No two gutter guards are completely alike. So, how do you know which one to go for when you’re desperate to keep debris out of your gutters?
Everybody has different preferences and needs when it comes to these protective covers. That’s why I compiled a list of the seven best gutter guards. After hours of researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and dozens of gutter guards, I narrowed it down to my top picks.
Whether you’re searching for a mesh product, something extra durable, or a foam product, I’ve got something for everyone on this comprehensive list.
- Long-lasting aluminum construction
- Allows free flow of water
- Range of colors & lengths
- Raised pattern technology to slow water
- Tiny holes to block small debris
- Fits all 5-inch wide gutters
- Water can flow freely
- Prevents small debris passing through
- Won’t rust or warp
- Prevents shingle sediment from clogging
- Keeps large & small debris out
- 35-year warranty
- Easy to trim with bread knife
- No tools required for installation
- Blocks all kinds of debris & small insects
- Prevents animals from nesting inside
- Prevent ice dams in the winter
- Works on all standard 5-inch gutters
- Easy to install without any tools
- Prevents clogs from leaves & debris
- Allows rain to flow freely
Product Reviews
Are you ready to experience fewer clogs in your gutters? These seven gutter guards are excellent at keeping your gutters cleaner than ever before. After hours of researching expert advice, honest customer reviews, and dozens of products, I’ve created a list to help you find the right product for your home.
FlexxPoint High Clearance Cover System
Most Affordable
Gutter guards can be expensive, especially if you have a big home with lots of gutters. These guards from FlexxPoint are some of the most affordable on the market — and one of the best!
They’re available in lengths from 22 feet all the way up to 5100. Customers love that you can buy them in white, silver, brown, or black to match the exterior of your home. Not that this matters because they can’t be seen from the ground anyway.
They have small punched holes to block various debris but still allow high volumes of water to flow freely without clogs. It uses a 3-point system to prevent overflow since the water slows down to fully drain into the gutters. This works even if there is wet debris covering the holes.
The guards are made from premium aluminum, which is durable and long-lasting. Installing these guards is easy enough, and once you’ve installed them, they’re permanent, so there’s no need to faff around with removal.
Using these shouldn’t void your roof warranty, but always double-check with your insurance.
Warranty
This comes with a 30-year warranty, so it’s an investment that will pay off.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable aluminum construction.
- Allows free flow of water, even in heavy rain.
- Available in a range of colors and lengths.
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Unlikely to void roof warranties.
- 30-year warranty.
Cons
- Challenging to get them to line up and lay flat in gutters.
- Very thin, so it may bend or break in hurricane-type weather.
Product Specs
Type | Screen |
Gutter Size | 5 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Tools Required for Installation? | Yes |
Guard Length | 22-5100 feet |
Our Ratings
Superior Screen Technology Gutter Cover
Best Screen Gutter Guard
Give your gutters special treatment by choosing the Superior Gutter Guards cover. This kit is Designed to fit any five-inch gutter guards, providing 48 feet of protection. It comes with 16 individual pieces, so you can easily cover all of your gutters with the three-foot pieces.
These gutter guards have three main objectives. Firstly, it redirects the water, ensuring it goes into the gutter instead of building up on your roof or falling to the ground.
Secondly, it keeps debris from the gutter. No more leaves or twigs clogging up your gutters and damaging your home.
Lastly, it protects your home from bad weather, pesky animals, and gross insects. Even they can’t get through these gutter guards!
This is what makes these gutters claim their name: superior. If you have any DIY experience, you’ll find these easy to install. You can even trim the corners to fit your gutters exactly. It’s made from stainless steel and aluminum to last a lifetime.
Pros
- Raised pattern technology to slow water and pull it into the gutter.
- Tiny holes to prevent even small debris from sneaking through.
- Wet debris will dry quickly to reduce mold and mildew build-up.
- Fits all 5-inch wide gutters.
- Quick and easy to install.
- 20-year warranty.
Cons
- If spraying with a hose or there’s heavy rain, water may overflow.
- If built on a slope, the water may build up and not run through the holes quickly enough.
Product Specs
Type | Screen |
Gutter Size | 5 inches |
Materials | Stainless steel and aluminum |
Tools Required for Installation? | Yes |
Guard Length | 48 feet |
Our Ratings
Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
Best Mesh Gutter Guard
This micro-mesh gutter guard might be exactly what you need to block out small debris but still let in a lot of water. This is a top choice if you live somewhere where rainfall is heavy!
The 48 feet of coverage is perfect for any 6-inch wide gutters. You can also opt for the standard size if you have 5-inch gutters.
These gutters should filter out debris so that you may never need to clean your gutters again. Doesn’t that sound like a dream? I recommend checking on the state of your gutters twice a year anyway to see if they need a cleaning.
Besides that, these gutter guards are made with high-quality and durable materials. The stainless steel and aluminum combo shouldn’t warp, rust, or crack even after years of use.
Another feature that might be music to your ears is that it’s easy to install these guards. They work with any gutter shape and roof type, so you don’t need to pull your hair out when these arrive and don’t fit. They’re even slightly flexible to help you install them anywhere.
Pros
- The water can flow freely even if it’s been raining heavily.
- Prevents tiny debris from getting through to your gutters.
- 25-year warranty.
- Won’t rust or warp, thanks to the metal materials.
- Fits five, six, and seven-inch wide gutters.
- Won’t void roof warranties.
Cons
- May take some time to install.
- During rainstorms, the gutters may overflow.
Product Specs
Type | Mesh |
Gutter Size | 5-7 inches |
Materials | Stainless steel and aluminum |
Tools Required for Installation? | Yes |
Guard Length | 48 feet |
Our Ratings
LeafTek Gutter Guard Leaf Protection
Most Durable
With a 35-year warranty and thick aluminum construction, you know these gutter guards are built to last.
The unique vented system allows air to circulate through the gutters, too. So, after a rainy day, it will dry out the gutters to eliminate mold and mildew build-up but also dry out debris so it can easily get removed. The down-draft design helps evaporate standing water, preventing insects and other pests from settling into your gutters.
Even during heavy storms, the rainwater can easily filter through the gutter guards while preventing debris from clogging up your gutters.
When the guards arrive, it’s easy to install them. Each section has a tab on the end to slide over the other sections. You can also cut corners and ends with tin snips if necessary.
These are designed to keep pretty much everything out. This includes leaves, animals, birds, nests, insects, maple seeds, twigs, and more.
These are available for both 5- and 6-inch wide gutters. It comes in various lengths, too, from 32 to 200 feet long.
Pros
- Prevents shingle sediment from clogging your gutters.
- Keeps large and small debris out.
- 35-year warranty — built to last.
- 404 holes per square foot to avoid water overflow.
- Made in the USA.
Cons
- Don’t fit on roofs with a drip edge.
- Many customers found it challenging to install.
Product Specs
Type | Screen |
Gutter Size | 5 or 6 inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Tools Required for Installation? | Yes |
Guard Length | 32-200 feet |
Our Ratings
GutterStuff Foam Filter Insert
Best Foam Gutter Guard
This foam gutter insert is a bonus for many customers because of how easy it is to install. You don’t need any tools — just climb up your ladder and insert it into the gutter.
This is one of the best options for filtering out debris. Because it has tiny pores, it keeps out everything from leaves to twigs to even mosquitoes.
Yep, this stuff works great for preventing mosquitoes from breeding in your gutters and infesting your home! If mosquitos are an issue for you, then this may do the trick to get them to go and find somewhere else to call home.
Another big bonus is that this filters out debris so well that it may even decrease the need for yearly cleaning. You should, of course, check on your gutters, but if you don’t notice any build-up, check back again in a few months!
This is suitable for K-style, half-round, and fascia-style gutters at four, five, or six inches thick, depending on what model you go for.
Pros
- Easy to trim with a bread knife so you can fit it into any gutter.
- No tools required for installation.
- Lets heavy water flow through freely.
- Prevents all kinds of debris and even small insects from getting into gutters.
- You can’t see the foam from the ground.
- Five-year warranty.
Cons
- Seeds can plant themselves in the foam and grow.
- May damage your shingles if installed improperly.
Product Specs
Type | Foam |
Gutter Size | Four, five, or six inches |
Materials | Foam |
Tools Required for Installation? | No |
Guard Length | 32 feet |
Our Ratings
GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guard
Best Brush Gutter Guard
If you’re opting for a brush gutter guard, go for the best: GutterBrush. With this brush, you can choose six, 15, 30, 60, or 120 feet of brush, which is suitable for any standard 5-inch gutters.
All you need to do is climb up your ladder — safety first — and squeeze it into the gutters. No tools are required, and it is a super simple installation that only takes a few minutes.
This includes cylinder-shaped bristles that span the width of your gutters. It keeps out large debris, like sticks and leaves, but still lets water flow freely.
In fact, if you live somewhere prone to rainstorms, you may prefer these brushes over mesh or screen-type guards. They tend to filter water more slowly, which leads to overflowing during storms.
Just keep in mind that brushes don’t keep out smaller debris or as many insects. But it will block out enough to prevent clogs. You’ll also love how budget-friendly these are compared to other options on the market.
Pros
- Prevents animals from nesting in your gutters.
- Prevent ice dams in the winter.
- Works on all standard 5-inch gutters of all styles.
- Allows heavy rainfall to flow freely.
- Easy to install with no tools.
Cons
- Debris gets trapped in the bristles and requires regular cleaning.
- Smaller debris can still get through to your gutters.
Product Specs
Type | Brush |
Gutter Size | Five inches |
Materials | Polypropylene and steel wire |
Tools Required for Installation? | No |
Guard Length | 6-120 feet |
Our Ratings
Gutter Cups Gutter Guards
Easiest To Install
Foam and brush gutter guards are super easy to install, but so are these gutter cups! To install, you don’t need any tools or clips.
You just place the cups in the gutter one after the other so the edges are touching. They will snuggle into your gutters where they can’t come loose from weather elements.
These are also fairly priced, coming in lower than the average cost. While not as cheap as some competitors, they are budget-friendly for most people.
These cups create barrier protection in your gutter with a perforated outer shell and a barrier at each end. When debris enters the other shell, the closed ends won’t let it out into the gutter or downspout. This allows water to flow freely without the risk of debris creating a clog.
The cups are made from UV-protected polymer, which is tough but flexible. It is designed to fit all standard gutters without you needing to modify the product or your roof.
Another great feature is that it should save you time and money spent on gutter cleaning tools. If you need to clean them, simply remove them, empty them, hose them down, and replace them!
Pros
- Easy to install without any tools.
- Prevents clogs from leaves and other debris.
- Allows rain to flow freely.
- Fits all standard gutters.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- When leaves build up on the cups, you can see them from the ground or street.
- If you have a lot of pine needle build-up, it could create clogs.
Product Specs
Type | Cups |
Gutter Size | Five inches |
Materials | Polymer |
Tools Required for Installation? | No |
Guard Length | 30 feet |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Type | Gutter Size | Materials | Requires Installation Tools? | Guard Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlexxPoint High Clearance Cover System | Affordable | Screen | 5″ | Aluminum | Yes | 22-5100 feet |
Superior Screen Technology Gutter Cover | Screen Gutter Guard | Screen | 5″ | Stainless steel & aluminum | Yes | 48 feet |
Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard | Mesh Gutter Guard | Mesh | 5-7″ | Stainless steel & aluminum | Yes | 48 feet |
LeafTek Gutter Guard Leaf Protection | Durable | Screen | 5 or 6″ | Aluminum | Yes | 32-200 feet |
GutterStuff Foam Filter Insert | Foam Gutter Guard | Foam | 4, 5 or 6″ | Foam | No | 32 feet |
GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guard | Brush Gutter Guard | Brush | 5″ | Polypropylene & steel wire | No | 6-120 feet |
Gutter Cups Gutter Guards | Easiest To Install | Cups | 5″ | Polymer | No | 30 feet |
Types of Gutter Guards
There are five main types of gutter guards to choose from.
Mesh
Mesh gutter guards are one of the most effective types of guards as they are very fine, so don’t let through a lot of debris. The good news is they still let through water, so there’s minimal risk of flooding or overflowing. You can find these in plastic or metal, depending on your budget and preference, and they’re easy to install.
Pros
- Very effective at blocking debris but letting in water.
- Plastic or metal construction available.
- Easy to install.
- Prevents large insects or animals from getting into the gutter.
Cons
- May become damaged by heavy items like ice.
- In wet areas, mold, and mildew can become a problem.
Screen
Screen gutter guards are available in metal, plastic, or vinyl and consist of tiny holes punched through the material. They are extremely easy to install and often don’t require any tools.
Screen gutter guards are similar to mesh in a sense, but the holes are usually a bit larger, so they may let in more debris. However, it should still be enough to block out the basics: twigs, animals, leaves, and more.
Pros
- Easy to install, usually without tools.
- Available in metal or plastic materials.
- Easy to clean due to the wider holes.
Cons
- Some smaller debris, such as needles and dust, can fit through the holes.
- Not screwed down, so may become dislodged by the wind.
Brush
These brushes slot into your gutters and work a bit like a pipe cleaner. It works by blocking debris but still allowing water to pass through. The main manufacturer of this item is GutterBrush — which I’ll recommend later — and is a very budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Easy to install without any tools.
- Budget-friendly, costing a fraction of the price of mesh or screen guards.
- Flexible enough to fit in corners or oddly shaped gutters.
- Easy to clean and replace.
Cons
- Debris gets caught in the bristles and requires more frequent cleaning.
Foam
Foam gutter guards are made from triangular blocks that slot into your gutters. They block debris but still allow water to flow through the foam’s pores. They’re super easy to install, especially if you want to put them at an angle or in a corner.
Customers appreciate that they can’t be seen from the ground. Keep in mind that these are expensive, costing the same — or more — as mesh or screen gutter guards.
Pros
- Can’t be seen from the street, so it adds value to the home’s aesthetic.
- Easy to install, especially at angles.
- If you shop around enough, you can find cheaper options.
- Blocks almost all kinds of debris.
Cons
- Water doesn’t run as freely through, which may lead to mold and mildew.
- Needs to be replaced more often than other types of gutter guards.
Reverse Curve
Reverse curve or surface tension gutter guards are not as common and are pretty difficult to find on the market. They’re usually made from lightweight metal or plastic, and they work differently from other guards mentioned already.
Water flows over the top and around a curve before going into the gutter. Debris should slide off the curve and onto the ground so as not to build up in the gutter.
Top Tip
Make sure you install the strips at the same angle as your roof; otherwise, debris could build up on the guards.
Pros
- Debris slides off the roof and guards onto the ground.
- Great for yards with a lot of tree build-up.
- Less gutter cleaning necessary.
Cons
- Not as readily available on the market.
- They’re more visible and, therefore, less aesthetic for homeowners.
- May damage roof shingles over time.
Things to Consider
Consider these important criteria to find the best option for your gutters.