Are Gutter Guards Worth It? Our Testing Says, "Yes."

## Are Gutter Guards Worth It? Our Testing Says, "Yes." ### Key points Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

Gutters can quickly become clogged with nasty debris such as waterlogged leaves, pine needles, and pests. While you can grab a scoop and clean your gutters by hand, gutter guards are a popular alternative option for gutter maintenance as they reduce the frequency and difficulty of gutter cleaning. Also called gutter covers or leaf guards, the best gutter guards add a layer of protection to your gutter system by keeping debris out. Many gutter guards are effective, but they come at a cost. “You can spend a lot of money on gutter guards,” said Kevin Brauer, owner of Storm Guard Roofing and Construction in St. Louis. Gutter guards range from lower-end products sold at home improvement stores to professionally installed brands. Stainless steel gutter guards “will get just about any type of debris,” according to Brauer, but they’re more expensive.

Not all gutter guards are created equal.

Kevin Brauer, Storm Guard Roofing and Construction

Some brands advertise that you’ll never need to clean your gutters again after you install their guards. But this claim is too good to be true. No gutter guard can completely eliminate the need for regular upkeep and maintenance, even stainless steel guards. That doesn’t mean gutter guards won’t work, though. Guards can reduce how often you need to clean your gutters if you find a product that suits your home’s needs. Brauer recommends talking to a local expert about the best type of guard to install, as “not all gutter guards are created equal.” ## Are gutter guards worth the money? Your location, the surrounding foliage, and the type of guard you choose affect how well your gutter guards work and whether they’re worth your money. ### When gutter guards are worth your money The main benefit of installing gutter guards is the time, energy, and money it can save you. If you live in a region with heavy foliage, gutter guards can simplify gutter cleaning each year. Gutter guards generally have a raised, flat surface where debris collects or rolls off. Rather than scooping out debris from trough-like gutters, you can use a hose or brush for a quick cleaning. Gutter guards improve the function of your gutters, which can save you money by preventing more expensive problems. Clogged gutters lead to overflow that can soak into walls and fascia. This, in turn, can compromise the integrity of your exterior and lead to mold and mildew. Overflowing gutters can also lead to water pooling around your foundation. One or two overflows from a bad storm likely won’t cause serious damage, but consistent overflow and pooling water can cause foundation damage. ### When gutter guards aren’t worth your money Gutter guards’ primary purposes are to filter out leaves, pollen, and other plant matter and to maintain water flow through your gutters. Thus, you won’t get as much mileage out of a gutter guard system if you live in an arid climate or in a home without nearby foliage. You may not need gutter guards or even a gutter system in general, depending on your home’s landscaping or drainage system. For example, if your home is located atop a hillside with a steep incline, the natural slope of the ground will direct water away from the foundation. Brauer shared the example of homes in the Wyoming mountains that don’t require gutters: “The water evacuates down the hill so quickly that they don’t have a lot of problems with foundational water issues.”

The water evacuates down the hill so quickly that they don’t have a lot of problems with foundational water issues.

Kevin Brauer, Storm Guard Roofing and Construction

Adding gutter guards to your home won’t have a big benefit if your foundation and soil are protected based on your local climate or your yard’s drainage system. ## Do gutter guards work? Yes, generally gutter guards can help reduce the frequency with which you need to clean your gutters to prevent clogs and overflowing water. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s home protection guidelines, gutters should be cleaned at least twice yearly. With a mid-grade gutter guard system, you need to clean your gutters once every year or two, according to Brauer. That means gutter guards can reduce how often you need to clean your gutter system by at least half. The effectiveness of your gutter guards depends primarily on the material and design and the types of clogs it’s guarding against. Gutter guards work best if you choose the appropriate one for your home. ## Types of gutter guard materials we tested ### Micro-mesh Micro-mesh gutter guards sit on top of the gutter and use finely woven mesh screens to block large and small debris. They connect to your gutters via uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) or aluminum frames. The mesh is typically made from high-end materials, such as surgical-grade stainless steel. We installed DIY micro-mesh guards on a model roof as a part of our brand testing. The micro-mesh guards protected against the widest variety of materials in our testing, including pine needles, shingle grit, and seedpods. Although effective against a broad range of debris, micro-mesh guards are more expensive and may require additional work to install compared to other types. For example, the installation took careful attention to detail as we had to snip the solid tin frame to prevent gaps between the gutter guard sections. ### Reverse curve Also known as gutter helmets, reverse-curve gutter guards are extremely durable. These guards resemble a large, curved plastic cap that sits atop your rain gutter system. They use water flow to push debris off and onto the ground while allowing water to enter your gutters. These gutter guards block debris but often overflow in heavy rain. “The water comes off so fast that you end up overshooting,” said Brauer. “It keeps your gutter clean, but it doesn’t get the water away from your foundation.” ### Screen Gutter screens are thin sheets of perforated metal or uPVC. These guards work well for large debris, such as twigs, seedpods, and leaves, but they won’t stop small debris from entering your gutters. They provide a secure connection and are very durable. Foam, brush, and micro-mesh guards have a tendency to bend, but a well-made screen gutter guard is more rigid and can better withstand impacts. Unlike some gutter guards that sit in your gutters or snap on, most perforated screen gutter guards screw directly onto the gutter’s edge. Secured gutter screens could be a good fit if you have tree limbs over your house. “If a limb falls off, it can come down and knock an unsecured guard out,” said Brauer.

If a limb falls off, it can come down and knock an unsecured guard out.

Kevin Brauer, Storm Guard Roofing and Construction

We tested both metal and plastic screen guards as part of our testing process. These guards were the most difficult to install, requiring drilling holes and resizing. That said, they provided the most secure attachment and durability. The screen guards kept out most materials and only allowed shingle grit, pine needles, and small seedpods through. When it comes to performance and price, I found these guards to be the best “middle of the road” option. They are more expensive and perform better than brush and foam guards but are less costly than micro-mesh screens. Micro-mesh keeps out smaller materials, such as shingle grit and pine needles, and is typically made from longer-lasting materials. ### Foam Foam gutter guards can be easy to install and use because they are simply placed inside your gutters. That said, they aren’t as effective as most alternatives. Foam guards don’t allow water to pass through quickly enough to handle heavy rainfall, and they’ll eventually break down in sunlight and require replacement. “Are they super easy to install? Absolutely,” said Brauer. However, he ultimately isn’t a big fan of foam inserts because they can break down in a number of ways. We evaluated foam guards and noted that these products can block most debris, even small particles such as shingle grit. They are a great short-term solution for gutters that frequently clog but require replacement more often. I was surprised to find that these guards can be tricky to install if you have hidden hangers. Hidden hangers block access to the gutter from the inside, so we had to force the foam guard down between each hanger. ### Brush Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners, using large plastic bristles to catch debris. They are the simplest and least expensive gutter guards you can buy but are the least effective. The bristles on these guards can stop large debris, such as leaves and twigs, but allow smaller debris to pass through. “What makes these really handy is that any homeowner can put them in,” said Brauer. However, brush guards require more frequent cleaning, as they catch and hold debris instead of pushing it off — especially pine needles. Like foam guards, brush guards slide right into the gutter. We noted that they’re even easier to work with than foam but block fewer materials. During testing, these guards failed to block pine needles, shingle grit, and other small plant matter. They were also much harder to clean and required us to completely remove them to adequately clear debris. ## Are DIY or professionally installed gutter guards better? Some gutter guards must be installed by a professional, and others you can install yourself. The better pick depends on your needs and preferences. Installing gutter guards yourself is much less expensive, allows for complete control of the process, and lets you move at your own pace. However, DIY guards don’t offer the same quality as professionally installed guards. DIY guards are made from lower-quality materials and typically don’t last as long as professional gutter guards. Even top-of-the-line DIY options often have thinner micro-mesh screens than their professional counterparts, such as Leaf Filter or LeafGuard. Professional installations offer high-end products, timely installations, long-lasting warranties, and additional services. You benefit from their training and experience when working with a pro. Professional gutter guard companies can spot damaged gutter sections or overlooked roof problems. Many gutter guard installation providers also offer gutter repair or replacement services. ## What are the best gutter guard brands? You can choose from numerous high-end gutter guard brands. We recommend LeafFilter as a top gutter guard provider. We like that it offers a 275-micron stainless steel micro-mesh guard and a lifetime warranty. LeafFilter has strong customer service scores across independent review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau. Raptor stands out among DIY brands. This micro-mesh gutter guard blocked the most materials of the DIY guards we tested. We found Raptor to be effective at blocking pine needles and other small debris. However, it is expensive for a self-installation brand, with a price of $125 for 48 feet when we purchased it from Amazon. If you’re more concerned about leaves, pine cones, and seedpods, products such as Gutter Brush work well. Gutter Brush lasts longer than foam, is relatively inexpensive, and blocks most large debris. Keep in mind that it requires more maintenance than other guards and may need to be removed to clean it. We recommend requesting multiple quotes when choosing a company for your gutter guard installation. Compare gutter guard brands and request quotes in the table below. ## Gutter guards can reduce clogs and maintenance Although no gutter guard can completely remove the need for regular cleaning, guards can cut down on the time you spend cleaning your gutters by reducing debris buildup and blockages. Your home will likely benefit from guards if you live in a rainy climate or have mature trees near your home. Consider investing in gutter guards if your gutters clog frequently, require burdensome maintenance, or are difficult to clean. Note that some gutter guards perform better than others. Stainless steel micro-mesh has the best design for blocking large and small debris. We recommend speaking with a local expert or getting a free estimate to obtain gutter protection. Industry professionals can help you find the best solution to pair with your home’s drainage system. ## Types of Gutter Guards

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When your rain gutters get clogged with leaves, pests, and debris, water can back up and cause damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. Gutter guards can address this issue by blocking debris from entering your gutters while allowing water to flow freely. Choosing the best gutter guard from the numerous available styles can be challenging, though. To help you protect your home without fuss, we compiled this detailed guide on common gutter types and materials. Read on to choose the gutter guard that will fit your home’s aesthetics while reducing your gutter maintenance. ### Types of Gutter Guards Not all gutter guards are created equal, but it’s more complicated than simply choosing the best one. Some designs are more effective for certain debris or different climates, while others may not mesh with the aesthetics of your home. Below are the types of gutter guards you should be familiar with when assessing your options. With competitive price and timely delivery, gaite sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner. ### Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards Micro-mesh gutter guards have finely woven mesh screens that keep even the smallest debris at bay. They’re great for areas where pollen, pine needles, and dirt are common, and experts generally agree they are the most effective design on the market today. However, their superior filtration comes at the cost of flow rate; it’s important to be careful when installing them in high-flow areas, such as roof valleys. These gutter guards are designed for professional installation and often include additional services, such as gutter cleaning and sealing. Though some DIY options are available, these gutter guards are designed for professional installation. Some providers will also clean and seal your gutters and point out potential problems that could lead to damage in the future. ### Screen Gutter Guards Screen gutter guards are perforated metal or plastic sheets that lay on top of the gutter. The material’s holes block medium to large debris while still letting water flow through. Because the holes are fairly large, screen gutter guards are inefficient at blocking tiny debris like pine needles, pollen, and shingle grit. Their light construction also makes them inadvisable in windy areas, where they can blow off the gutter. Overall, screen gutter guards are good for DIY installation and affordable compared to more durable options, but their life span is short and they don’t reduce the required frequency of cleaning as much as some options. ### Foam Gutter Guards Foam gutter guards are affordable and easy to install but should be a temporary solution if used at all. Triangular foam pieces sit inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through the porous material while debris stays on top. When the foam is wet, it presents favorable conditions for seedlings and trees to grow inside the guard, damaging your gutters or possibly catching fire. Additionally, many customers have reported that the foam deteriorates quickly due to sun and other weather conditions and requires frequent cleaning. ### Mesh Gutter Guards Mesh gutter guards often perform better than screen guards and strike a balance between filtration and water flow. They consist of a flat perforated barrier, like screen guards, but the holes are smaller. This allows them to block a larger variety of pests and debris. You can choose between metal and plastic options and multiple installation styles. Hiring professional contractors for installation is recommended if you’re not particularly handy. It’s also best to avoid products that slide under your shingles, which can jeopardize your roof warranty, and flimsier options, which might blow away in the wind. ### Brush Gutter Guards Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners in the gutter's trough. Conceptually, water flows through the bristles while debris gets caught. Because gutter brushes trap debris instead of shedding it, they have to be removed for cleaning more frequently than other designs. They’re also not durable under harsh sunlight, meaning you may have to replace them every few years. The advantages of gutter brushes include unmatched affordability and ease of installation. If you’re looking for a durable and effective gutter guard that will last the life of your home, though, gutter brushes are not worth considering. ### Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards Reverse-curve gutter guards, also called surface-tension guards, are an old but effective design for blocking debris from entering your gutters. They feature a plastic or aluminum hood with a curved edge that leaves a slot between the guard and the gutter lip. Water flows down the hood, around the curve, and back into the gutter while debris slides off to the ground below. While this is one of the most effective designs available, it’s not perfect. Surface tension diminishes when water gains too much momentum, making it possible for water to shoot over the edge of your gutter during heavy rain. It also inserts under your shingles to match your roof’s pitch, which may conflict with your roof warranty. Surface-tension gutter guards are visible from the street, which could clash with your home’s aesthetics, as well. Most companies offer multiple colors to help them blend in with your existing roof and gutters. ## Gutter Guard Materials Gutter guards are constructed from various materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Options for materials will be limited by the style of guard, but homeowners should be familiar with the following gutter guard materials. ### Foam Foam is the only material used for its namesake gutter guard. It’s affordable and easy to manipulate for DIY projects but can introduce mold or seedling growth. Both of these issues can damage your gutters, fascia boards, and more. ### Vinyl and Plastic Plastics are commonly used in gutter guard frames, screens, reverse-curve designs, and the bristles of gutter brushes. Plastic is affordable and doesn’t corrode but is weaker than metal alternatives. It’s also prone to cracking, warping, and bending. ### Aluminum Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal used for mesh screens, supports, and more. Though it’s not the most durable metal option, it is one of the most commonly used materials. It’s resistant to warping and cracking and won’t degrade from the sun. ### Stainless Steel Steel is a commonly used material in mesh and micro-mesh screen designs. It’s highly durable, making it a good choice for homes with overhanging trees where branches could pierce the guard. Stainless steel alloys are naturally resistant to corrosion and temperature fluctuations. ### Copper Copper is a premium yet rarely used material in gutter guards. It possesses unique chemical properties that resist mold and mildew growth, and it is somewhere between aluminum and steel in terms of strength. Few companies produce copper gutter guards, but they may be worth seeking to match the look of existing copper gutters and keep your home’s visual appeal intact. ## Gutter Guard Providers Finding the right gutter guard is important for protecting your home, so we recommend getting estimates from at least three providers and taking enough time to choose the best gutter guard for your needs. Learn more about our top providers below. ### LeafFilter LeafFilter offers a three-piece, steel micro-m