Best Gutter Guards Reviewed

Gutter Guards Compared

How Do Gutter Guards Work?

There are many different styles and options for gutter guards, but they all work on the same general principle; let water through and keep debris out.

Using water tension, physics, and screening, gutter guards set in, or on, the gutters and the rainwater flows through the guard while the debris is flushed off the top, to fall to the ground. Cheaper versions use screening instead of water tension, which can cause drainage issues in heavy rains or intense snow melt.

Smaller debris like pine needles may also get caught up in the screening, requiring more maintenance than the other, higher-end options. However, they do protect against gutter and downspout clogging and further damage to the gutter system.

Choosing The Best Gutter Guard Protection System

Gutter Guard Material Type

There are several guard materials to choose from, including mesh, plastic screen, and various metal variants. Plastic mesh guards are simple to install but aren’t as hardy as the metal options.

Weighing the cost versus the maintenance required to keep the material will help you determine which option is better for you.

Roof & Gutter Configuration

The roof style, including the number of stories, slope, and angle, will also be a determining factor. How your gutters are set up will be, too. The gutter guards need to fit in or over your existing gutters, and many styles require that they line up with the same slope and angle of the roof.

Durability

Gutter Width

If you don’t know the gutter measurements, you will need to get on your ladder to find out. The gutter width is one of the most important measurements you need to make. Various types and brands of gutter guards come in multiple widths.

If you buy a guard that is too small, you will not prevent debris from clogging your gutters. If you get one too big, the rainwater won’t fall in the gutter and defeats the purpose of using gutters in the first place.

Water & Air Flow

Water and airflow may seem like a given, but if the wrong gutter guards are installed, you may find that the flow is restricted. This can happen for many reasons, including installation method, damage, or not having the correct size guards.

If air doesn’t flow freely, it won't produce the right water tension or remove the debris from the guards. With restricted water flow, the gutters can overflow and not move the water away from the foundation.

Aesthetics

You will also want to find a style that matches your home. Some guards are designed to be near invisible, lay flat, or blend in with the gutters. Other brands or styles can come in various colors to match your home or even be painted for a more exact match.

Ease of Installation & Maintenance

For the most part, gutter guards are a fairly simple DIY installation. However, certain types will require special tools or knowledge. It is also advised that you ensure warranty coverage won’t be affected.

Some roofs, as well as guards, require professional installation to start or maintain the warranty. Multi-story homes are also advised to have professional installation done. If safety is a concern at all, the cost of installation shouldn’t be an issue.

Price

The overall cost will play a large roll in the selection and final decision as well. Staying within your budget is simple enough, but you need to cover all the bases. Materials, tools, installation fees, disposal, and other factors will contribute to the overall cost. Make sure you know all the fees you face before making a decision.

Warranty

1. LeafFilter Gutter Guards

LeafFilter is the leader in gutter guard systems, and their patented 3-part system means you have one of the most effective debris prevention guard systems on the market. The system is designed to fit inside your existing gutters.

The support rails link to your gutter nails and rest on the inside and provide the mounting lip for the reverse curve top portion. The water tension is produced because of the exact angle that is developed during the install.

Your gutters need to be secure and level, which makes DIY install a little more complicated. For this reason, LeafFilter offers professional installation (see below) and will ensure that the system is set up for the ideal angle.

When installed, the stainless steel mesh will prevent leaves, dirt, shingle grains, and pine needles from getting through. The debris is washed off while the water falls through the mesh and drips off the reverse curve top.

The micro-mesh is made from military-grade aluminum and will never rust or corrode. The lifetime warranty includes the mesh material, installation, and defects.

Installation

Installation is done by the company and can be included in the purchase price. LeafFilter will offer you several quotes, both with and without the installation services.

Installation starts with the gutter support system. This is the most crucial aspect since it sets up the slope angle and needs to be as perfect and level as possible. Once the support is installed, the mesh screen is placed and bolted into place.

The mesh snaps into place over the gutter bolts for added support and is then mounted to the support rail. Finally, the reverse curve top needs to be mounted in place. Once everything is set, the system is ready to keep your gutters clean and your downspouts flowing correctly.

Our complete guide to the Leaf Filter Gutter Guard system can be found here.

2. Raptor Micro Mesh Gutter Guard

Raptor is quickly becoming the DIY favorite for gutter guard systems. With their innovative micro mesh system, even the smallest debris stays out of the gutter. Everything you need for installation is included with your purchase, and best of all, the system won’t void any roof warranty.

The stainless steel mesh is finely woven to allow water to drip through while keeping the leaves and pine needles out. The flat-topped screen doesn't protrude over your gutter top, so you won't have to worry about an eye-sore or finding a perfect color match.

With the purchase, you get 12 sections of gutter guard, each 4 feet long. With 48 total feet, you may need to purchase a few boxes and cut some lengths to fit. It is also designed for any gutter style up to 5-inches wide.

You will have to lift the first layer of shingles, but you don’t need to remove or drill through them. Because of this nominal roof interference, most roof warranties are not affected at all. If you are in doubt, though, check with your roof contractor before purchase.

Installation

3. GutterStuff Guard 5-Inch K Style

GutterStuff brings you the best foam gutter guard system available. It is a simple DIY install that takes only minutes, and you can have proper air and water flow in your gutters while blocking any debris from getting in.

The system works by using a high-density foam that uses a K-style angle to promote airflow. The foam sits flush with the gutter to soak up rainwater and dispel debris. The result is a clean, free-flowing gutter system that doesn’t get clogged with leaves, needles, or debris.

Because the foam is pliable, it isn’t advisable to leave up in the winter. It will quickly freeze with melting ice and snow and can cause an ice dam. It is also possible that ice can compress the foam leaving room for debris to get trapped inside.

The 5-year warranty protects the foam over the seasons and allows for installation and removal for maintenance or cleaning. To clean the foam, you only need to pull it out of the gutter and spray it down with a hose. Because installation and removal only takes minutes, the bi-annual maintenance should be no problem.

Installation

To install the GutterStuff foam, you need to purchase the correct size for your gutters and then cut each length to fit for the run of your gutter. Once on the ladder, the flat-edged back goes towards the house and slips into the gutter.

All you need to do then is press the top until it sits below the gutter lip, holding it in place. The triangle shape allows for air and water flow inside the gutter, and the flat top stops the debris.

4. LeafTek

LeafTek has an innovative and non-destructive gutter guard system using high-grade aluminum and a straightforward installation you can do at any time. The only color option is black, but it will sit inside the gutter, so there is no visible portion to worry about.

The screen material installs directly to your gutter (see below) and doesn’t require your shingles to be altered or moved. Because of this innovation, it won’t void any roof or home warranty. When installed correctly, the system will also add rigidity and strength to your gutters, improving functionality and longevity.

The aluminum mesh has larger holes and is ideal for placement in areas with heavy or frequent rains. Along the coastal areas, heavy storm rains are no problem for the LeafTek system. You just need to ensure you order the proper size, which is available in 5 and 6-inch widths and comes in various lengths of 32, 100, and 200 feet.

You will need to cut the aluminum at 45-degree angles for corners so proper tools will be required. With a 35-year warranty plus a 30-day money-back promise, you have nothing to lose except debris-filled downspouts.

Installation

Full DIY instructions are included with each purchase, but the system is easy to install. Each length comes with a front lip that sits on the front edge of your gutter. The rear edge is angled to rest inside the gutter's back wall, and all edges have pre-drilled holes for easier alignment.

Once you have the sizes and corner angles cut, you simply place a few screws along the front edge to secure the system to your gutter. Optional, but highly recommended, you then add a couple of screws to the rear edge for added support and stability.

5. A-M Aluminum

If you have a metal roof using hidden hangars for your gutters, A-M Aluminum gutter guards are ideal for you. The best option for metal roofing is the screen system designed by A-M. It uses large holes capable of handling large amounts of water and an inset system that isn’t visible once mounted.

This guard system installs similar to the LeafTek system listed above but doesn’t add the rigidity to the gutter like that model can. You get a lifetime warranty, however, and maintenance is relatively simple as well.

The one downside is that this system is designed for 6-inch gutters and anything smaller won’t work as well, if at all. The aluminum sheets come in 23, 50, 100, and 200 foot sections and can easily be cut to size or for corner angles.

The best feature is that even though this system is designed for hidden hangars, it will work with any type of hangar. You will need to cut or crimp the ends near the hangars for a perfect fit, but this only adds a few minutes to the installation.

Installation

The A-M Aluminum gutter guard system is a DIY project, but a professional install is available from most roofing contractors. If you decide to take on the project yourself, you will need cutters, a drill, and sheet metal screws.

The system lies in the gutter with the pre-drilled holes along the gutter's front edge, just like the LeafTek system above. You will drill through the holes into the gutter lip with your screws to mount the sheets in place.

There isn’t a need for rear screws, and there are no pre-drilled holes there. When joining sheets, they use a tongue-in-groove style of connection and line up with the mounting holes on the joined ends.

For more of our favorite options for metal roofs, read this article.

6. FlexxPoint

If you could combine the gutter guards from LeafTek and A-M from above, the result would be the FlexxPoint gutter system. Ideal for use year-round and best for winter, this gutter guard adds rigidity to your gutter and is simple to install.

The all-aluminum sheets come in easily managed 4-foot sections, and you can select the amount (total feet) from multiple choices raging between 22 and 5100 feet. The sturdy aluminum holds up to heavy downpours, snow melt, and even ice.

With a 30-year warranty and an inside-the-gutter mounting style, you don't have to worry about the product or voiding your roof warranty. Also, like the other systems of a similar style, this is a straightforward DIY project that will only take a few hours out of your day.

Designed as a permanent install, you will need to get on your ladder at least once a year to wash off the guard sheets and ensure there aren’t any blockages in the drainage holes. If you have a garden hose that can reach, you won’t need to scrub, rub, or use cleansers.

Installation

Installation of the FlexxPoint system works just the same as the previous two entries. The front of the guard fits on the lip of your gutter and is screwed into the gutter itself (screws included). Each pre-drilled hole requires a screw.

You will also find screw holes on the rear edge, like the LeafTek system, to add durability and strength to the guard for ice or snow weight during the winter.

7. Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard

For K-style gutters, the simplest choice is the Amerimax Home Products Lock-In gutter guard. This steel mesh screen allows a ton of water flow, ample airflow, and keeps out the large debris. Grit, pine needles, and other smaller debris can still get through, though, so maintenance is a little higher than other styles.

However, installation is as simple as it can be, and you don’t need any tools. You will need to lift the first row of shingles, though, so you should check with your roof warranty to ensure it won’t be voided.

The powder-coated steel resists corrosion and rust for up to 10-years, and maintenance is a breeze. Because you don’t need screws or permanent installation when the guard becomes entangled with debris, you can easily remove it, spray it off and put it back up.

You can even leave the guard in place year-round. The 3-foot sections are easy to handle, and each box comes with 25 pieces, giving you about 75 linear feet per box. The system also works with 4, 5, and 6-inch width k-style gutters for near-universal application.

Installation

Installation requires that you lift the first row of shingles. Sliding the flat edge of the screen under the shingles will hold it in place. Once that is done, you need to push the front lip of the screen under the k-style gutter lip, and it will snap in place holding firmly.

8. EasyOn Gutter Guard

EasyOn gutter guard system is among the easiest to install. Even if you do a non-traditional installation (see install section below), you can make the mesh screen sheets fit gutters from 2 to 7-inches in width.

Each box contains either 24 or 100 feet of guard material, each in 4-foot, easy to manage, lengths. Installation does require the lifting of the first row of shingles, so you will need to check with your roof or home warranty to ensure it doesn’t become void.

The permanent gutter solution has a micro mesh finish that prevents the smallest of debris from getting through. Water and airflow will keep your gutters clean and running smoothly. The gutter guard system comes in 5-inch widths for gutters up to 6 inches and 7-inch options for gutters 6 or 7 inches wide.

Make sure you measure correctly before making your purchase. You also get a 25-year warranty covering against defects, corrosion, and rust for the duration of the product life, up to 25 years, that begins on the purchase date.

Installation

To install this gutter guard system, you need to measure your lengths and cut them to side to lay flush with your gutter ends. If you have a 5-inch or smaller width gutter, you will need to perform a non-traditional install.

A traditional install means you slide the guard under the first row of shingles, lay the screen across, and use the included screws to mount to the gutter's front lip. A non-traditional install is the same process. However, before installing, you need to bend the screen along the front and rear edges to fit the width of your gutter.

This will make the screen fit deeper into the gutter but allows you to install on more gutter types.

Our complete review of the EasyOn Gutter Guard System can be found here.

Main Types of Gutter Guard Protection System

Gutter guards use various types of protection systems, and each one has advantages and disadvantages. Finding the right system for your needs can be a bit confusing. Let’s see if we can clear some of that up.

Gutter Guard Pricing Guide

When pricing your project, you will want to know how much gutter guards cost. The answer is that guard systems average anywhere from a few hundred to over two thousand dollars per project.

What you need to find out is how much the gutter guards cost per foot. Most brands sell their guards in 3, 4, or 8 foot increments. The average cost per foot will be determined by the brand and style of guard. On average, you can expect to pay $3 to $25 per foot for the various types.

LeafFilter gutter guards, for example, are among the best products but with the top-end prices. You should expect to pay between $1500 and $2200 for a LeafFilter guard system installed.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

If you decide to spend the $5 to $15 average installation fee (per linear foot), you may want to check sites like Angie’s List for local experts and to get multiple quotes. A DIY install will save a bit of time and quite a bit of money, though.

A Guide on DIY Installation of Gutter Guards

For the cheaper guard systems like foam and brush, you can simply use your ladder and put the material in your gutters. Installation of this type only requires a few minutes per foot of gutter and the safe use of a ladder.

Other types like water tension, micro mesh, and gutter screen installations are a bit different. For the lighter flat-laying installs, you will need to pry the first layer of shingles and slide the guard system underneath. The weight of the shingles holds the guards in place.

For higher-end installs, you will need to ensure your gutters are level and at the right angle. The guard systems generally mount to the gutter itself or the facing of your roof’s eaves. Hammer and nails or a power drill and screws may be needed in these instances.

Gutter Guard Care & Maintenance

For reverse curve systems, you will need to perform the most maintenance. The top shield needs to come off, get wiped down, and be cleaned off. You will also need to wipe out or spray the inner pieces to remove any debris that made it inside. Reassembly after cleaning is also required.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Do Gutter guards really work?

Gutter guard systems work to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters where they can breakdown and rot, causing sludge build-up or clogging the downspouts. Guard systems themselves, though, need care and maintenance just like your gutters would without them. They do what they are designed to do, but aren’t a “set it and forget it” answer for gutter debris.

Which gutter guard material is better to use, plastic or metal?

Plastic guard material is cheaper and easier to install. However, it does require a bit more maintenance. Plastic material guards are also susceptible to the elements over time. The plastic can discolor in the sun, dry and crack with temperature changes, and eventually need to be completely replaced, where stainless steel will hold up longer but costs more per foot to purchase and install.

Can you install gutter guards on existing gutters?

Absolutely. Existing gutters will require measurement and leveling to ensure a perfect fit, but gutter guards are designed for existing gutter systems. They don’t require you to replace gutters you already have.

Which type of gutter guard can I use for round gutters?

Round gutters may require more pliable guard systems. Gutter brushes and gutter foam are generally the best idea as they don’t need leveling or perfect angles to perform. You can take these two types of gutter guards and press them into place, regardless of slope or shape.

What are other brands of gutter guards that are worth looking into?

LeafFilter is still among the best in the business, and any serious inquiries should include the brand. However, there are other reliable gutter guard brands such as Leaf Guard, Gutterglove, and Shur Flo. Raptor is another top-end brand worthy of any list.

Will installing gutter guards void my roofing warranty?

Most gutter guards will not affect the roofing warranty. However, with that being said, the styles that require you to mount to the shingles, or lift the shingles to install the guards may void your warranty. It is always best to contact your roofing company and find out what the warranty details are when it comes to adding gutter guards.

Can gutter guards cause ice dams? What about leaks?

Gutter guards can cause ice dams because it is challenging to regulate the roof's temperature to match the gutter guard. Reverse curve systems can allow water to freeze on the top of the opening and build an ice dam. However, these cases are rare. If it does happen, you will need to bust the dam, so water doesn't accumulate under the ice, causing damage to your eaves or roof. The result can also cause water to get under the shingles and leak into your ceiling, wall cavities, or attic.

How do I get rid of ice dams on my roof?

The best way is to prevent them in the first place. Proper insulation, blocking all air leaks, and maintaining constant temperature across your roof is the only way to truly prevent ice dams. If they form, you can break them manually by removing the ice either through force or melting.

Is damage from ice dams covered by insurance?

Most insurances will not cover ice dams as they are not an act of nature but form due to improper drainage, heating, or installation issues that have nothing to do with the roof itself. Some whole-home insurances, though, so cover ice dams and other related issues. You need to check with your insurance company to find out where they stand on such coverage issues.

Where can I buy LeafFilter gutter guards?

Conclusion