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Installing gutter guards helps prevent clogged gutters and eases routine cleaning. According to FEMA, gutter guards can help double or triple the life of your roof drainage system. Choosing the right gutter guard depends on your home’s needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. While all gutter guards aim to keep debris out, they vary in materials and designs.
We’ve reviewed the leading gutter guard companies nationwide and selected LeafFilter, LeafGuard, and Gutter Guards America as our top three choices. See our list below of top gutter guard companies based on in-depth research to learn more about these companies and our other choices for professional gutter guard installation and DIY products.
The 5 Best Professionally Installed Gutter Guards
Here are our top picks for the best professionally installed gutter guards to protect your gutters from leaves and debris and to help prevent clogging:
- LeafFilter: Our Top Pick
- LeafGuard: Best Reverse Curve
- Gutter Guards America: Best Customer Reviews
- All American Gutter Protection: Best Customization Options
- HomeCraft: Best Add-On Services
| Product Image | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
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| LeafFilter | |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| LeafGuard |  |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| Gutter Guards America |  |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| All American |  |  | A | Visit Site | |
| HomeCraft |  |  | B | Visit Site |
| LeafFilter | |
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| LeafGuard | |
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| Gutter Guards America | |
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| BBB Rating | A+ |
| All American | |
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| BBB Rating | A |
| HomeCraft | |
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| BBB Rating | B |
The 3 Best DIY Gutter Guards
Here are our top 3 picks for the best DIY gutter guards:
- Raptor: Best DIY Mesh Design
- FlexxPoint: Best DIY Color Palette
- Amerimax Home Products: Best Low-Profile DIY Guard
How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider’s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options.
We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.
We evaluated each provider’s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.
Our Recommendation
Through our research, we have determined that the most effective type of gutter guard is a micro-mesh design made from a durable and corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel.
DIY gutter guards may be the right solution for homeowners who have the equipment and comfort level to install gutter guards themselves. We recommend Raptor Gutter Guard for its durable micro-mesh design and superior debris filtration compared to many other DIY products. Keep in mind that Raptor requires a more involved installation than simple drop-in or snap-on gutter guards.
Professional gutter guard installation leaves the work in the hands of a specialist. We recommend LeafFilter for its comprehensive service, including gutter cleaning and replacement when necessary before attaching its patented micro-mesh gutter guard. LeafFilter’s high-end, stainless-steel design has openings measuring 275 microns, which filters debris as small as pine needles, shingle grit, and pollen.
What Should You Look for in Gutter Guards?
Certain gutter guard types are better suited to different homes and regions. You also need to consider whether you’re comfortable installing them yourself or whether a professional installation is a more attractive option. We’ve detailed these considerations and listed several more important factors for your buying decision below.
Gutter Guard Types
This table highlights key design and functional aspects of the main types of gutter guards. Choose the type of gutter guard that best matches your home’s needs.
| Gutter Guard Type | Design | Debris Filtration | Installation | Not Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Foam |
Sponge-like |
Blocks most large and small debris (Leaves, twigs, and pine needles) |
Fits inside gutter system |
Durability |
|
Brush |
Bristled |
Blocks most large debris but underperforms with small debris, such as shingle grit |
Fits inside gutter system |
Reducing cleaning frequency |
|
Screen |
Metal or plastic with numerous openings |
Blocks most large debris but may allow debris smaller than its openings to enter the gutter system |
Attaches to gutter, typically by snapping onto the gutter or with hardware |
Blocking small debris |
|
Reverse Curve |
Curved metal or plastic with liquid adhesion |
Sheds most large debris but may carry shingle grit and other smaller types of debris into the gutter system |
Can attach to gutter or may be a one-piece design that requires replacing the existing gutter system |
Low visibility appearance |
|
Mesh |
Metal or plastic with tightly spaced openings |
Blocks large and small debris |
Often requires hardware to attach onto gutter system |
Ease of installation |
|
Micro-Mesh |
Metal or plastic with extremely small openings |
Blocks large and the smallest of debris (shingle grit, pollen) |
Often requires hardware to attach onto gutter system |
Inexpensive installation |
Materials Used
Gutter guard materials vary by product and design. Below is a comparison table that describes the type of gutter guard the material is used in as well as the pros and cons of using those materials in your gutters.
| Material | Type of Gutter Guard Used In | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
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Foam |
Foam |
Inexpensive, lightweight |
Not durable, prone to mold growth |
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Plastic |
Screen |
Inexpensive, lightweight |
Not durable, prone to swelling and cracking |
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Aluminum |
Reverse Curve |
Affordable, resists warping and rust |
Susceptible to heavy debris damage |
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Stainless Steel |
Mesh, Micro-mesh |
Strong, resists warping, rust and corrosion |
More expensive than aluminum |
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Copper |
Screen, Micro-mesh |
High-end, strong, durable, fashionable |
Expensive |
DIY vs. Pro Gutter Guards
Many gutter guards are available for DIY installation. You can purchase drop-in gutter guards, such as foam and brush designs, from online retailers such as Amazon. These options are easy to install as long as you are comfortable on a ladder and can access your gutter system with ease. However, foam and brush designs have durability issues and require frequent cleaning. Several mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards are also available for DIY projects but involve a more rigorous installation process. Further information about DIY gutter installation can be found on our “How to Install Gutter Guards” page. If you choose to go the DIY route, you will need to provide your own tools and equipment. These will likely include:
- Bucket with an S-hook
- Gloves
- Hose with spray nozzle
- Ladder
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Corresponding drill bit
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver
- Self-tapping metal screws
- Tin snips
- And potentially a circular or miter saw
Professional installation is a common requirement for companies that sell high-end micro-mesh and reverse-curve designs due to the intricate installation process required. The major benefit of professional installers is they will typically clean your gutters, make repairs, and install new gutters as necessary. As a homeowner, you are able to stay off the ladder while the installation is done right.
Cost
The cost of gutter guard installation can vary by provider and by type, however, a typical range for professional installation is $1,000 – $2,000. Professional installers often offer gutter and downspout replacement, repair, and cleaning as part of your gutter guard purchase. Most will require you to schedule an inspection before providing any pricing information.
DIY gutter guard installation is generally more cost-effective but often time-consuming and may not be the optimal choice for homeowners with larger homes. A professional installation is a bigger investment but usually includes a higher-end product and a trained specialist to handle the labor.
Here is sample pricing for several DIY gutter guards:
| Gutter Guard | Material/Design | Gutter Guard Cost Per Linear Foot | Gutter Guard Cost for 200 Linear Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Raptor Gutter Guard |
Stainless steel/micro-mesh |
$2.60 |
$625* |
|
Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard |
Steel or aluminum/mesh |
$1.33 |
$266 |
|
FlexxPoint Gutter Cover System |
Aluminum/screen |
$1.22 |
$249 |
|
GutterBrush Gutter Guard |
Steel core, polypropylene bristles/brush |
$3.32 |
$698** |
|
GutterFoam K-Style Gutter Guard |
Polyurethane/foam |
$1.50 |
$299 |
*Raptor’s product is exclusively sold at Amazon in 48-foot kits. You would need to buy five kits to get 200 linear feet of material.
**Pricing is for 210 linear feet of material.
Warranty
A warranty provides additional security and peace of mind with your gutter guards. DIY gutter guards may have warranties that extend up to 25 years. Professional installation companies provide transferable lifetime warranties in most cases.
These warranties often have limitations, though. In particular, any tampering with the roof or structure around the guards will likely void your warranty.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Gutter Guard?
As we have mentioned, gutter guards are made from various materials and have many different designs. However, not all gutter guards are created equal. We’ve detailed the qualities that make a gutter guard effective and long-lasting so you can find a quality solution for your home.
Durable Materials
Gutter guards must be made from strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials in order to withstand harsh weather conditions and large debris. Guards made from stainless steel, aluminum, and uPVC hold up best in these conditions.
Effective Design
A good gutter guard should be designed to allow water to flow freely through your gutters while blocking leaves and other debris. The best gutter guards block large debris, such as leaves, as well as small debris that can build up over time, such as shingle grit and pollen. The guards should also have a gentle slope that pushes water and debris down into the gutter and away from your roof. Micro-mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards best meet these requirements.
Secure Installation
An effective gutter guard must be installed securely and without damaging your existing gutters. You can’t securely fasten plastic, foam, or brush gutter guards to your gutters, so while these may work as a temporary DIY solution, they won’t be effective long-term. Professional installation companies attach their gutter guards to your gutters with metal screws, ensuring a stable, long-lasting product.
The Top Professional Providers
Gutter guards requiring professional installation are often unique, proprietary designs that emphasize different attributes. One gutter guard company may underscore the debris types restricted from entering the gutter while another highlights how its gutter guard impacts the home’s curb appeal.
We’ve considered these factors and many more to rank our top five picks for the best professional gutter guards:
LeafFilter
Gutter Guards America
All American Gutter Protection
HomeCraft
Top DIY Products
You can install gutter guards yourself if you don’t want to hire a professional. This is a cost-effective solution that is sensible for many homeowners. However, DIY gutter guards often come with more limited warranties, and design quality can vary considerably among brands. Below our our top picks for DIY gutter guards:
Raptor Gutter Guard
FlexxPoint
Amerimax
FAQ
What style of gutter guards works best with heavy leaves?
Micro-mesh, mesh, surface tension, and screen gutter guards block heavy leaves and push them off your gutters. Because leaves are large and are blocked by most gutter guard styles, focus more on the guard’s construction and build quality when shopping. Steel is one of the strongest gutter guard materials. Some gutter guards also have hangers to support the mesh screen or the gutter itself.
Which gutter guards work best in snow and ice?
Any gutter guard with a heating element is best for snow and ice. Without this, ice dams may form inside your gutters, as well as dangerous icicles. Heated gutter guards typically feature a cable running through them, dispersing heat to prevent liquid from freezing. If you encounter seasonal ice and snow, you will also encounter sharp temperature changes. Metal gutter guards are best for this application because they won’t warp or crack like less durable vinyl or plastic construction. Aluminum and stainless steel have the added benefit of inherent corrosion resistance, but powder-coated or painted steel can work too.
Are gutter guards effective?
While no gutter guard keeps gutters completely free of debris, they drastically reduce how often homeowners need to clean their gutters. The effectiveness of gutter guards varies by style. Temporary solutions such as foam and brush guards are less effective than high-end options such as reverse-curve and micro-mesh.
How do I clean gutters with gutter guards?
Your strategy for cleaning gutters with gutter guards will depend on the type of gutter guard you have installed. Brush and foam gutter guards are easily removable, allowing you to clean the gutter as normal. Snap-in gutter guards can also be removed easily for cleaning, but for gutter guards installed professionally with hardware, you may need to contact your gutter guard provider for instructions.
How do I measure for gutter guards?
Homes commonly use K-style gutters. To measure the width, place your tape measure on the gutter edge that touches your roof and extend it to the outside edge of the gutter. It’s important to remember that you are measuring to the outermost edge, not the inner edge of the gutter opening. This measurement is the size you will need for your gutter guard.
What are ice dams?
An ice dam forms when snow and ice go through cycles of thawing and refreezing. This process can trap meltwater on your roof behind refrozen ice, potentially causing leaks. A clean and undamaged gutter guard should not contribute to the development of an ice dam. However, if you live in an area prone to harsh winter weather, you should routinely check your gutters for signs of ice damming.
Is a plastic gutter screen a good option for my home?
Plastic gutter screens can be effective at filtering debris from your gutter system for a period of time but come with many pitfalls. Namely, this material does not hold up well to extended sun exposure and breaks down more quickly than aluminum or steel gutter guards.
