Gutter guards, also known as gutter covers or leaf guards, prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating in your gutter system. Professionally installed and DIY gutter guards reduce how often you need to clean your home’s gutters. To help you choose the best gutter guards for your gutter system, we’ve reviewed top gutter guard providers and products that can keep your gutters free from clogs and functioning correctly.


The 9 Best Gutter Guards of 2023

Our team read hundreds of customer reviews, dove into company history, and analyzed each gutter guard product based on its materials, performance, and overall quality. After comparing each gutter guard against our objective rating and review methodology, we chose the following gutter guards as our top recommendations:

*Brands are independently sold gutter guards that require do-it-yourself (DIY) installation.

Product Image Star Rating BBB Rating Link
LeafFilter LeafFilter LeafFilter
A+ Visit Site
LeafGuard LeafGuard LeafGuard
A+ Visit Site
HomeCraft HomeCraft HomeCraft
B Visit Site
All American Gutter Protection All American Gutter Protection All American Gutter Protection
A+ Visit Site
Gutter Guards America Gutter Guards America Gutter Guards America
A+ Visit Site
LeafFilter
Logo LeafFilter
Product Image LeafFilter
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Visit Site
LeafGuard
Logo LeafGuard
Product Image LeafGuard
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Visit Site
HomeCraft
Logo HomeCraft
Product Image HomeCraft
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Visit Site
All American Gutter Protection
Logo All American Gutter Protection
Product Image All American Gutter Protection
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Visit Site
Gutter Guards America
Logo Gutter Guards America
Product Image Gutter Guards America
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Visit Site
Company
Star Rating
BBB Rating
Best For
A+
Best Filtration
A+
Best for Large Debris
B
Best Additional Services
A+
Best Deals and Discounts
A+
Best Customer Responses
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Our Top Pick
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LeafFilter
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4.0
Star Rating 4
BBB Rating A+
LeafGuard
VISIT SITE
4.4
Star Rating 4.4
BBB Rating B
HomeCraft
VISIT SITE
4.2
Star Rating 4.2
BBB Rating A+
All American Gutter Protection
VISIT SITE
4.7
Star Rating 4.7
BBB Rating A+
Gutter Guards America
VISIT SITE
4.8
Star Rating 4.8
BBB Rating A+
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4.8
Star Rating 4.8
BBB Rating A+
LeafFilter
Visit Site
4.8
Star Rating 4.8
BBB Rating A+
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4.4
Star Rating 4.4
BBB Rating A-
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4.0
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Star Rating 3.9
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Company Product Image Star Rating BBB Rating Visit Site
LeafFilter
4.8
A+ VISIT SITE
LeafGuard
4.0
A+ VISIT SITE
HomeCraft
4.4
B VISIT SITE
All American Gutter Protection
4.2
A+ VISIT SITE
Gutter Guards America
4.7
A+ VISIT SITE
N/A
4.8
A+ Visit Site
LeafFilter
4.8
A+ Visit Site
N/A
4.8
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4.4
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Our Top Professionally Installed Gutter Guards of 2023

Getting gutter guards professionally 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. While DIY gutter guards can save you money, a professional gutter guard company offers durable products paired with long-lasting warranties.

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

LeafFilter

Best Filtration
4.8
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), stainless steel
  • Design: Micro-mesh
  • Multiple color options: Yes
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime, transferable

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 the 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 for Large Debris
4
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Aluminum
  • Design: Reverse-curve
  • Multiple color options: Yes; 12 colors listed on website
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime finish warranty, transferable

What We Like

LeafGuard has been in the gutter guard industry for more than 30 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. Its reverse-curve gutter guard 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 representative 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 technician will return to your home and custom-fit the one-piece LeafGuard gutter and gutter guard system to your home.
  3. The technician 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. More critical 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 Additional Services
4.4
Phone : 855-434-3836 BBB Rating : B
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Design: Micro-mesh
  • Multiple color options: Yes; 12 colors listed on website
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime, transferable

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 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

Best Deals and Discounts
4.2
Phone : 888-495-7725 BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Design: Micro-mesh
  • Multiple color options: No
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime

What We Like

All American Gutter Protection installs micro-mesh gutter guards custom-fit to your gutters. All American offers seamless gutter installation services if your gutters aren’t in good condition and need to be replaced. These gutters are a single sheet of metal measured and cut to fit your home and come in various color opinions. 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 online estimate through All American. The representative informed us that someone would reach out within 12 hours to schedule an in-person inspection. Here is what to expect from the All American installation process: 

  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

Best Customer Responses
4.7
BBB Rating : A+
  • Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
  • Design: Micro-mesh
  • Multiple color options: No
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Warranty: Lifetime, transferable

What We Like

Gutter Guards America uses a micro-mesh gutter guard with a surgical-grade stainless steel screen and a seamless aluminum frame. These materials make its gutter guard ultra-durable, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. Gutter Guards America backs up its products with a transferable lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee.

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. Gutter Guards America reached out to us 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 guards. 

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.

Choosing DIY gutter guards can save you money on installation costs. However, you miss out on the quality provided by a professional gutter guard company. Handling a DIY installation can be tricky and dangerous, requiring special tools and experience working on ladders. 

If you do decide on the DIY route, choose a gutter guard that meets the needs of your home and gutter system. Here is an overview of our top recommended DIY gutter guards, with information on design, cost, and debris type:

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 Filter for DIY Brands
  • 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 for Easy Cleaning
  • 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

Best for Easy Installation
  • 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 for Easy Replacements
  • 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.


Gutter Guard Buying Guide

Gutter guards can be installed DIY or by a professional gutter company, 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 installations are straightforward if you have the right tools and are comfortable with heights. DIY gutter guard brands provide the product, instructional materials, and customer service if you need additional assistance.

A major benefit of working with a professional gutter guard company is the trained eye and industry knowledge its technicians bring to the table. A gutter pro can identify serious issues such as leaks, sags, alignment problems, and missing downspouts. Below, Kevin O’Connor demonstrates how to install a gutter system with a built-in gutter guard. This guard is tested to handle 32 inches of heavy rain per hour. 

Cost

Self-install gutter guards are available from many gutter service providers, home improvement stores, and online retailers. These retailers sell gutter guards in packs of 30 to 50 linear feet. Below, we’ll break down the cost of DIY-installed brands. We calculated the total cost using a home in need of 200 linear feet of gutter guards.

BrandPackage Price (Amazon)Price Per Linear FootTotal Cost
Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard$125 for 48 linear feet$2.60 per foot$625
A-M Screen Gutter Guard$85 for 50 linear feet$1.70 per foot$340
GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guard$66 for 32 linear feet$2.06 per foot$462

Professional installers seldom provide pricing information for gutter guards without first inspecting your home to determine the required linear footage. After researching brands, analyzing customer responses, and secret shopping, we’ve estimated the national average cost of gutter guard installations to be between $1,000 and $7,000. 

Warranty

Many gutter guard brands come with some form of warranty protection. Professional installs are more expensive but often include lifetime, transferable warranties for both materials and workmanship. 

DIY gutter guard manufacturer warranties typically range from zero to 20 or more years. Cheaper DIY gutter guards, such as foam and brush guards, may not include any warranty protection.

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 guards are made from various materials, with professionally installed guards often exhibiting superior build quality to DIY options. Some materials last longer, have greater durability, or possess greater corrosion resistance. However, they are typically more expensive as a result. “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.”

A gutter guard’s material will affect its cost and determine its longevity, durability, and appearance. Before deciding on a guard, we recommend familiarizing yourself with common gutter guard materials:  

  • Plastic: Vinyl and other types of plastic are affordable but not as strong as aluminum or steel and can warp or crack over time.
  • Aluminum: Aluminum is used for gutter guard screens and bodies and is stronger than plastic but not as strong as steel.
  • Steel: Steel, or more commonly stainless steel, is the primary material used for mesh and micro-mesh screens.
  • Copper: This is an expensive gutter guard material with moderate strength, an elegant appearance, and chemical resistance to mold and mildew.

Design

There are many different types of gutter guards, from DIY brush guards to professionally installed micro-mesh.  Each kind of gutter guard has unique benefits, drawbacks, and associated costs. Below, we’ll analyze some of the most common types of gutter guards and explain how they function:

  • 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.
  • Mesh: Mesh guards are typically made of metal or plastic and have small holes that filter water while blocking debris.
  • Micro-mesh: Micro-mesh gutter guards are similar to mesh guards, but their holes are much smaller, allowing them to keep out even the tiniest debris.
  • Reverse-curve or surface tension: Reverse-curve, or surface tension gutter guards, use their distinct shape and surface tension to force water into the gutter while directing leaves and debris to the ground below.
  • Brush: Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners that filter out debris while allowing water to pass through.
  • Foam: Foam gutter guards are a wedge of polyurethane that fits into the gutter and keeps out large debris.

What Are The 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.


Are Gutter Guards Worth the Money?

Your gutters will experience clogs from pine needles, tree branches, leaves, and other debris, even with proper maintenance. Without gutter guards, this gunk buildup can lead to expensive problems such as foundation erosion, soil saturation, and water damage to walls, fascia, and basements. Homeowners typically need to clean their gutters at least twice per year to prevent clogs. 

Gutter guards help keep this material out of your gutter system using various designs. While no guard can completely remove the need for gutter cleaning, it reduces the number of times you need to clean your gutters and simplifies the cleaning process. Gutters fitted with quality gutter guards only need to be cleaned once every year or two, depending on region and local plant life. 

Gutter guards can be a valuable investment for homeowners. How much mileage and value you get out of your gutter guards will vary depending on your gutters’ condition and your home’s location. Homeowners in arid climates or locations without much plant life won’t benefit from gutter guards as much as those in heavily forested, rainy regions. Homes with old gutter systems in a state of disrepair won’t get as much value out of gutter guards because older gutters will likely leak regardless of how well the guards function. Installers such as LeafFilter and LeafGuard can replace entire gutter systems when installing new gutter guards. 


How To Clean Gutter Guards

Some gutter guard companies claim that you’ll never have to clean your gutters again after installation. However, even the best gutter guards need cleaning every year or two. Here’s a quick overview of how to clean your gutter guards:

  • Gather materials: To clean your gutter guards, you’ll need a ladder, a hose, and a broom—you can also use an extendable pole with a brush attachment or a leaf blower. Wear gloves, eye protection, and long-sleeved clothing. A ladder stabilizer is optional, and a spotter is optional but recommended.
  • Pick a safe location: Position your ladder on a flat, dry surface. Ensure it does not rest on the gutters or gutter guards, which can cause warping or denting.
  • Ascend the ladder: Carefully ascend your ladder with your broom, pole, or leaf blower.
  • Remove built-up debris: Using your tools, carefully brush off built-up debris from the top of the gutter guards. Be gentle. Some gutter guards, such as micro-mesh guards, are delicate, and too much pressure can result in damage.
  • Rinse: Descend the ladder, grab the hose, and reascend. Use the hose to wash off any remaining debris or gunk. Watch for any leaks or overflows that may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Repeat: Repeat this process for each gutter section until your guards are clean.

How To Choose a Reliable Gutter Guard Company

Follow these simple steps to find the right gutter guard installer for your home.

  1. Look for local providers: Search for gutter companies in your area. 
  2. Research company history: Look into each company’s customer reviews, service offerings, licensing, and history of complaints. Websites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google My Business are excellent sources for honest customer reviews and complaints. Your state government typically has a department or sector that manages contractor licensing and may offer a free search tool. For example, you can verify licensing in North Carolina using this online portal
  3. Schedule appointments for free quotes: Once you have a small pool of potential candidates, schedule appointments to receive free quotes from each. Compare quotes to find the best option for the lowest price. 
  4. Make your selection: Contact your company of choice to schedule an installation appointment for your new set of gutter guards. 

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 August 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 gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

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