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 can prevent debris from clogging your existing gutter system. We have tested products in many different categories to evaluate different levels of performance. Read on to learn more about gutter protection with a leaf filter, as well as our recommendations for hands-on testing of some of the best gutter protection on the market.
We want to recommend only the best gutter guards, which is why our testers have installed each product, evaluated the performance, and removed 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 flexibility of the installation (no two sets of gutters are the same) as well as the quality of the equipment and the complexity of each installation. In most cases, professional installation is not required, and ordinary home masters can handle it. Observe the chute guard from the ground to determine visibility.
We then left the gutter guards to pick up the trash, but since our area was relatively quiet at the time and didn’t naturally fall much trash, we took care of it ourselves. We used mulch to mimic branches, tree soil, and other debris to shovel the roof over the gutters. Then, after we hose down the roof, we can accurately gauge how well the gutters are picking up debris.
We removed the gutter guards to gain access to the gutters and determine how well the guards hold debris. Finally, we cleaned these gutter guards to see how easy it was to remove stuck-on debris.
Finish off 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 and test each product in real-world conditions to ensure it performs at its best. Check out our selection of new gutters with the most important considerations in mind.
This stainless steel leaf guard from Raptor features a thin yet durable mesh that prevents even the smallest windblown seeds from entering the drain. Its durable micro-mesh cover slides under the bottom row of roof tiles and the outer edge is screwed onto the gutter for added security. Raptor V-Bend technology increases filtering capacity and stiffens the mesh to hold debris without sagging.
The Raptor Gutter Cover fits standard 5″ Gutters and comes in easy-to-handle 5′ strips with a total length of 48′. The kit includes screwdrivers for screws and nuts needed to install the rods.
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 or below the shingles, depending on the situation. However, we found the stainless steel material to be difficult to cut even with good scissors, although this certainly speaks to its durability. The stainless steel mesh grabs everything possible and is also easy to remove to clean the gutter.
For those who don’t want to invest in expensive stainless steel products, 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 birds. Plastic gutter guards can be cut to custom gutter sizes with standard scissors and are supplied in rolls 6″ wide x 20′ long.
Gutter guards are easy to install without the use of screws, nails, nails or any other fasteners. Simply place the railing into the chute, making sure the center of the railing curves up towards the chute opening, rather than creating a chute where debris can collect. The plastic material does not rust or corrode, and is resistant to extreme temperature changes, protecting the gutter all year round.
In testing, the inexpensive Frost King proved to be a good choice. On the ground, the screen cut easily into 4 and 5 foot long pieces, and the plastic is so light we didn’t have to worry about lifting it up stairs (which can be a problem with heavier materials). However, we found these gutter guards to be a little finicky to install properly as they don’t use hardware to hold them in place.
This brush guard has a flexible stainless steel core that can be bent 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 to 525 feet and are easy to install without fasteners: simply place this leaf guard in the gutter and gently push down until the guard 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 advantage of the GutterBrush gutter protection system was the ease of installation, 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 large parts are easy to remove, we learned that the GutterBrush is maintenance free.
The FlexxPoint Residential Gutter Cover System provides enhanced protection against sagging and collapse, even in high foliage or heavy snow conditions. Reinforced with raised ribs along the entire length of the strip, it features a lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum construction. The gutter guard is designed so that it cannot be seen from the ground.
This durable gutter guard attaches to the outer edge of the gutter with the included screws. It snaps into place so there is no need to push it under the pebbles. Available in black, white, brown and matt 22, 102, 125, 204, 510, 1020 and 5100 feet long.
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 in front of the gutter, but also behind. 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 peeking out from below may consider AM 5″ Aluminum Gutter Guards. The perforated panels are made from industrial grade aluminum and have 380 holes per foot to withstand showers. It adheres tightly to the gutter and is almost invisible after installation, so it does not spoil the aesthetics of the roof.
The guard includes retractable shingle supports and tabs for easy installation and attaches 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 also fits 23′, 50′, 100′ and 200′ 6″ gutters.
During testing, we both loved and hated the AM Gutter Guard system. Yes, these aluminum gutter guards are a high quality system with strong reinforced ridges that run the full length of the guard and 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 novice home builders can find gutter guards easy to install with Amerimax metal gutter retainer guards. This gutter guard is designed to slide under the first row of shingles and snap into place on the outer edge of the gutter. Its flexible design fits 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 hardware-less mount performed very well in testing and was very secure, removing the gutter guard by hand proved a little tricky. The screen is easy to cut and we appreciate the flexible mounting options (we couldn’t get under the shingles so we placed it over the gutter). It holds debris well, although smaller particles do. But the only real problem is to remove the shield, as the cut mesh is hanging on the brackets.
In addition to being the best at protecting your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include materials, dimensions, visibility and installation.
There are five basic gutter guard types available: mesh, micro mesh, reverse curve (or surface tension gutter guard), brush, and foam. Each type has its own advantages and caveats.
Protective screens have a wire or plastic mesh that prevents leaves from falling into the gutter. Installing them is as easy as lifting the bottom row of shingles and sliding the edge of the gutter screen under the shingles along the length of the gutter; the weight of the shingles holds the screen in place. Gutter guards are an inexpensive option and offer the easiest installation – usually no tools are required.
The gutter screen does not screw in 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 may want to contact the shingle manufacturer before installing this type of gutter guard.
Steel micro-mesh gutter guards act as screens, allowing water to flow through tiny holes 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 shroud directly onto the top of the gutter, or attach the flange to the panel (the vertical strip above the top of the gutter).
The micro-mesh protective nets effectively block even fine debris such as windblown sand, while at the same time allowing rainwater to pass 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 curvature protective gutters 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 protecting gutters from leaves and debris, even in yards with lots of trees.
Reverse-curve gutter guards are more expensive than mesh guards and screens. They are less DIY friendly than other types of gutter guards and must be installed at the correct angle to the roof panel. If installed incorrectly, water may flow over the edge and not in the opposite curve into the gutter. Because they fit over existing gutters, these fences look like full gutter covers from the ground, so it’s a good idea to look for products that match the color and aesthetic of your home.
Gutter guard brushes are essentially oversized pipe cleaners that sit inside the gutter, preventing large debris from entering the gutter and causing it to clog. 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 fence does not require screws or gutter connections, and the metal wire core is flexible, allowing the gutter fence to flex to fit oddly shaped corners or gutters. These features make it easier for DIYers to assemble the gutters without professional help.
Another easy-to-use option is a triangular foam block that fits into the gutter. One side is flat against the back of the chute, the other flat side faces the top of the chute to keep debris out. The third flat side sits diagonally in the gutter, allowing water and small debris to drain through the drainage system.
Foam guards are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great choice for DIYers. 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, they are not the best choice for high rainfall areas, as heavy rain can quickly saturate the foam, causing the gutters to overflow.
To select the correct size when installing the gutter guard, 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 gutter guards are 3 to 8 feet long. Gutters come in three standard sizes, and railings are available in 4″, 5″ and 6″ sizes, 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 may be visible 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 micro-mesh, screen and back-curve gutter guards are more visible.
Typically, shields come in three standard colors: white, black, and silver. Some products have additional color options, allowing users to find protection to match their gutters. Matching gutter guards to match 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 DIYer with the right ladder and experience working at heights can install gutters on their own in a two-story home. Never climb the stairs to the roof without an observer. Ensure proper fall arrest systems are in place 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 your gutter system, preventing 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 their proximity to houses to start digging holes in roofs and walls. However, installing gutters can help keep these unwanted pests away and protect your home.
Because the gutter guards keep debris from accumulating and pest infestation, the 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 may be obstructing the flow of water into the gutter.
Gutter guards provide a great way to reduce maintenance costs and protect your gutters from debris build-up 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 debris from nearby leaves falls the most.
Some gutter guards, such as kink guards, can aggravate ice jams by trapping snow and ice inside the gutter. However, most gutter guards help prevent icing by limiting the amount of snow that enters the gutter system.
Post time: Jun-22-2023