Best Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs | 2024 Review
All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The right gutter guard for your home depends on many factors, including the type of roofing system you have. Some gutter guards are more compatible with certain roofing materials and may not be a universal fit. We’ve extended our research on the best gutter guards to highlight the top options for homes with metal roofs.
The Top Gutter Guards of 2024
Here are our picks for the best gutter guard brands:
Compare the Top Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs
Types of Gutter Guards
Below, we’ve detailed the most common types of gutter guards available for professional and DIY installation.
Brush-style gutter guards, or gutter brushes, are a common DIY solution. These tightly bristled gutter inserts resemble large pipe cleaners, capturing debris between the bristles. They are easy to install but will become clogged over time, so they require frequent cleaning. Gutter brushes lack effectiveness against many types of small debris, such as pine needles.
Foam gutter guards, another common DIY option, are typically the most cost-effective solution. Installation requires simply inserting the foam gutter guard sections directly into your home’s gutter; there’s no need for any tools other than a ladder. These gutter guards suffer from durability issues and break down quicker than other designs in severe weather and sun exposure.
Gutter screens attach to the top of your home’s existing gutter system. Depending on the manufacturer, the gutter guard might simply clip on, or it might require fasteners. Screen gutter guards are available in several materials, including vinyl and aluminum. These gutter guards funnel water through small holes and tend to have better debris filtration than brush and foam gutter guards.
Mesh gutter guards are similar to gutter screens but have holes that are smaller in diameter, allowing for better debris filtration. Micro-mesh gutter guards contain minuscule, tightly spaced holes that can block debris as fine as shingle grit and pollen. These are among the most high-quality gutter guards available.
A reverse-curve gutter guard has an outward curve that covers the top of your home’s rain gutters. Rainfall adheres to this curve and runs into the gutter system, while debris falls from the curve onto the ground below. This gutter guard style can attach to your existing gutter system, or it may come as a one-piece design that serves as a full gutter replacement.
Why Do I Need Gutter Guards?
Here are a few reasons you should consider buying a gutter guard for your home’s gutter system:
- Damage prevention: By helping prevent clogged gutters, a gutter guard can protect your home from damage. Restricted water flow inside a gutter system due to clogs can cause water to spill over the side, potentially damaging your home’s fascia, siding, and foundation.
- Pest control: When a rain gutter collects pockets of debris, it can become a prime nesting ground for various insects. A gutter guard helps prevent debris from entering your gutter, making it more difficult for insects to find nesting material.
- Reduced gutter cleaning maintenance: No gutter guard will eliminate the risk of gutter clogs or the need for cleaning your gutters. However, a high-quality gutter guard will substantially reduce your gutter cleaning frequency and difficulty.
What Should I Look for in Gutter Guards?
When researching the best gutter guards for your home, consider the following factors.
DIY vs. Pro Installation
Material Types To Use
Types of Debris Buildup Prevented
Is There A Warranty Included
Our Recommendation
Many gutter guards are compatible with metal roofing systems and can help keep your gutters clog-free. We recommend LeafFilter as our top option for its durable micro-mesh design that blocks most debris types. With small openings that measure 275 microns—or around one-hundredth of an inch—LeafFilter has one of the best debris filtration capacities on the market. LeafGuard is another good choice for homeowners who need a full gutter replacement, providing built-in gutter protection with its attractive reverse-curve design.
Before buying a gutter guard, ask a company representative what widths are available to ensure you can find a match for your home’s gutter size. You should request estimates from at least three gutter guard installers to compare prices and warranty terms.
Gutter Guards FAQ
Will installing a gutter guard void my roof warranty?
It’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of your home’s roof warranty before installing gutter guards. In many cases, a gutter guard will not void the warranty as long as the installation doesn’t damage the roofing system or require any roofing modifications.
What is the difference between a gutter cover and a gutter guard?
These terms are often used interchangeably. However, a gutter cover may refer to a reverse-curve design that drapes over the existing gutter system and funnels water into the gutter through liquid adhesion.
Do I still need to clean my gutters with a gutter guard?
Yes, you should still clean your gutters with a gutter guard. Having a gutter guard installed will reduce cleaning maintenance, but debris can still accumulate over time. Some cheaper gutter guards, such as foam gutter guards, will also need to be replaced frequently.
What is a transferable warranty?
A transferable warranty can be transferred to the new homeowner when you sell your home. Limitations often apply with this type of warranty, and it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your warranty agreement carefully.
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.