What is a Gutter Guard and Its Types Compared

A gutter guard is a device designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering your gutters and downspouts. It's a simple yet effective way to maintain your home's exterior and prevent costly water damage.

Gutter guards are typically installed at the edge of your roof, where the gutters begin. They come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics.

One of the most popular types is the mesh gutter guard, which has a metal or plastic mesh that allows water to flow through while keeping debris out. This type is known for its ease of installation and affordability.

There are several types of gutter guards available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Gutter guard screens and gutter helmets are the two main styles of gutter guards.

Some types of gutter guards include reverse curve gutter guards, mesh gutter guards, bottle brush gutter guards, and nylon gutter guards. Reverse curve gutter guards curve downward from the roof to the gutter, directing water downward through a tiny slit. Mesh gutter guards cover the entire gutter with a mesh sheet, allowing water to fall into the gutter through small holes.

Here are some common types of gutter guards:

Micro-mesh gutter guards, on the other hand, are a type of gutter guard that combines the best qualities of gutter screens and gutter guards to deliver superior gutter protection. They are typically built out of sturdy aluminum and provide additional rigidity to existing gutters, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

Gutter guards work by preventing debris from entering your gutters and clogging them. They allow water to flow into the gutters while keeping leaves, twigs, and other debris out.

Some gutter guards, like the Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard, use a micro-mesh design that can keep out even the smallest bits of debris, including pine needles and shingle grit. This design is super durable, thanks to a patented V-bend shape.

Gutter guards can be installed DIY or professionally. DIY gutter guards, like the Raptor Gutter Guard, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but may require more maintenance and can be a chore to install and clean.

There are several types of gutter guards, including mesh gutter guards, plastic mesh guards, reverse-curve gutter guards, and bottle brush gutter guards. Each type of gutter guard works in a different way, but all of them are designed to keep your gutters clear and functioning properly.

Here are some common types of gutter guards and how they work:

Keep in mind that no gutter guard can give your gutters absolute protection from debris, so you may still need to clean your gutters occasionally.

Gutter screens are a popular type of gutter guard, but are they effective? They usually feature perforations that block out small debris, but they tend to struggle with finer types of debris such as pollen and seedlings.

In practice, gutter screens do an excellent job of blocking large debris like leaves or twigs from entering a gutter system.

Gutter screens are imperfect gutter protection systems, leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to dirt and finer types of debris.

Brush gutter guards are a popular and affordable solution for homeowners. They feature many outward bristles designed to push debris and dead leaves down towards the ground.

The densely packed bristles can prevent large debris from entering the guttering system, but they're not a complete solution. Homeowners often still have to climb their ladder and remove smaller pieces that have found their way through the bristles.

Some of the cheapest options actually tend to trap more debris than block it, so this is something worth bearing in mind. The material used to make brush gutter guards can also be somewhat of a fire hazard, so if your property is in an area prone to bushfires, then they are not a suitable gutter guard solution for your home.

Bottle brush gutter guards are a type of brush gutter guard that consists of long, cylinder-shaped brushes. They lie inside standard gutter systems to prevent leaves and large debris from entering.

The trouble is, debris can lodge within the brush bristles and eventually lead to a clog anyway.

Installation and costs can vary greatly depending on the type of gutter guard you choose. The total costs of gutter guards can range from $200 for DIY jobs to $4,000 or more for professionally installed systems.

For a one-story, 2,000-square foot house, the average costs per foot for different types of gutter guards are: micro-mesh guards ($4-9), foam gutter guards ($2-$3.50), brush gutter guards ($3-$4.50), reverse-curve gutter guards ($6.50-$15.50), and screen gutter guards ($1-$3).

Labor costs, which can be anywhere from $1 to $10 in added costs per foot, don't apply if you're installing gutter guards yourself.

If you're comfortable working at heights and have basic handyman skills, DIY gutter guard installation might be suitable for you. This approach can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Many DIY products have costs that break down to less than $10 per linear foot. Our top DIY pick, the Raptor Gutter Guard, costs less than $5 per linear foot.

However, there are tradeoffs to consider. Professionally installed gutter guards are typically more effective, made of better materials like stainless steel, and are likely to last longer.

If you're on a tight budget and have the time and skills to install DIY gutter guards, you can choose from a variety of options, including micro-mesh, foam, brush, and screen gutter guards. Here's a breakdown of the average costs for each type:

Remember, labor costs don't apply if you're installing gutter guards yourself, so you won't have to worry about added costs per foot.

Proper installation is key to a gutter guard's effectiveness. Gutter screens need to be positioned under the roofing materials, either on top of the drip edge or between the shingles and starter shingles.

If you have drip edge, gutter screens clamp onto it, ensuring a watertight seal. Without drip edge, they must be installed between the shingles and starter shingles to prevent water from seeping underneath.

Gutter helmets, like LeafGuard, require precise mounting. They need to be installed under the second shingle up from the gutter line to avoid leaks and costly repairs.

Incorrect installation can lead to water damage and rotting fascia boards. Installing gutter guards in the right position is crucial to prevent these issues.

Your gutters and gutter guards may get removed during a roof replacement, especially if your local roofing contractor offers gutter screens and can install them for you. This is a concern for many homeowners who invested in gutter guards.

Gutters and gutter guards are not always removed at the same time as the roof replacement. Your local roofing contractor can install gutter screens if they offer the service.

You can check with your local roofing contractor to see if they will remove your gutters and gutter guards during the roof replacement. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect.

If you're looking for a reliable gutter guard, consider the Gutter Helmet's reverse-curve design, which can withstand up to 20 inches of rain per hour.

The Gutter Helmet's patented PermaLife coating protects against corrosion or peeling, and it's a single-piece design that's easy to install. This gutter guard is perfect for homes in areas with heavy rainfall.

For a more affordable option, DIY gutter guards are available, but be aware that they may not provide sufficient protection and may require more frequent cleaning or replacement.

LeafFilter Gutter Protection is our top choice for gutter guards due to its effective micro-mesh design and easy installation process.

This gutter guard features a patented 275-micron micro-mesh screen made of stainless steel, which prevents rust or corrosion and keeps out debris as small as shingle grit.

LeafFilter is available nationwide, except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont, making it a convenient option for many homeowners.

Professional installation is available, and can include the installation of a new gutter system if needed.

A base installation price for LeafFilter can start around $2,500, but can rise to over $10,000 if a new gutter system is also required.

Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you'll want a gutter guard that can handle the excess water. The Gutter Helmet is a top pick for this scenario, thanks to its reverse-curve design.

This design uses surface tension to let water flow into your gutters while keeping out debris. It's a more reliable option than many DIY gutter guards, and it's backed by a company with over 30 years in business.

The Gutter Helmet can withstand up to 20 inches of rain per hour, making it a great choice for areas with heavy rainfall. It's also a good option if you already have an existing gutter system, as it can be installed without requiring any costly repairs or replacements.

However, keep in mind that heavy downpours may reduce the effectiveness of this gutter guard. Additionally, installing a Gutter Helmet may require removing your roof shingles, which could potentially void your roof warranty.

HomeCraft offers a lifetime transferrable warranty, which is a major selling point for many homeowners. This warranty protects your home from future blockages and is easily transferable to a new homeowner if you decide to move.

The warranty is a key feature of HomeCraft's gutter guard system, which includes stainless-steel micro-mesh screens and services that can repair your old gutter system. However, HomeCraft doesn't list the warranty's full terms and conditions online, so you'll need to schedule a free inspection and estimate to get more information.

HomeCraft services homes in 10 US states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. But be prepared for varying installation costs, which can range from $800 to $4,000 or more.

Here are some key benefits of HomeCraft's gutter guard system:

However, some homeowners have reported less-than-stellar customer experiences, including aggressive sales tactics and spotty communication following installation. HomeCraft currently holds a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).