The 3 “Best” Types of Gutter Guards To Install Yourself (DIY)
- 1) “Plastic Mesh” Gutter Guards (Economy) Plastic Mesh Gutter Guards ...
- 2) “Foam” Gutter Guards (Mid-Grade) When considering Value, Effectiveness, and the easiest installation of DIY gutter guards – “Foam” gutter guards from GutterStuff are definitely one to consider. ...
- 3) “Fine Mesh” Gutter Guards – (Best Overall)
Full Answer
How do I choose the best gutter guard?
- Selection: Are there plenty of sizes to fit your gutters perfectly? ...
- Cost: How does the cost of gutter guards from one company compare to another? ...
- Return policy: If you accidentally measured wrong and bought gutter guards that don't fit or you change your mind about the color or material, make sure you find a company ...
Do any gutter guards really work?
Do Gutter Guards Really Work? Yes, Gutter Guards Do Work! However, as with most things, some work better than others. This is especially true when it comes to gutter guards because some are designed with different parts of the country in mind. That’s why its important to know what you’re looking for when you begin shopping for gutter guards.
Are gutter guards worth the cost?
The short answer is no; however, choosing not to install gutter guards on a home can create more work and wasted energy for homeowners in the long run. In fact, while gutter guards do come with an up-front cost and require effort to install, there are many benefits that tend to make the initial investment well worth the cost.
How expensive are gutter guards?
Gutter guards are usually pretty cheap, but some models can get pretty expensive, especially if you have a large house and an extensive gutter system to fix. Gutter guards cost anywhere between $0.50 to $10 per foot, depending on the kind of guard and material used.
Which type of gutter guard works best?
Micro-mesh gutter guardsThe best gutter guards on the market are high-quality options made from durable metal, such as stainless steel. Micro-mesh gutter guards offer optimal filtration from various sizes of debris and are considered the most effective.
Is there a gutter guard that really works?
The short answer is yes, gutter guards work. While they can't guarantee that you'll never have clogged gutters again, they can significantly reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters and lower the risk of damage to your home and property due to clogged gutters and sitting water.
What should I look for when buying gutter guards?
Look for gutter guards that sit flat in the gutter and is not visible from the ground. It will work on both shingle and metal roofs and won't have to fit under the shingles. 4. A gutter guard should allow you to visually inspect the inside of your gutter by simply looking in.
Is there a downside to gutter guards?
Gutter Guards can dent and lose some of their effectiveness, so avoid posting a ladder against your gutters during cleaning or when putting up seasonal lights & decorations. If not cleaned as needed, the added weight of build-up on your gutter guards may cause your actual gutters to sag.
Is LeafGuard worth the money?
The Bottom Line: LeafGuard It uses a custom-built design process, guaranteeing you get the perfect system for your home's needs. Although LeafGuard can be more expensive than other brands, customers who followed through with the installation considered it a worthwhile investment.
How much should gutter guards cost?
Gutter guards typically cost as little as $0.50 per foot and up to $10 per foot depending on the type and material used. For an average house, with 200 feet of gutters, the total cost to purchase gutter guards can be between $100 for low-cost options and $2,000 for high-end guards.
What color should gutter guards be?
White or off-white tend to be the most popular and standard choice because it will go well with any siding, trim, or roof. White or off-white gutters provide a clean and finished look to the exterior.
What is the average cost of leaf guard?
LeafGuard is a custom-designed product and, thus, doesn't have an average cost. You can expect to pay about $9 to $33 per linear foot for materials and $2 to $4 per linear foot for installation, but there are a number of factors that will influence this pricing. $2,200 to $7,400 for most homes.
What are the different types of gutter guards?
There are six types of gutter guards on the market: micro-mesh, mesh, screen, reverse curve/surface tension, brush, and foam. The gutter guard you select for your home should depend on your visibility, installation, and cost preferences, and the amount of rainfall and debris your gutters experience.
Do you need to clean gutters with gutter guards?
Many homeowners choose to have gutter guards installed to keep the gutters clear; while they typically do a good job, both the gutters and the gutter guards will need to be cleaned once or twice a year. Cleaning gutters and gutter guards is not an easy task, especially on a two-story home.
Should I remove gutter guards in winter?
Any metal guard that is on your gutters during the winter months has the potential to freeze. While your guard is frozen you may experience icicles, and water melting over the front of the guard. If your gutter crosses a doorway or walkway you may have to keep an eye on those areas for any dripping or melting.
Which is better leaf guard or gutter Helmet?
0:002:03Gutter Guard Comparison: LeafFilter vs Gutter Helmet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe opening on a reverse curve gutter guard may also attract bees. And other pests. Getting rid ofMoreThe opening on a reverse curve gutter guard may also attract bees. And other pests. Getting rid of these pests once they've created a nest or hive inside your gutters. It's not an easy task.
What to put in gutters to keep leaves out?
8 Ways to Prevent Leaves in GutterRegular Maintenance. ... Keep Your Trees Trimmed. ... Add Gutter Screens. ... Add Surface-tension Guards. ... Add Fine Mesh Gutter Guard. ... Add a Leaf Catcher. ... Install an All-in-One Gutter System. ... Install The SpoutOff.
Does LeafGuard work in heavy rain?
Can LeafGuard Gutters Handle Heavy Rain or Downpours? Yes, LeafGuard gutters have been tested and can handle up to 32 inches of rain per hour, which is over three times the heaviest rainfall ever recorded by the US Weather Bureau.
What is the downside of LeafFilter?
Disadvantages of the LeafFilter GutterGuard Heavy amounts of rainfall will not be able to filter through the mesh and continue through your gutters but instead run down the side of your home and down to the base eliminating the entire purpose of a gutter system, let alone a gutter protection system.
Are LeafGuard gutters good?
Excellent quality product!! leafguard is really the best thought out system of moving water off your roof and keeping leaves and debris from clogging your system. i have roughly 28 trees near my house. my gutters will never fill and overflow again.
Are gutter guards worth the money?
Yes, gutter guards are worth the money if you want to reduce how often you clean your gutters. Over time, your gutters will naturally experience cl...
What are gutter guards made of?
The three most common gutter guard materials are aluminum, metal or nylon mesh, and plastic. Aluminum and mesh gutter guards last longer than plast...
What are some common complaints made by gutter guard users?
These are some of the most common complaints made by gutter guard users: The gutters still require maintenance and upkeep. Icicles and ice dams for...
What are the best gutter guards on the market?
The best gutter guards on the market are high-quality options made from durable metal such as stainless steel. Micro-mesh gutter guards offer optim...
How do gutter guards work?
Gutter guards work by keeping various types of debris from interrupting the water flow in your gutter system. The gutter guard system fits inside o...
What are the different types of gutter guards?
The five main types of gutter guards available to protect the gutter system are screen, micro mesh, reverse curve (or surface tension gutter guards), brush, and foam —each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
Why use gutter guards?
The main benefit of using gutter guards to protect the stormwater drainage system is keeping debris out. Leaves, sticks, feathers, and other large debris can quickly clog up a gutter system, preventing water from properly draining.
How do gutter guards help with ice dams?
However, most gutter guards can actually help to prevent ice buildup by limiting the amount of snow that passes through into the gutter system.
How long is a Raptor gutter cover?
The Raptor gutter cover fits standard 5-inch gutters and comes in easy-to-handle 5-foot strips with a total length of 48 feet. The screws and the nut-driver socket needed to install the strips are included.
How long should gutter guards be?
Most gutter guards come in lengths ranging from 3 to 8 feet. Gutters come in three standard widths, with guards sized to match: 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch, with 5-inch being 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.
What material is used to make gutter guards?
Common materials include stainless steel, copper, aluminum, plastics, and foam. Stainless steelis a commonly used metal to make micro-mesh, screen, and reverse curve gutter guards.
Why is it important to clean gutters?
Cleaning a home’s gutters is a messy chore, but it’s vital to keep this stormwater drainage system free of clogs. Decompos ing leaves, twigs, and other debris can create blockages in the gutter system, forcing water over the side of the gutter , causing damage to foundation plantings and the foundation itself.
What is a gutter guard?
The Gutterglove gutter guard provides contractor-grade gutter protection. It's constructed of an aluminum rail with stainless-steel micro mesh, featuring 900 holes per square inch. This functional design handles both small and large debris, especially pine needles and roof grit. Plus, the micro-mesh gutter guard has patented V-Bend Technology that prevents sagging and offers superior water filtration. This corrosion-resistant product has a 4.6-star rating from customers who say it's a lifetime solution. Many reviewers praise its well-written instruction manual and affordability compared to professionally installed systems.
Why do you need gutter guards?
If your to-do list involves cleaning your gutters, it's time to invest in gutter guards. The covers stop debris from clogging gutters, which ultimately prevents water damage and the possibility of a cracked foundation. Gutter guards can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
What is a micro mesh gutter?
Featuring finely woven screens, micro-mesh gutter guards are a maintenance-free solution. The tiny holes block pine needles and tiny particles while allowing water to enter and flow through your gutter system. Easy to install, micro-mesh guards are lightweight and don't add stress to your roof. These gutter filters are typically made of nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel and effortlessly slide under the first row of shingles or snap over the gutter. Superfine mesh gutter screens are the best option for homes with evergreen trees, asphalt shingles, or lots of small debris and insects.
What is the best gutter guard for pine needles?
Have evergreen trees? Micro-mesh gutter guards, like this top-rated option by Gutterglove, are the best gutter guards for pine needles. For optimal drainage, the A-M aluminum gutter guard is an excellent choice thanks to its sturdy metal construction and patented filtration system. If you want a budget-friendly shield, this plastic gutter guard has more than 1,000 five-star reviews.
What is a reverse gutter guard?
Reverse-curve gutter guards (also known as surface tension) are typically made of metal or plastic and blend well with rooflines. The purpose of their curved design is to allow water to run through the top of the guard and flow into the gutter. The openings at the top vary in size, so you'll want to choose one that meets your needs. If you tend to see a lot of large debris in your gutters, consider a reverse-curve guard with a small opening. For areas with small debris or heavy rains, larger gaps are the way to go.
How long does a gutter guard last?
"The hardest thing about installing these is climbing the ladder," one five-star reviewer said. Made of powder-coated steel, the product is built to last at least ten years. This gutter leaf protector is compatible with four-, five-, and six-inch K-style gutters.
Where are FlexxPoint gutter guards made?
Built by a family-owned and operated manufacturer in Ohio, FlexxPoint gutter guards are trusted by both contractors and homeowners across the country. This 102-foot gutter cover system is available for less than $100 on Amazon and comes with a 30-year warranty. And unlike some models, it doesn't void roof warranties because it snaps right into the gutter instead of under the shingles. For installation, you need a cordless drill, tin snips, and, of course, a sturdy ladder. "I showed a piece of the product to a professional roofer who said 'you bought the good stuff,'" one five-star shopper wrote .
What to look for when buying gutter guards?
As you shop for gutter guards, you’ll want to consider factors such as the style—screen, micro-mesh, reverse curve, foam, etc.—as well as the material it’s made from and its installation requirements.
How wide is a gutter guard?
Each Gutterglove panel is 4 feet long and 5.5 inches wide, and they can be used on both 4- and 5-inch gutters of various styles. The brand’s patented V-Bend Technology allows the guards to filter rainwater more effectively than other products, and the Gutterglove is UL approved for rainwater harvesting. Each package comes with 10 panels that you can secure using the included screws or 3M VHB tape, and when you register the product with the manufacturer, you’ll enjoy a 25-year warranty.
How many pieces of gutter guards are there?
They come in 3-foot panels, and each package has 16 pieces—enough to cover around 48 feet of gutters.
What is a micro mesh gutter?
The stainless steel micro mesh has a raised design that helps funnel water into your gutters while blocking out unwanted debris.
How much is Frost King gutter guard?
For less than $10, you get 20 feet of plastic mesh to protect your drainage system, and it’s incredibly easy to install, as the material can be cut with an ordinary pair of scissors. The Frost King Gutter Guard is 6 inches wide and made from flexible plastic that can easily be inserted into your gutters.
What kind of mesh is used for gutter guards?
These durable guards use fine stainless steel mesh to keep debris of all sizes out of your gutter.
What is a snap in gutter guard?
The Amerimax Snap-In Gutter Guard is an affordable and easy-to-install solution that will help keep leaves out of your home’s gutters. While not the most durable product out there, the Snap-In Gutter Guards are unparalleled in terms of convenience—they simply snap onto the front lip of the gutter, saving you the hassle of wielding a power drill while balancing on a ladder .
Types of Gutter Guards
There are various types of gutter guards. Each type provides a different approach to keeping debris out of your gutters but allowing water to flow. Different types of gutter covers are better suited for individual situations and homes.
What to Look for in a Gutter Guard
Different types of gutter guards are better for different homes and regions. Also, not all gutter covers provide the best results. We have listed some of the most important factors to consider when looking for the right gutter guard for your home.
Gutter Guards FAQs
Micro-mesh and surface tension gutter guards are best for pine needles because these designs do not have holes large enough for pine needles to pass through.
How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies. Then, we formulated a rating system based on each gutter guard service’s several significant factors.
How long is the warranty on a Rhino gutter guard?
RHINO offers a 20-year transferable warranty. While the length of this warranty is less than that of some other gutter guard providers, RHINO’s warranty has similar terms and protections included. RHINO guarantees that properly installed and maintained guards will not clog or overflow due to debris accumulation or show defects from materials or workmanship. Similar to other warranties, owners must clean and maintain RHINO gutter guards for the warranty to apply.
How much does it cost to install a rhino gutter guard?
While homeowners must speak with a RHINO representative and eventually get a consultation to know the exact cost for having RHINO guards installed on their gutters, information available around the web shows that others have paid between $15 and $20 per foot for the guards with installation. This narrow and reasonable price range means that homeowners should safely know what to expect when it comes to an estimate and likely will not need to negotiate for the best prices.
What happens when a gutter is clogged?
Once gutters are clogged, they are likely to fill with water, leading them to overflow, crack, or break completely. This then leads to water buildup and puddling near the foundation of the building.
What is the purpose of gutter guards?
1. Debris Prevention – The primary function of gutter guards is to prevent debris , including leaves, pine needles, twigs, pine cones, gravel, and other small objects, from entering the rain gutter system. This type of debris entering the gutter can lead to a number of serious problems starting with gutter clogs.
How long do copper gutter guards last?
Copper gutter guards have the potential to last longer than guards made from any other material, often over 25 years. It is also a more expensive material and fewer manufacturers actually make copper gutter guards.
What prevents rain gutters from working properly?
However, debris, uneven water flow, and nesting critters can prevent rain gutters from working properly. Gutter guards are devices that prevent leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter and interfering with water flow to keep gutters working smoothly.
How much does a gutter guard cost?
Gutter guards typically cost as little as $0.50 per foot and up to $10 per foot depending on the type and material used. For an average house, with 200 feet of gutters, the total cost to purchase gutter guards can be between $100 for low-cost options and $2,000 for high-end guards.
