Gutters divert water away from your home, but they can clog and stop working without routine maintenance. You can invest in gutter guards to avoid the inconvenience of climbing a ladder and cleaning your gutters twice or more a year. These products won’t eliminate the need for cleaning but will significantly decrease how often you have to do it.

 

 

The 9 Best Gutter Guards of 2023

Our team researched extensively and created an in-depth methodology to identify the best gutter guard services and products on the market. Here are our top nine recommendations.

 

 

Gutter Guard Buying Guide

Gutter guards can be a self- or professional-install product, depending on where you make a purchase. Both variations typically have warranty protection, but the terms will vary among manufacturers and gutter service providers. The size, material, and appearance of the gutter guard should be key factors to consider when choosing a product for your home.

Installation

DIY gutter guard installation is fairly straightforward if you have basic tools, a ladder, and are comfortable with heights. Often, DIY gutter guard brands provide the required hardware, detailed installation instructions, and customer service lines in case you need additional assistance.

However, there are clear benefits to choosing a professionally installed gutter guard. Professionally installed products typically feature more durable materials and thus last longer than their DIY counterparts. Gutter guard installers also bring a trained eye, enabling them to point out gutter issues, such as sags, leaks, alignment issues, or missing downspouts.

Below, Kevin O’Connor demonstrates the installation of a gutter system with a built-in gutter guard tested to effectively handle 32 inches of rain per hour.

Cost

Self-install gutter guards are available from many gutter service providers, home improvement stores, and online retailers. DIY gutter guards typically are priced at less than $3 per linear foot; below are sample prices for three popular gutter guards currently available on Amazon:

  • Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard: $125 for 48 linear feet ($2.60 per foot)
  • A-M Screen Gutter Guard: $85 for 50 linear feet ($1.70 per foot)
  • GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guard: $66 for 32 linear feet ($2.06 per foot)

Professional installers seldom provide pricing information for gutter guards without first inspecting your home to determine the required linear footage. During this inspection, the company will also assess the condition of the existing gutter system to look for damage that warrants gutter repair or replacement.

Warranty

Many gutter guard brands come with warranty protection that typically corresponds to the size of the investment. Professional installs are more expensive but often include lifetime, transferable warranties. For DIY gutter guards, you will find that manufacturer warranties vary considerably, ranging from zero to 20 or more years. Cheaper DIY gutter guards, such as foam and brush guards, may not include any warranty protection.

You should also consider your home’s roof warranty. Some gutter guards involve a more invasive installation process, requiring you to lift shingles or put pressure on the drip edge. This can potentially void your roof warranty, protection that may otherwise be valid for 20 to 50 years.

Size

Gutters most commonly have a 5- or 6-inch width, though 7-inch gutters are sometimes used in locations with heavy rainfall. Since gutters come in various sizes, it’s important to measure your gutters before buying gutter guards to ensure a proper fit. For a common K-style gutter, you need to measure from the backside of the gutter that touches the fascia board to the outer edge.

Appearance

If curb appeal is important to you, choose a guard that either can’t be seen from the ground or comes in a color that matches your home’s exterior.

The micro-mesh designs offered by professional installers are typically not visible from the ground. Some installers provide multiple options for matching a more visible gutter guard with your home’s aesthetic. One company that impressed us, LeafGuard, offers its one-piece gutter and gutter guard design in up to 12 colors.

Materials

Gutter guard products are made from various materials, with professionally installed products often exhibiting superior build quality to DIY products. “The material of the gutter guard is essential,” says Andrew Johnson, CEO of Prime Seamless Gutters & Roofing. “Homeowners should look for durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum.”

Here is a breakdown of the materials commonly used to construct gutter guards.

  • Plastic: Vinyl and other types of plastic are affordable materials often used for the frame of gutter guards that use a mesh screen. It can also be the primary material used in reverse-curve designs. It is good for keeping costs down and stopping rust, but it isn’t as strong as aluminum or steel and can warp or crack over time.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is typically used for gutter guard screens and bodies. It’s stronger than plastic but not as strong as steel. It is resistant to sharp temperature changes and won’t rust. However, if visual appearance is important, it should be coated to avoid forming a patina.
  • Steel: Steel, or more commonly stainless steel, is the primary material used for mesh and micro-mesh screens. You may also see steel frames or bodies in higher-end gutter guards. It has the advantage of strength over aluminum but must either be a stainless alloy or coated to protect it from rust and corrosion.
  • Copper: This is an expensive and unusual material in gutter guards, but it can be used to match existing copper gutters. While somewhere between the strength of aluminum and steel, it has chemical resistance to mold and mildew. You may need to use a protective coating to keep a patina from forming over time.

Design

There are many different types of gutter guards, from DIY brush guards to professionally installed micro-mesh. Here’s a breakdown of each kind and their pros and cons.

  • Screen: Screen gutter guards have large holes that keep out leaves and other large debris but do not provide protection against finer debris, such as pine needles or shingle grit. You can typically install them by lifting the bottom row of roof shingles and sliding the edge of the screen underneath it. Screen gutter guards are affordable and easy to install on your own, but they can blow off in windy conditions and become brittle over time.
  • Mesh: Mesh guards are typically made of metal or plastic and have small holes that filter water while blocking debris. You can slip them under the bottom row of your roof shingles, snap them directly on top of your gutters, or attach them to the fascia—the “transition trim” between your home and your roof. Mesh gutter guards are slightly more expensive and more difficult to install than screen guards, especially if they install under your shingles. Lifting shingles, especially when it’s cold, can damage your roof or void its warranty. Additionally, some mesh gutter guard varieties are flimsy, and extreme weather conditions can easily damage them.
  • Micro-mesh: Micro-mesh gutter guards are similar to mesh guards. They have small holes that keep out debris and allow water to flow through them. However, the holes on micro-mesh guards are much smaller than those on regular mesh guards, allowing them to keep out even small debris. Most micro-mesh gutter guards must be professionally installed. This is a costlier solution to gutter protection but is more effective, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance.
  • Reverse-curve or surface tension: Reverse-curve or surface tension gutter guards are made from metal or plastic. Unlike other gutter guards that allow water to flow through the gutter, this type forces water to flow over the gutter and around a downward curve before dropping into the gutter beneath. Leaves and debris then slide off and onto the ground below. Reverse-curve gutter guards are more difficult to install on your own because they must be positioned at the same angle as your roof, which can be especially tricky for steep roofs. They’re also expensive and visible from the ground. However, they come in various colors and keep out most debris, even in the toughest weather conditions.
  • Brush: Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners that fit into your gutter. When these guards are in place, large debris collects on top and water trickles down and out through the gutter spout. While this gutter guard type is easy to install, small debris, such as pine needles, can easily get stuck in the bristles, forcing you to completely remove the gutter guard to shake those pieces out.
  • Foam: Foam gutter guards are another inexpensive and easy-to-install DIY option. They require sticking a wedge of polyurethane foam into the gutter to keep out large debris. However, debris can easily build up on the gutter guards rather than inside the gutters, and they must be completely removed to clean. These gutter guards are prone to deterioration over time.

 

 

Our Top Professionally Installed Gutter Guards of 2023

Getting gutter guards installed can help prevent damage to your home’s fascia, cladding, and foundation by keeping gutters free of clogs that cause rainwater to spill over. Gutter guards also cut down on how often you need to clean out leaves and debris but do not completely eliminate the need for routine maintenance. A professional installer saves you the hassle of a DIY install and typically offers a more durable product than what you can find from non-specialty retailers.

Here are our top picks for the best professional gutter guards:

Gutter Guard (Brand)DesignWarrantyBest For
LeafFilterMicro-meshLifetime, transferableLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit
LeafGuardReverse-curveLifetime finish warranty, transferableLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects
HomeCraft Gutter ProtectionMicro-meshLifetime, transferableLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit
All American Gutter ProtectionMicro-meshLifetimeLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit
Gutter Guards AmericaMicro-meshLifetime, transferableLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit

 

 

LeafFilter

Best Overall
5
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), stainless steel
  • Multiple color options: Yes
  • Financing available: Yes

What We Like

The LeafFilter gutter guard is a three-piece design that includes a durable uPVC frame, stainless steel micro-mesh filter, and hidden internal hangers. These hangers attach to your home’s fascia board to reinforce the entire gutter system. LeafFilter’s ultra-fine mesh can block debris as small as shingle grit and pollen. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a transferable lifetime warranty Makes gutter guards with 275-micron stainless steel mesh Offers new gutter installation if needed Cons Doesn’t provide cost information without a home inspection Has received negative customer feedback for its assertive sales strategies

What To Expect

You can request a no-obligation estimate from LeafFilter over the phone or via its online contact form. When we requested an estimate, LeafFilter notified us that a home inspection would be required before providing any pricing information. Below, we’ve outlined the general inspection and installation process:

  1. A LeafFilter technician will inspect your home, measuring the gutters and looking for defective sections that may need repair or replacement.
  2. After you sign the contract, an installer or team of installers will come on the scheduled date to install the gutter guard system and clean up any debris.
  3. You may register your lifetime warranty on LeafFilter’s website once installation is complete.

What Customers Are Saying

After analyzing LeafFilter customer reviews published with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we found that many customers were pleased with LeafFilter’s gutter guard and installation process. Some customers were displeased with the company’s sales tactics, mentioning that they felt pressured to sign a contract to lock in a lower price than originally quoted. Here are two recent LeafFilter reviews: 

“The LeafFilter system is working perfectly; only water gets into the gutters. The system was installed the day after the sale was finished. One person cleaned the gutters and down spouts, added diverters, and installed the drip edge and the leaf guard filters in 2 days (Saturday and Sunday). The installer was knowledgeable and courteous, and kept me posted on his progress throughout the installation. I recommend the LeafFilter system for anyone who wants to eliminate cleaning their gutters for the rest of their life (guaranteed and transferrable to the next owner as well, by LeafFilter).” —Bob N, May 6, 2023, on BBB

“I requested to get a quote so I would be able to compare companies on the product and prices. When the sales person did not like that we wanted to review and compare quotes from other companies he would not leave us a written scope of work or quote. He just left some numbers on a piece of paper. Very unprofessional in my opinion. He wanted an answer at that time for the lowest price on the piece of paper. I wanted to find out how he came up with the price and what material is being used in writing.” —Kenneth R, September 7, 2022, on BBB

LeafGuard

Best Reverse-Curve
3.7
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Aluminum
  • Multiple color options: Yes; 12 colors listed on website
  • Financing available: Yes

What We Like

LeafGuard has been in the gutter guard industry for more than 29 years, and its gutter system is backed by the Good Housekeeping Institute. The company offers a unique rain gutter and gutter guard combination seamlessly constructed from a single piece of aluminum. The reverse-curve design blocks debris while routing water into your gutters using the scientific principle of liquid adhesion. Professional installers custom-fit the product to each home during installation.

Pros and Cons

Pros Guarantees product won’t clog for the life of your home Features a sturdy single-piece reverse-curve design Includes ScratchGuard paint finish for durability Cons Requires a full gutter system replacement Does not provide pricing information online

What To Expect

You can call LeafGuard’s toll-free number or fill out its online form to request an estimate. When we filled out the online form, we learned that LeafGuard will not provide an estimate without visiting the home. A representative contacted us shortly after submitting the form and confirmed this information. Here is what the estimate and installation process looks like: 

  1. A LeafGuard installer will visit your home to assess and measure the existing gutter system, providing an estimate on-site. 
  2. On the scheduled installation day, a LeafGuard installer will return to your home and custom-fit the one-piece LeafGuard gutter and gutter guard system to your home.
  3. The installer will fine-tune the new gutter system, installing structural hangers and adjusting the pitch before cleaning any debris from your property.
  4. Once the LeafGuard system is installed, you should register your lifetime finish warranty on the company’s website.

What Customers Are Saying

LeafGuard has mixed customer reviews on sites such as BBB and Trustpilot. Satisfied customers mention the company’s professionalism and the effectiveness of the product after years of use. Unsatisfied customers focused on unsatisfactory salesmanship of LeafGuard representatives or performance issues after installation. Here are two recent LeafGuard reviews:

“Excellent product, had Leafguard on our house in PA and just had them installed here in SC. Two guys, [LeafGuard installer] and [LeafGuard installer] completed the install in one day, took away the old gutters and took time to explain the system as there have been several upgrades since we first had them installed in PA. Expensive, yeah, but you get what you pay for. Top mount gutter filters sound good but when soggy leaves accumulate on them, they need to be cleaned off. Not with LeafGuard.” —Bob J, April 13, 2023, on BBB

“This is a very expensive system that says you don’t have to get up on a ladder anymore. This is not true. Also my gutter has an awful leak after spending big money on the system. My gutter is worse than when I started. I do not recommend LeafGuard.” —Denise S, August 9, 2022, on BBB

HomeCraft

Best Design
4.5
Phone : 855-434-3836 BBB Rating : A-
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Multiple color options: Yes; 12 colors listed on website
  • Financing available: Yes

What We Like

The HomeCraft gutter guard uses patented, diamond-raised technology that performs better than hooded or reverse-curve options. The guards are made from a combination of marine-grade stainless steel and finely woven micro-mesh to block debris while allowing water to flow through.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a unique raised-screen design for improved debris filtration Is a family-owned and operated business Has metal roof compatibility Cons Is only available in 12 states Does not have pricing information online

What To Expect

Like other professional installers, HomeCraft has a contact form on its website for requesting estimates, or you can call a live agent. Either way, you will need to schedule a home inspection before HomeCraft will provide a quote. The company called us to set up an appointment within minutes after we requested a quote online. Here is what to expect from the inspection and installation process:

    1. During the inspection, the HomeCraft representative will measure your gutters, demonstrate the company’s gutter guard, and provide a quote that remains valid for up to one year. 
    2. Prior to installation, HomeCraft will clean, seal, and repair your existing gutter system as necessary.
    3. The installer will attach the gutter guard and clean any debris. 
    4. You will need to speak to the representative to discuss any necessary steps for registering for the lifetime, transferable warranty. 

What Customers Are Saying

HomeCraft has positive customer feedback across popular sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB. Customers praise HomeCraft’s family-owned and operated business for its friendly and knowledgeable sales staff. Negative reviews frequently mention excessive, ongoing sales calls after the prospective customer declined service. Here are two recent HomeCraft reviews:

“I had a terrific experience with [HomeCraft sales representative]. [HomeCraft sales representative] was very knowledgeable about the product and explained to me just why HomeCraft gutter protection is the best. I know that I bought a product that will last a very long time.” —Ronald C, May 15, 2022, on BBB

“This business has been harassing me with telemarketing calls for weeks now. 5+ calls a day, 7 days a week sometimes as late as 10pm. [I] told every single employee on the line that they have the wrong number, there is no one with the name they are asking for and to please not call back and yet here they are calling me again at 2:30 pm on a Sunday.” —Rhi L, January 15, 2023, on BBB

All American Gutter Protection

Most Customizable
4.5
Phone : 888-495-7725 BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Multiple color options: No
  • Financing available: Yes

What We Like

All American Gutter Protection installs micro-mesh gutter guards custom-fit to your gutters. It can also install new gutters if your current ones aren’t in good condition, custom forming the seamless gutters in various colors to match your home’s exterior. We also like that All American offers fascia repair and replacement when necessary.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers customized installation for each home Can replace existing gutter system with seamless gutters that come in various colors Provides ongoing discounts for military and seniors Cons Has no DIY options Limits service to 18 states

What To Expect

To start your All American quote, you will need to request an estimate over the phone or on its website and provide basic contact information. We requested an estimate online, and All American notified us that it would contact us within 12 hours to set up an appointment to visit our home and provide an estimate. Here is what to expect from All American: 

  1. On the day of your scheduled appointment, All American will measure your home’s gutters to provide a gutter guard estimate.
  2. You can discuss the gutter guard’s lifetime performance guarantee, military and senior discounts, and the available financing options with your sales representative before signing the contract.
  3. The company will typically schedule the gutter guard installation within two to three days of you signing the contract.

What Customers Are Saying

All American Gutter Protection has overall positive reviews on the BBB. Satisfied customers noted the company’s professional and timely gutter guard installations. We found negative reviews that cited issues with the company honoring its warranty. Here are two All American customer reviews from the BBB:

“I had gutter guards that were placed in one day, the crew that installed them were professional and quick. That was 4 months ago and I am so happy that my gutters no longer get trash or debris in them. Thank you, All American Gutter Protection LLC.” —Monica N, October 23, 2022, on BBB

“Worst warranty ever. Called repeatedly for service with no response. Sales person sold me on the no questions warranty. My gutter performance is now worse than before All American Gutter installed the new system. It’s been almost 2 months since the initial installation with no call back to set up a warranty visit for repair. Do not be fooled as I was. I’ve been chasing them for weeks. The water overflow has repeatedly damaged my property.” —Elias H, July 29, 2022, on BBB

Gutter Guards America

4.7
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Multiple color options: No
  • Financing available: Yes

What We Like

Gutter Guards America manufactures a micro-mesh gutter guard with highly durable materials. It backs up this quality construction with a transferable lifetime warranty and 100% money-back guarantee.

Its high-quality gutter guards are manufactured in the United States using a seamless aluminum frame and surgical-grade stainless steel mesh screen. The absence of plastics, vinyl, and adhesives means that its gutter guard resists swelling, cracking, and degrading over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros Manufactured in the U.S. Makes gutter guards with surgical-grade stainless steel mesh Cleans, realigns, and seals existing gutters during installation Cons Advertises misleading claim that its guards keep you off the ladder Limits service to four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio

What To Expect

You can call Gutter Guards America or submit your contact information online to request a call back from a representative. We received a call back within one hour of our online request. Similar to other professional installers, Gutter Guards America will first inspect your home’s existing gutter system before providing your estimate. Here’s how the process works from start to finish: 

  1. Gutter Guards America will inspect your existing gutter for potential repair or cleaning needs and to take measurements.
  2. A representative will provide you with an estimate for gutter guard installation and any necessary gutter sealing, reinforcement, or repair.
  3. The company will return to perform your requested gutter services on the agreed upon date, and you will receive a lifetime, transferable warranty for your new gutter guard. 

What Customers Are Saying

We analyzed recent customer reviews for Gutter Guards America on Trustpilot. The overall feedback was positive, with many customers complimenting the company’s professionalism and efficiency. Some mixed and negative reviews mentioned scheduling and communication issues. Here are two recent Gutter Guards America reviews:

“Gutter Guard America got back to me quickly upon my initial inquiry. Within a week, an initial quote and installation occurred. They were professional and got the job completed during the stated time frame. The guards have been performing as advertised.” —Brian J, April 30, 2023, on Trustpilot

“The job was not completed. They ran into a problem. Mr. Yarnell said he would call me on Wednesday, the 4th. No one has called. We are waiting.” —Linda H, May 5, 2022, on Trustpilot

 

 

Our Top DIY Gutter Guards of 2023

You can purchase your own gutter guard materials and install them yourself. However, these options are typically less durable and installation can be challenging depending on the product, so take special care in choosing one that meets your needs and abilities.

Here are our top choices for DIY gutter guards:

Gutter GuardDesignCostBest For
Raptor Gutter GuardMicro-mesh$2.60 per footLeaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit
A-M Gutter GuardScreen$1.78 per footLeaves, seed pods, pine needles
Amerimax Lock-In Gutter GuardMesh$1.33 per footLeaves, seed pods, pine needles
GutterBrush Gutter GuardBrush$3.65 per footLeaves, seed pods, pine needles

 

 

Raptor

Best DIY Option
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Warranty length: 25 years
  • Fit: 5-, 6-, and 7-inch gutters

What We Like

This gutter guard has an ultra-fine mesh to keep out small debris such as seeds and pine needles. The mesh is made from stainless steel and is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Raptor’s gutter guard is available on Amazon and has overall positive customer feedback from more than 4,000 customer reviews.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers DIY-friendly micro-mesh stainless steel guards Accommodates various installation styles Has a 25-year product warranty Cons Is hard to cut for installation Has smaller mesh holes that can cause overflow issues

Cost

Raptor Gutter Guard is available on Amazon with a listed price of $2.60 per linear foot. For a home with a total gutter length of 200 linear feet, expect to pay $520.  

Installation Process

Raptor Gutter Guard comes with a detailed installation guide and the self-tapping screws you need to attach the guard to your home’s fascia board. Note that you may need to bend or cut the gutter guard and should have tin snips on hand.

What Customers Are Saying

Based on more than 100 Amazon reviews we read, satisfied customers said these gutter guards were easy to install because of the instructions, drill bit head, and surplus screws included with the product. The main complaint was that the holes in the mesh were so small they wouldn’t allow all of the water to pass through during a downpour, causing water to flow over the gutters instead.

A-M Gutter Guard

Best Screen
  • Materials: Aluminum
  • Warranty length: Lifetime
  • Fit: 5- and 6-inch gutters

What We Like

A-M Gutter Guard’s covers have a screen that lays across the top of your gutters to prevent debris from reaching the bottom while allowing water to flow through. The screen also comes with a lifetime warranty that states A-M Gutter Guard will replace the product if it stops working at any time.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is an affordable, DIY option Has a low-profile design that sits below the gutter edge Is made from sturdy and rustproof heavy aluminum Cons Does not include installation screws Allows smaller debris to slip through the filter

Cost

A-M Gutter Guard is available on Amazon for approximately $1.32 per foot for the 200-feet package. For a home with 200 linear feet of gutter length, expect to pay around $264.

Installation Process

Your A-M Gutter Guard will come with an installation guide, but the necessary zip screws must be bought separately. You will need a drill or screwdriver on hand to attach the gutter guard. Tin snips are also necessary in case you need to cut a section to fit your gutters.

What Customers Are Saying

Several Amazon reviewers in wooded areas said this gutter guard kept leaves, twigs, and branches out of their gutters. However, some customers said that it required more maintenance than they expected. For example, the gutter guard formed a valley that collected debris and caused pine needles to get stuck in the holes, forcing customers to clean their gutters multiple times per year. (Most gutter guards require cleaning every one to two years.)

Amerimax

Most Affordable
  • Materials: Powder-coated steel
  • Warranty length: 10-year limited warranty
  • Fit: 4-, 5-, and 6-inch gutters

What We Like

This gutter guard is similar to Raptor’s micro-mesh guard except its holes are much bigger, minimizing water overflow. The Amerimax gutter guard comes in 3-foot long sections, but you can order various pack sizes to ensure you have enough guards to fill all of your gutters. Amerimax manufactures its product in the U.S. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Are easy to cut for customized fitting Work with most gutter styles and sizes Are rust-resistant Cons Have a paint coating that can cause overflow issues Allow small debris to still pass through

Cost

Amazon lists the Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard at approximately $1.33 per foot. For a home with a 200-feet gutter length, expect to pay around $266.

Installation Process

You install this product by sliding it under the outermost shingles and clipping the guard onto the front of your home’s gutter. You will not need extra tools, fasteners, or additional hardware.

What Customers Are Saying

Though these guards can be challenging to install, several Amazon customers said they were easier than types requiring fasteners and tools. Some reviews said water rushed right over the gutter cover instead of going through it because of how slick the paint coating is on the steel.

GutterBrush

Best Brush
  • Materials: Plastic, steel wire
  • Warranty length: 10-year material warranty
  • Fit: 5- and 6-inch gutters

What We Like

This gutter guard has plastic bristles wrapped in steel wire and slides directly into your gutter, blocking large debris from getting in while allowing water to seep through. Installation for this guard is quick and simple—it comes in 3-feet sections like the Amerimax mesh guard and easily slides into the gutter.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is available through many retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s Has the quickest installation compared to many other guards Fits with most gutter styles Cons Filters large debris only Can clog more easily than alternative designs

Cost

GutterBrush is available on Amazon for approximately $3.65 per foot. Expect to pay $730 for a home with 200 total feet of gutter length.

Installation Process

Brush-style gutter guards are among the easiest to install. You simply drop the brush sections into your existing gutter. No fasteners are needed. If the length of the last gutter guard section extends past the gutter, you can simply bend the excess back into the gutter.

What Customers Are Saying

Multiple Amazon customers were realistic about how well these gutter covers would work, understanding that they could only keep out large pieces of debris. Because of this, customers occasionally had to rinse smaller debris from the guards. Several customers complained the gutter guard didn’t work well in yards with many trees and became easily clogged by leaves and twigs.

 

 

Advantages of Gutter Guards

Not all homeowners agree on the benefits of gutter guards, and much of the debate can be attributed to misinformation. Whether you install a mesh gutter guard, a basic screen, or a reverse-curve design, clogged gutters can still happen with neglected maintenance. However, as long as you don’t fall for claims that you’ll never have to climb a ladder again, you can benefit from reduced maintenance costs and effort.

Gutter guards significantly reduce gutter cleaning frequency by blocking pests and debris while allowing water to flow through. This effectively prevents your gutters from clogging and you from having to clean them twice per year.

They’re also a great way to protect your home from damage. When your gutters remain free and clear, they direct water safely away from your house and avoid water damage to your basement and foundation. Water won’t back up and rot your fascia or damage your roof, either. Even when dry, leaves and debris that accumulate in your gutters pose a fire hazard to your home and its inhabitants.

The advantages of gutter guards make them a smart choice for most homeowners. However, no product is perfect. While they make cleanings easier and less frequent, they do not eliminate gutter cleaning entirely. Debris can accumulate on top of the gutter guard and require you to brush it away.

 

 

Our Conclusion

The best gutter guards can handle heavy rain with ease, providing efficient filtration and protecting your home from possible water damage. Though gutter guards don’t completely eliminate the need for cleaning, they save you time and stress by reducing the frequency. We recommend LeafFilter as our top pick for the best professional installation.

LeafGuard is another great option for its one-piece design that replaces your existing gutter system. We also ranked HomeCraft among our top picks, noting its unique, raised-diamond micro-mesh that elevates debris to improve filtration. For our top-ranked DIY gutter guard, we chose Raptor Gutter Guard for its durable micro-mesh design that offers protection against most types of debris.

We recommend comparing at least three different gutter guards to find the right option for your gutter system.

Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

 

FAQ About Gutter Guards

 

 

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for specifications, services, reputation, warranties and discounts, payment options, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.