Cleaning roof gutters is a hassle, but keeping your storm drain system clean is vital. Rotting leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris can clog drainage systems, which can damage foundation plants and the foundation itself.
Fortunately, easy-to-install gutter guards prevent debris from clogging your existing gutter system. We tested a large number of these products in different categories to evaluate different levels of performance. Read on to learn more about gutter guards, as well as our recommendations for hands-on testing of some of the best gutter guards on the market.
We only want to recommend the best gutter guards, which is why our experienced testers install, evaluate performance, and tear down each product to make sure we know exactly how each one works.
We first installed part of each gutter guard according to the instructions, trimming the brackets if necessary. We appreciated the installation flexibility (no two sets of gutters are the same), as well as the quality of the fittings and the ease of installation of each set. In most cases, professional installation is not required, it can be done by a regular home master. Observe the chute guard from the ground to determine visibility.
We then let the gutter guards pick up the trash, but since our area was relatively quiet at the time, not much debris fell naturally, so we did it ourselves. We used mulch to mimic branches, woody soil, and other debris to rake onto the roof over the gutters. Then, after the roof is hosed down, we can accurately gauge how well the gutters are picking up debris.
We removed the gutter guard to gain access to the gutter and determine how well the guard keeps debris out. Finally, we cleaned these gutter guards to see how easy it was to remove the stuck debris.
Finish your semi-annual gutter cleaning with one of the following options, each of which is the highest quality gutter protection in its class. We install each product and prove its best performance through hands-on testing. Explore our selection of new gutters keeping the top considerations in mind.
This stainless steel leaf guard from Raptor has a fine, strong mesh that keeps even the smallest wind-blown seeds from entering the drain. Its durable micro-mesh cover slides under the bottom row of shingles and the outer edge is bolted to the gutter for added security. Raptor V-Bend technology enhances filtration and stiffens the mesh to hold debris without sagging.
The Raptor Gutter Cover fits standard 5″ gutters and comes with easy-to-handle 5′ strips for a total length of 48′. Includes screw and nut slots needed to install strips.
The Raptor system has proven to be a good option for do-it-yourself installation of gutter guards and we appreciate that it offers a variety of installation methods, including directly above the gutter as well as under roof shingles, depending on the situation. However, we found the stainless steel material to be difficult to cut even with a good pair of scissors, although that certainly speaks to its durability. The stainless steel mesh catches everything you might expect and is also easy to remove for gutter cleaning.
For those who don’t want to invest in expensive stainless steel, Thermwell’s Frost King Gutter Guard is an affordable plastic option that will protect your gutter system from large debris and nasty pests like mice and bird attacks. Plastic gutter guards can be cut to custom sizes to fit gutter with standard shears and come in 6″ wide, 20′ long rolls.
Gutter guards are easily installed without the use of screws, nails, nails or any other fasteners. Simply place the railing in the chute, making sure the center of the railing curves up towards the chute opening rather than creating a chute that will collect debris. The plastic material does not rust or corrode, and is sufficiently resistant to extreme temperature changes, protecting the gutter all year round.
In testing, the inexpensive Frost King proved to be a good choice. The screen could easily be cut into 4ft and 5ft pieces while on the ground, and the plastic is so light we didn’t have to worry about lifting it up stairs (which can be a problem when working with heavier materials) . However, we found these gutter guards to be a bit finicky when properly installed as they don’t use hardware to hold them in place.
This brush guard has a flexible stainless steel core that bends around corners. The bristles are made from UV resistant polypropylene and protrude approximately 4.5 inches from the core to accommodate the entire gutter guard comfortably in standard size (5 inch) gutters.
Gutter covers are available in lengths from 6 feet to 525 feet and are easy to install without fasteners: simply place the leaf protector in the gutter and gently push until the protector rests on the bottom of the gutter. The bristles allow water to flow freely through the gutter, preventing leaves, twigs and other large debris from getting in and clogging the drain.
In testing, the GutterBrush gutter protection system has proven to be easy to install, as mentioned above. The system works with both panel mount brackets and shingle mount brackets, making it the most versatile gutter guard we’ve tested. They provide a lot of water flow, but we have found that they tend to get clogged with larger debris. While most are easy to remove, we understand GutterBrush is maintenance free.
The FlexxPoint Residential Gutter Cover System provides enhanced protection against sagging and collapse, even under heavy foliage or snow. It is reinforced with raised ridges along the entire length of the strip and features a lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum construction. The gutter guard has a discreet design that is not visible from the ground.
This durable gutter guard attaches to the outer edge of the gutter with the supplied screws. It snaps into place so there is no need to push it under the shingles. It comes in black, white, brown and matte and is available in 22, 102, 125, 204, 510, 1020 and 5100 foot lengths.
Several characteristics of the FlexxPoint gutter covering system made it stand out in the test. This is the only system that requires screws not only on the front of the gutter but also on the back. This makes it very strong and stable – it will not fall on its own under any circumstances. Although it is very strong, it is not difficult to cut it. It is not visible from the ground, which is a huge advantage for heavy guards. However, we found that it picks up larger debris that needs to be manually cleaned (albeit easily).
Those who don’t want their gutter guards to be visible from below may consider AM 5″ Aluminum Gutter Guards. The perforated panels are made from industrial aluminum with 380 holes per foot to withstand showers. It fits snugly against the top of the gutter and is virtually invisible during installation, so it doesn’t detract from the aesthetics of the roof.
Sliding supports and tabs for shingles are included for easy installation, and a protective cover is attached to the outer edge of the gutter with self-tapping screws (not included). It is designed for 5″ gutters and is available in 23′, 50′, 100′ and 200′ lengths. This product is also available in 23′, 50′, 100′ and 200′ 6″ gutters.
During testing, we developed a love-hate relationship with the AM Gutter Guard system. Yes, these aluminum gutter guards are a high quality system with strong stiffeners running the full length of the guard, they are not visible from the ground. They’re easy to cut and install, even around a stand, and do a great job of keeping water out and picking up debris. But it doesn’t come with the screws you need! All other systems that require fastening include them. Also, the system can become clogged with larger debris, so it ends up requiring minimal maintenance.
Even a novice DIYer can easily install a gutter guard with the Amerimax metal gutter guard. This gutter guard is designed to slide under the first row of shingles and then snap onto the outer edge of the gutter. Its flexible design allows the use of 4″, 5″ and 6″ gutter systems.
Constructed from rust-resistant, powder-coated steel, the Amerimax Gutter Guard keeps out leaves and debris while letting through the heaviest downpours. It comes in easy-to-handle 3ft strips and installs without tools.
The bare-metal mount performed very well in testing and was very secure, manual removal of the gutter guard proved a little difficult. The screen cuts easily and we appreciate the flexible mounting options (we couldn’t fit it under the shingles, so we placed it on top of the gutter). It does a good job of keeping out debris, albeit small ones. But the only real problem is removing the shield, as the cut mesh hangs on the brackets.
Apart from the best type of gutter guard to protect your home, there are a few other things to keep in mind. These include materials, dimensions, visibility and installation.
There are five basic types of gutter guards available: mesh, micro mesh, reverse curve (or surface tension gutter guard), brush, and foam. Each type has its own set of benefits and considerations.
Protective screens have a wire or plastic mesh that prevents leaves from falling into the gutter. They are easy to install by lifting the bottom row of shingles and sliding the edge of the gutter screen under the shingles along the entire length of the gutter; the weight of the shingles holds the screen in place. Gutter guards are an inexpensive option and provide the easiest installation – often no tools required.
The gutter screen is not bolted tightly and can be blown off by strong winds or knocked out from under the shingle by fallen branches. Also, raising the bottom row of shingles to install sliding gutter guards will void some roof warranties. If buyers are in doubt, they can contact the shingle manufacturer before installing this type of gutter guard.
Steel micro-mesh gutter guards resemble screens, allowing water to flow through small openings while blocking branches, pine needles and debris. They require one of three simple methods to install: insert the edge under the first row of shingles, clip the shingle guard directly onto the top of the gutter, or attach the flange to the panel (just above the top of the gutter). ).
The micro-mesh protective grilles effectively block out fine debris such as windblown sand and let rain water through. They are made from a variety of materials, from cheap plastic grills to durable stainless steel grills. Unlike other gutter guards, even the best mesh gutter guards may need occasional cleaning with a hose sprayer and brush to remove extra fine debris from the mesh openings.
Reverse bend protection channels are made of light metal or molded plastic. The water flows from above and in a downward curve before entering a trough below. Leaves and debris slid off the edges onto the ground below. These gutter guards do a great job of keeping leaves and debris out of the gutters, even in tree-heavy yards.
Reverse-curve gutter guards are more expensive than mesh guards and screens. They are less easy to make on your own than other types of gutter guards and must be attached to the roof panels at the correct angle. If installed incorrectly, water may flow over the edge and not in a reverse curve into the gutter. Because they install over existing gutters, these railings look like complete gutter covers from the ground up, so it’s a good idea to look for products that match the color and aesthetic of your home.
Gutter brush guards are essentially oversized pipe cleaners that sit inside the gutter, preventing large debris from entering the gutter and causing blockages. Simply cut the brush to the desired length and insert it into the chute. Ease of installation and low cost make brushed gutter guards a popular choice for home DIYers on a budget.
This type of gutter guard usually consists of a thick metal core with polypropylene bristles extending from the center. The guard does not need to be screwed or attached to the gutter, and the metal wire core is flexible, allowing the gutter guard to be bent to fit corners or oddly shaped storm drain systems. These features make it easier for DIYers to assemble the gutters without professional help.
Another easy-to-use option is a triangular piece of Styrofoam that sits in a gutter. One flat side is behind the chute and the other flat side is facing up to keep debris out of the top of the chute. The third plane runs diagonally from the gutter, allowing water and small debris to drain through the drainage system.
Inexpensive and easy to install, foam gutter guards are a great choice for DIY enthusiasts. Gutter foam can be cut to length, and no nails or screws are required to secure the guard, reducing the risk of damage or leaks. However, it is not the best choice for areas with heavy rain, as heavy rain can quickly saturate the foam, causing the gutters to overflow.
To select the correct size when installing gutter guards, climb a safety ladder to measure the width of the gutter. The length of each gutter must also be measured to determine the correct size and number of gutter guards needed to protect the entire gutter system.
Most chute guards vary in length from 3 to 8 feet. Gutters come in three standard sizes, and fence sizes are 4″, 5″, and 6″, with 5″ being the most common. To get the correct size guard, measure the width of the top of the gutter from the inside edge to the outside edge.
Depending on the type of gutter guard used, the sides or even the top can be seen from the ground, so it’s best to find a guard that accentuates the house or blends in with the existing aesthetic. Styrofoam and brush gutter guards are mostly invisible from the ground because they are completely in the gutter, but microgrid, screen and back-curve gutter guards are easier to see.
Usually shields come in three standard colors: white, black and silver. Some products offer additional color options, allowing the user to match the protective cover to the gutter. Matching the gutters to your roof color is also a great way to achieve a cohesive, attractive look.
Professional installation is highly recommended for anything above the ground floor roof. For a one-story home, this is a relatively safe and easy job, requiring only basic tools.
With the right precautions, an avid home builder with a suitable ladder and experience working at height can install gutter railings in a two-story home on their own. Never climb the stairs to the roof without an observer. Be sure to install a proper fall arrest system to prevent serious injury.
The main benefit of using gutter guards to protect your storm sewer system is to keep debris out. Leaves, twigs, feathers, and other large debris can quickly clog drain systems and prevent water from draining properly. Once formed, these blockages grow as dirt adheres to the blockages, filling gaps and potentially attracting pests.
Rodents and insects attracted to wet, dirty gutters may build nests or use the proximity to houses to start digging holes in roofs and walls. However, installing gutter guards can help keep these nasty pests away and protect your home.
With a gutter guard against a buildup of debris and pests, your gutters stay relatively clean, so you only need to flush them thoroughly every few years, saving you time and effort. Gutter guards should be inspected semi-regularly to remove any debris from the top of the guard that could restrict the flow of water into the gutter.
Gutter guards provide a great way to reduce maintenance costs and protect your gutters from debris buildup and pest infestation. If you still want to learn more about how gutters work and how to maintain them, read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these products.
The method of installation depends on the type of gutter guard, but some products are installed under the first or second row of shingles.
Handling heavy rain is quite possible with most gutter guards, although guards filled with leaves or twigs can deal with fast-flowing water. That’s why it’s important to check and clean gutters and railings in spring and fall, when nearby debris from leaf fall is at its worst.
Some gutter guards, such as reverse turn guards, can worsen ice jams by keeping snow and ice inside the gutter. However, most gutter guards help prevent ice formation by limiting the amount of snow that enters the gutter system.