Gutters are essential parts of your house. Besides allowing a better flow of rainwater during a heavy downpour, it also provides protection to the structural well-being of your house. However, it can only happen if your gutters are well-protected and efficient at all times. Gutter guards make it possible.
Gutter guards enhance the complete water management by preventing blockage of gutters. They come in different types and some of them include bottle brush guards, foam gutter guards, perforated guards, reverse-curve guards, and mesh gutter guards.
However, before choosing among the types mentioned above, there are things that you need to think about. According to Structure Tech Home Inspections channel, there is no gutter guard system that is 100 percent maintenance-free, but they can make your work a lot easier. With this, it is just about choosing the right quality of guard that will serve its purpose well.
There is no gutter guard system that is 100 percent maintenance-free, but they can make your work a lot easier.
Structure Tech Home Inspections channel
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to installation, efficiency, maintenance, price, and durability. Some types could even void your roof warranty and if that would be an issue to you, you should be more cautious in your decision.
In relation to that, we give you the best choices available, with the Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard conquering the top spot. It has a fine set of holes that allow only the water to enter the gutter. It also covers almost the entirety of the gutter which makes the cleanup of the accumulating leaves very easy. Most of all, it is made of high-quality stainless steel which allows it to withstand all kinds of seasons for years!
Here are some of your other choices that have their own unique attributes. Each one has something to offer so prepare your checklist and make sure you’ll be able to tick each box to find the one that suits your needs.
Best Gutter Guards Comparison & Rating
1. Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
Brand | Raptor |
Size | 48 feet long (5-, 6-, and 7-inch gutter) |
Type | Mesh |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Raptor offers this excellent mesh type of gutter guard that is a total champ when it comes to reliability and efficiency.
It has a 900-hole per square inch superfine metal mesh that prevents leaves, twigs, pine needles, insects, and even the smallest debris like shingle granule runoff from entering the gutter. Even the tiniest particles of asphalt-type shingles can be managed by the guard’s holes. Compared to others, it ensures 100% protection for such kinds of elements while allowing continuous water flow in the gutter 24/7.
Furthermore, due to its surface detailed with micro-holes, maintenance is a breeze. When the debris accumulates, cleaning everything will not take too much effort.
Unlike most mesh gutter guards that can easily erode, it uses high-quality stainless steel to give it an extended lifespan. Indeed, the greatest investment for a gutter guard. Really worth every single penny!
2. A-M Perforated Aluminum Gutter Guard
Brand | A-M |
Size | Available in 23, 50, 100, and 200 feet |
Type | Perforated |
Material | Aluminum |
A-M Perforated Aluminum 5” Gutter Guard has fewer, yet relatively bigger holes (384 holes per foot) compared to Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard. Nonetheless, it can still collect debris effectively such as fine pebbles, leaves, and needles. Efficient enough to deal with heavy rainfalls in any season.
Moreover, though it won’t give the same excellence of debris filtration as mesh-type gutter guards, it boasts 200% better strength. Incredibly hard, thick, and almost unbendable. It comes with thicker aluminum material that won’t suffer from warps even after years. Far, far better than the normal PVC mesh-types. It can even deal with great weight, though daily cleanup is advised.
The surface of the guard is also very smooth. Scooping the debris and leaves is very easy and almost effortless. What’s even better is that you won’t need to worry about your roof warranty as it is installed on top of your gutters. No contact with the roof! This saves you from the most common dilemma regarding gutter guards.
3. Massca Filter Strainer Gutter Guard
Brand | Massca |
Sizes | 3 inches |
Type | Screen |
Material | Aluminum |
Far from the conventional styles and design of gutter guards that are basically meant to cover the entirety of the gutter, this guard will just be placed to cover the hole of the gutter drop outlet.
If there is one thing that stands out about this, it is the fact that it will never void your roof warranty and the installation is a sweet piece of cake. No professionals needed and you can do it on your own.
The holes are slightly bigger since it uses wires. It should be enough to prevent medium to big leaves from entering the downspouts. Given that fact, smaller bits of debris can’t be filtered, though it won’t affect the long-term performance of the pipes. Also, since it is only covering a specific area of the gutter, this means that the leaves could automatically accumulate in the trough. Nonetheless, collecting them there is much better than cleaning up the downspout itself.
4. GutterStuff Foam Gutter Filter Insert
Brand | GutterStuff |
Size | 5 inches, 32 feet |
Type | Foam |
Material | Polyether Foam |
If you want a problem-free installation of a gutter guard, GutterStuff 5” Foam Gutter Filter Insert is one of the best options worth considering. You can set it directly to the gutter without any fuss and in just a matter of minutes, you will have the protection you need for your gutter. Quick. Easy.
The durable polyether outdoor foam has small holes and openings that work great at allowing the continuous flow of water without any disruption while blocking a considerable amount of debris. Due to its nature, it can handle twigs to leaves to needles and everything. Moreover, the cleanup is far much easier compared to other types of guards. You can do it anytime: remove, clean, and reinstall the foam in a flash.
However, it is important to know that this type of gutter guard is just a temporary solution. It can last years, yes, but once it has served its purpose for some time, the quality of the foam might deteriorate.
5. GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guard
Brand | GutterBrush |
Size | Available in 6', 15', 30', 60', and 120' (4", 5", 6", 7", 8" diameter) |
Type | Bottle Brush |
Material | Polypropylene |
The GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guard is as great as GutterStuff Foam Gutter Filter Insert. Another cost-efficient protection for your gutter which allows you to install it without any challenge. Just measure the size of your gutter, cut it, and install it. Perfect for DIY works.
The professional-grade, UV-protected polypropylene bristles are very capable of preventing the accumulation of debris and leaves under the guard. Moreover, compared to the flat metal guards, the bristles discourage the leaves from sticking. With this, leaves can be easily blown by the wind once the leaves dry.
It has a 4.25-inch diameter that can protect 5-inch standard gutters. Nonetheless, it is also offered in other diameter sizes, so you have your choices depending on your gutter type and size.
However, just like the foam guards, it is not a permanent solution. It won’t have a problem in snow, but it can experience crust formation over time. Nevertheless, with proper care and removal during winter, it can last up to five years or more.
Best Gutter Guards - Buyer's Guide
The type of gutter guard is the primary thing you should consider when looking for one. All types have their own advantages and disadvantages due to their respective natures. In the end, make sure that the good things outweigh any cons present. For instance, we would highly suggest the use of mesh gutter guards like the Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard. It excels not just in terms of separating the debris from the water, but it also excels in durability and ease of gutter cleanup.
The types of gutter guards vary a lot in terms of durability. If this is your concern, better opt for long-term solutions like mesh, perforated, and wire gutter guards. Due to their materials, they can last years and won’t show any problems in performance in any season. The brush and foam types, on the other hand, can only last for a limited number of years as their materials could get brittle due to exposure to heat and cold temperatures.
If you really want no leaves or twigs entering your gutter, it is really recommended to have the fine holes of a mesh-type guard. It can cover almost the entirety of your gutter which means you just need to occasionally check the top of the guard to remove the leaves that accumulated which is very rare since leaves fall automatically once they dry. The design of the Massca Filter Strainer Gutter Guard is also a great one. However, since it is only covering the hole, it means that leaves and twigs can accumulate in the uncovered section of the gutter. With this, frequent checking is needed. Foam and brush types are also efficient in this type of work, though their durability is a concern.
If possible, it is better to have the gutter guard model that you can install easily by yourself. This includes the brush and foam types. On the other hand, though mesh and perforated types are the best in performance, installing them can sometimes be a challenge. If you have the expertise, you can install them but if not, it is better to consult a professional, especially if you don’t want to void your roof warranty.
Best Gutter Guards - FAQs
You can install guards by yourself but it depends on the type of gutter guards. There are gutter guards that allow DIY installation like the brush and foam types. You just need to measure them according to the length of your gutter and squeeze them in place. However, perforated and mesh types commonly need the help of professionals.
This will depend on the type of gutter guard. Mesh and foam types have no problem in this. Also, as long as the gutter yards are installed under the shingles, it will not void your roof warranty.
Premium materials like stainless steel and aluminum can last up to 10 to 20 years. This is why purchasing guards made of the said materials is ideal. The foam and brush types, on the other hand, are just temporary solutions that can only serve you 5 to 7 years max.
It is ideal to clean gutter guards at least twice a year or more frequent than that, depending on the need. If your house is situated in an area where trees shed leaves and twigs non-stop, it is better to check on the gutter guards more frequently to avoid the accumulation of debris.
