the gutter system. They can also be cut at an angle to fit corner sections. Because these gutter guards are placed within the rain gutters, they are not visible from the street or walkway in front of the home. One downside is that in extremely wet climates, these foam blocks can get saturated with water and begin to create mold, rot, or mildew.
When this happens, the foam guards will need to be replaced. These guards are also not the best for keeping out insects or small rodents, who can burrow into the foam and make nests. Foam-style gutter guards are some of the cheapest gutter guards available to homeowners. Gutter guards also come in different materials which vary in terms of durability. For the most part, the style of guard will determine which materials are available.
That said, homeowners will want to consider the following factors when deciding which materials are best for their home:. Aluminum is one of the most commonly used materials for gutter guards, especially gutter screens and surface tension gutter guards.
It is lightweight, easy to shape in manufacturing, and structurally durable. As such, it is one of the best options for gutter guards in most areas because of its combination of durability and cost. Aluminum does very well in both hot and cold environments because it is resistant to warping and cracking.
Sunlight also does not damage aluminum. However, if not coated or painted, aluminum can oxidize, which changes its appearance. Fortunately, most gutter guards that use aluminum are coated with some treatment layer or painted in order to prevent oxidation and changing appearance over time. Homeowners can expect their aluminum gutter guards to last upwards of 10 to 20 years and rely on them staying intact in almost every environment.
Steel, usually stainless steel , is another commonly used metal in gutter guards. It is heavier and more durable than aluminum, and it is used in many of the same situations: as a screen or structural element for mesh guards, as the body of screen guards, or as the body of surface tension gutter guards.
Steel is a great option for gutter guards for its durability, but its weight and cost can be a limiting factor in where it can be used. While steel is similar to aluminum in terms of its usage, it is generally stronger, heavier, and more expensive. Stainless steel is also both corrosion and rust resistant, so it maintains its structural integrity and visual appeal for the lifetime of the gutter guard. Steel can be used in any environment—even in extreme heat or cold—because it is resistant to warping and cracking, and it does not experience any damage from intense sunlight.
When steel is a key structural component of the gutter guard and is securely attached to the gutters, it can actually strengthen the entire gutter guard system and prevent the gutters themselves from warping or sagging when they are full of snow or ice.
On the other hand, since steel is so much heavier than other materials used in gutter guards, homeowners or professional installers must make sure that the entire system is secured to the roof or fascia, so there is no risk of them bringing down the gutter guard system when weighed down by snow or ice.
Built by a family-owned and operated manufacturer in Ohio, FlexxPoint gutter guards are trusted by both contractors and homeowners across the country. And unlike some models, it doesn't void roof warranties because it snaps right into the gutter instead of under the shingles. For installation, you need a cordless drill, tin snips, and, of course, a sturdy ladder.
This brush gutter guard features a steel wire core with UV-protected bristles that is easy to install. All you need to do is slide it in your gutter channel, which takes just a few minutes. Thanks to its flexible design, you can move it under bars and other obstacles in your gutter system. Customers love the simple installation, affordable price, and functional performance.
First set has been in use for five years with no issues. Looking for a cheap solution? Featuring quarter-inch mesh holes, the gutter screen is ideal for keeping large debris out of your rain gutters.
This product is very customizable, so it works well for most roofs. Just grab a pair of scissors, zip ties, and you're ready to install. Reviewers say " the price can't be beat " and the gutter guard is a " cheap fix to an annoying problem.
The Amerimax gutter guard has a super simple installation process. Effortlessly slide the mesh screen under the first row of shingles, then snap it onto the front edge of the gutter.
Made of powder-coated steel, the product is built to last at least ten years. This gutter leaf protector is compatible with four-, five-, and six-inch K-style gutters.
Customers say these gutter guards are easy to install and actually work. Bridget Degnan. By Bridget Degnan August 16, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Related Content gutter guards.
Best on a Budget. Easiest to Install. Types of Gutter Guards. Many styles simply slide in or snap-in into your pre-existing gutters. Other needs to be screwed or clamped. It is important to note that some gutter types need to be anchored under the edge of your roof shingles, which can void your entire roof warranty. The best gutter guards cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars.
These prices of course do not include professional installation fees. I gathered up some of the best-looking products from major retailers around the world and compared their types, quality of building materials, warranty options, effectiveness, and whether or not they void roof warranties during the installation process.
Next, I gathered additional intel on each of the items on my list, including pros, cons, customer ratings, complaints, and more. The reviews you read above are the only seven gutter guards that made the final cut That is how we picked, and why you know they are worthy of your consideration and investment.
Choosing the right gutter guard is a matter of spending time to find the product that offers the best balance between what you need from such a product vs. Our pick for the best gutter guards for your home is LeafFilter. Not only do they fit the bill, with flying colors, because they are genuinely high-end and come with professional installation, but they also have a lifetime warranty to boot. Not impressed with LeafFilter, or think they cost too much?
Keep in mind that the best gutter guards for you are the ones that expand the lifespan of your gutters, manage to keep the most types of debris out of the system, and are also the ones that are easiest to install. We are reader supported. External links may earn us a commission. Table of Contents. Type: cylinder-shaped bristles Material: polypropylene and galvanized steel Warranty: 10 Year. Type: screen gutter guard Material: aluminum Warranty: 25 years. Type: foam filter Material: high-grade polyether outdoor foam Warranty: 3 years.
Type: patened raised micro-mesh gutter guard Material: stainless steel mesh and aluminium rails Warranty: 20 years. Type: one-piece hooded gutter system Material: aluminum Warranty: limited lifetime.
LeafFilter Gutter Guard. This gutter guards patented design not only does a superior job of protecting your gutters and downspouts, but it also poses no risk of voiding gutter or roof warranties when installing it.
Pros: Cons: Get the Price! GutterBrush Leaf Gutter Guard. Both well-known and affordable, GutterBrush Leaf Guard Guards are a safe and secure investment that take little effort to install or maintain. This unique guard mounts directly to the top of your gutters, filtering out debris and allowing water to flow freely. These easy to install guards are one of the best for filtering even the smallest debris particles, but are not for all gutter styles.
Superior Gutter Guards. The Superior Gutter Guards are an excellent investment for home owners looking for a long-term and high-quality product to protect their gutter system. LeafGuard Gutter Guard. This long-lasting and efficient guard is cut to custom length based on each pre-existing gutter on your home and provide superior protection. Related Posts. Xeriscaping: A Guide for Beginners. How to Start a No Dig Garden. The Best Camping Hammocks.
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