Standard gutters are wide open and can easily get clogged with leaves and debris. See if reverse-curve gutters are the right solution for your home’s gutter needs.

Reverse-curve gutter guards can reduce the number of clogs in your gutters by blocking debris. These types of guards create a rounded ceiling over your gutter surface, which sends leaves, twigs, and other matter past the gutter while funneling water through your downspouts. Take a closer look at the pros and cons of installing reverse-curve gutter guards on your gutters in the guide below.

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How Do Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards Work?

Reverse-curve gutter guards, which are also called surface-tension guards or gutter helmets, are gently sloped attachments that create a ceiling over the open tops of roof gutters. A thin, rounded lip at the edge of the gutter guard guides water back into the gutter using the water’s surface tension. 

The gap between the gutter and the guard is thin enough for water to pass through, but it blocks leaves and twigs. Debris slides past the opening and toward the ground.

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Advantages of Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

There are many gutter guard options, and each offers unique advantages. Take a closer look at the benefits of reverse-curve gutter guards below.

• Effective debris protection: Reverse-curve gutter guards sit against the top edge of the original gutter’s lip, creating a thin, straight gap for water to pass through. This gap is too small for most debris to pass through.
• Handles heavy rain: The gap between the gutter and the guard can handle a high volume of water flow, so reverse-curve gutter guards are a good solution for areas that experience heavy rain and storms. The guard doesn’t take up any space inside the gutter the way foam guard inserts do, so it doesn’t cause any overflows.
• Durable construction: Reverse-curve gutter guards are made of strong, long-lasting aluminum or hard plastic. They can withstand long exposure to sunlight, heavy rain, and winds. These guards won’t break down and are resistant to insects and corrosion.

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Disadvantages of Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

Different gutter guards are suited for different climates, and reverse-curve gutter guards aren’t the best option for all homeowners. Consider the potential drawbacks of reverse-curve gutter guards below.

• Allows some small debris: Reverse-curve gutter guards can prevent most leaves, twigs, and muck from entering your gutters, but some debris can still get inside. Thin pine needles and small seeds can slip through, and bugs can climb inside and build nests in the shady shelter. 
• Visible from the ground: Reverse-curve gutter guards sit above the top of the original gutter, which means they may be visible from the ground. You can mitigate this issue by selecting a neutral color or carefully color-matching the guards to your existing gutters. 
• Higher cost: Reverse-curve gutter guards are more expensive than alternatives such as metal mesh or screen gutter guards. You may spend between $3.50 and $6.50 per linear foot on them, compared to $2–$4 for micro-mesh or $0.50–$1.50 for perforated aluminum guards.

Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi.

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Reverse-Curve vs. Other Gutter Guard Types

Compare reverse-curve gutter guards to other popular gutter guard options before making your choice. Read the main differences between reverse-curve gutter guards and brush, mesh, screen, and foam gutter guards below. 

Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards are cylindrical, bristled inserts that sit inside your gutters. The protruding bristles occupy the gutter’s interior so leaves, twigs, and other large debris can’t get inside. Water can still flow through the bristles.

Brush gutter guards are less expensive than reverse-curve guards, and they aren’t visible from the ground. However, they can lead to water overflow, so they’re a better fit for low-rain regions. Debris can get stuck in the bristles if you don’t properly maintain your guards. 

Micro-Mesh and Screen Gutter Guards

Screen gutter guards are flat screen slats that lock into place on top of gutters. Micro-mesh guards work similarly and feature finer, smaller holes. Debris can’t pass through the mesh or screen, but the guards still allow water to flow into the gutter. The finer the mesh, the more successful your system will be at blocking debris. 

Micro-mesh gutter guards are a popular choice for virtually any region. However, the mesh can clog if you live in an area with dusty soil, and the mesh may rust if you don’t properly coat it. 

Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards are affordable, thin pieces of foam that wedge into the top of gutters and block debris. Foam doesn’t last long and will often fall apart due to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, or hot-dry cycles. It can clog your gutters even more as it breaks down.

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Factors To Consider Before Installing Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

Before you install reverse-curve gutter guards around your home, consider these three factors: 

Local Climate and Tree Cover

If your region gets a lot of rain, you should strongly consider reverse-curve gutter guards. They won’t slow the flow of water or increase overflow. However, they can ice over in the winter and early spring.

Consider the trees that are close to your roofline. Reverse-curve gutter guards can repel wide, flat leaves, but pine needles can clog your gutters. 

Gutter and Roof Condition

Assess the condition of your gutters and your roof before you install any guards. Fix any damage or wear before you start the installation. Measure your rain gutters to determine the linear feet of guards required for installation. 

Budget and Desired Longevity

Consider your budget and your long-term budget goals before choosing your gutter guards. Reverse-curve gutter guards are more expensive than most other options, but they last longer and are more effective. You’ll have to replace foam inserts regularly, for example, and mesh requires lots of maintenance.

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Installing Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

Consider hiring a professional service to install whichever type of gutter guards you choose. Professionals can recommend the type, size, and materials that are best for your region. Reverse-curve systems require very precise handling and aren’t ideal for do-it-yourself (DIY) installation.

Professionals can install the guards with minimal risk of damage to your roof system. Reverse-curve guards require a very precise gap that professional gutter guard installers can easily handle.  

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Maintaining Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

Reverse-curve gutter guards don’t require a lot of maintenance, and you don’t have to frequently check or clean the interior of the gutter or the downspouts. However, you should occasionally visually inspect the gutters. Look for misalignment, debris caught in gaps, and stains. Remove or wash away any blemishes you see.

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Our Conclusion

Homeowners can reduce the risks of clogs and buildup in their gutters by hiring a professional service to install reverse-curve gutter guards. These guards stop leaves and twigs from getting into your gutters. They last for several years, or even decades, with minimal maintenance requirements. 

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FAQ About Reverse-Curve Gutter Guards

How much do reverse-curve gutter guards cost?

Reverse-curve gutter guards cost between $3.50 and $6.50 per linear foot. Costs vary based on the material you choose, finish coatings, and whether you hire professionals to install your new gutter guards.

Do reverse-curve gutter guards work in heavy rain?

Reverse-curve gutter guards work in heavy rain and feature a gap that allows water to flow easily into the hollow gutter. However, ice dams in winter can lead to overflows.

What are reverse-curve gutter guards made of?

Reverse-curve gutter guards are made from metal, such as light aluminum or stainless steel, or hard plastic, such as PVC or vinyl.

Can you install reverse-curve gutter guards yourself?

You can install reverse-curve gutter guards yourself, but you should probably hire professionals. Installing gutter guards yourself can be difficult, and improper installation can lead to roof damage.

Do reverse-curve gutter guards void roof warranties?

Reverse-curve gutter guards can void roof warranties because they may increase the risk of water damage. Some gutter guards require installers to slightly lift your roof’s bottom row of shingles, which invalidates most warranties.

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