6 Best Types of Gutter Guard

What Is Gutter Guard?

Gutter guards work to prevent any type of debris from entering your gutter system. If you have spent time cleaning your gutter guard, you will realize that materials like wet leaves, sticks, twigs block the efficiency of your gutter.

Therefore, many homeowners are forced to climb on their roofs to clean gutter guards on a regular basis. Failure to do so may result in obstructions, resulting in mold, gutter leaking problems, and even damage to the roof.

When water does not flow properly from the gutter system, various problems can be faced. For example, water can flow to the top of the gutter and down to the base of the house. let’s start with the Different Types of Gutter Guards Explained.

6 Best Types of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards come in six basic varieties. Each one of these gutter guards has its own set of advantages and characteristics. In addition, the price of a gutter guard varies according to the type of gutter guard you buy. Different types of gutter guards are as follows:

1. Screen Gutter Guard

Screen gutter guards provide essentially the same purpose as the screen on your window to prevent the entry of large debris. Large holes in the screen gutter guards allow water to flow but keep debris out.

You can manually install a screen gutter guard on top of your gutter, or you can hire a professional to do it. The cost of a screen gutter guard is affordable within your budget. There is no need to retrofit your gutters as the screen just sits on top of them.

With screen gutter guards, the main drawback is that they must be removed and cleaned at least once a year. Gutter cleaning needs to be done at least once a year to get regular service of Screen Gutter Guards.

Interesting Read: 10 Best Gutter Alternatives

2. Mesh Gutter Guard

Unlike a screen gutter guard, it has holes in the mesh gutter guard through which trash can be blocked, but water can still flow through the gutter. When it comes to mesh gutter guards, they last a long time with excellent workmanship and they prevent you from going to the roof frequently.

Most debris will be kept out by mesh gutter guards, so it will only need to be cleaned on rare occasions. As a result, a lot of material flows in and out of the roof as it is piled up. For most homeowners, it is better to do a quick racking around the house’s perimeter than a monthly sewer cleaning.

This type of gutter cover is one of the most expensive solutions on the market than gutter guards. It can be worth the price if you consider the features.

3. Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard

Unlike mesh gutter guards, micro-mesh gutter guards are nearly identical to mesh guards. This is the only significant difference: the mesh holes are significantly smaller. In most cases, this ensures that very little debris is able to get through the guard. Micromesh has a lot of tiny holes, some of which are so small that you can scarcely see them.

This type of gutter covers with micro-mesh screens are frequently considered the best. Because they are the most effective at keeping out debris and inflict the least amount of damage to the home, these guards are the most cost-effective option.

The installation of micro-mesh gutter guards should be handled by a professional, and you should exercise caution when evaluating various options in terms of overall quality; however, micro-mesh gutter guards are, on the whole, the best gutter guards choice.

Interesting Read: How Much Does Dry Cleaning Cost?

4. Reverse Curve/Surface Tension Gutter Guard

Allowing water to flow around the gutter guard, the reverse curve/surface tension guard will allow water to enter the gutter. Despite the gutter guard’s ability to let water through, it also prevents dirt and other material from entering the gutters. Reverse-curve gutter guards allow trash to slide right down the side of the gutter guards.

From the ground, you can see the reverse curve gutter guards, so keep an eye out for them as you go around the house. The majority of the time, a reverse curve gutter guard must be placed by a professional. However, they are more difficult to install but usually come with a warranty.

To install reverse curve gutter guards, you’ll need to lift the shingles off the roof. This has the potential to be harmful. Gutter guards are also visible from the ground, which could alter the appearance of your house.

5. Brush Gutter Guard

Brush gutter guards will appear to be precisely what they sound like. In the form of big bristle brushes, brush gutter protectors are installed in the gutter. In order to allow water to pass through, the brush gutter guards are placed inside the gutter, but other debris must be kept outside of the gutter.

Overall, brush gutter guards are a good idea since they keep huge debris like leaves and pinecones out of the gutters. The problem is that brush gutter guards have a number of drawbacks, and this is a significant reason why people avoid them.

It’s a pain to remove some debris from the brush gutter guard. Remove the entire gutter guard system and get them cleaned if you want to remove debris. If you have a roof that collects a lot of pine needles and other smaller tree debris, brush gutter guards are not for you.

6. Foam Gutter Guard

When it comes to DIY projects around the house, foam is a one-of-a-kind and widely used substance. When it comes to foam, it’s a terrific option because it’s both inexpensive and easy to use. The foam gutter guard is simply a piece of foam that is inserted into the gutters.

For a relatively low price, foam gutter guards prevent big debris from accumulating in the gutter system. There is a good likelihood that if you observe water dripping from your roof but it does not reach the gutters, there is a lot of debris in the gutter.

Foam gutter guards are an excellent value, but the downside is that they can be a pain to clean. Foam gutter guards must be removed and then reinstalled in order to clean your gutters.

Large debris will also build up on top of the foam as a result of this process. Foam might be damaged if this huge material is left in place.

How to Clean Gutter Guards?

The first thing we need to address is the fact that gutter guards actually need to be cleaned. It’s important to be realistic, even if gutter guards promise that you’ll never have to clean them again. You won’t have to deal with constant upkeep after every storm and fall leaf fall, but you should inspect them as part of a normal annual inspection and clean them if necessary.

Step 1: Place Your Drop Cloth: It is always a good idea to place a drop cloth under your work area in order to catch any falling debris that you may not want to clean from your landscaping. It also protects your plants and bushes and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Secure Your Ladder: Use the safety features that came with your ladder and keep it secured at all times. It’s best to have someone hold the bottom of the ladder while you climb and stand on it for added security.
Step 3: Use Hand Protection and Climb to the Location: Gardening gloves are a must for this because you don’t want to accidentally stab yourself with a sharp twig or another object. ‘ Before attempting to climb the ladder, be sure to put these on so that you have access to both hands at all times. Prepare to ascend to your desired destination whenever you’re ready.
Step 4: Remove Material Off Guards: A sweeping motion of your palm is all that is needed to clear trash off a guard once you are in position. Take a drop cloth and sweep up any fallen leaves, needles, or twigs that have landed on it. If anything feels tethered, gently pull it until it loosens up.
Step 5: Remove Guard If Possible: After cleaning the top of your guard, open it up if you have a hinged or removable guard. The openings may be blocked, or the brush style may be to blame. If so, hand them over so they can be rinsed and reopened. Check the gutter for any accumulated debris that hasn’t been washed away by the rain as well, of course. Take everything you can hold out of the way.
Step 6: Hose Down If Applicable: In the event that you don’t have the ability to remove your gutter guards, run a hose over the openings and allow the water to flow freely through the gutter to remove any dirt that may have accumulated.
Step 7: Replace and Secure Guards: Ensure that any guards that have been removed are returned to their proper locations. After you’ve rinsed everything out, double-check that nothing is stuck or clogged there. Finally, take care to clean up the work area thoroughly afterward.

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

Average Cost across the Country: $1,305.
$969 to $1,901 per linear foot (or $5.75 to $12.25 per linear foot).
Cheapest: $244.
Professional installation costs the average homeowner between $969 and $1,901 (or $5.75 and $12.25 per linear foot).

From $0.68 to $7.50 per linear foot, the cost of materials alone is not uncommon. Whether you install the gutter guards yourself, hire a handyman, or employ a full-service contractor will have an effect on the total cost of labor.

Leaf filter Reviews

LeafFilter costs can range from $15 to $45 per linear foot. This includes the cost of materials and professional installation. The overall cost of a leaf filter gutter guard depends on how much linear footage is required in your home. And depending on whether you need downspout or gutter repair services.

Two of the most efficient of leaf filter gutter protection systems are micro-mesh and surface tension. Its three-piece micro-mesh gutter guard system also employs surface tension to pull water from your gutter and remove debris.

Micro-mesh gutter guards perform the same function as compact design screen guards. It removes small debris and clogs. The company also mounts its leaf filter flush with your roof so it’s barely visible after installation.

Leaf filter Warranty

Some Notable Limitations Included in the Leaffilter Warranty are:

The Leaffilter warranty does not cover damage to gutters, fascia boards, roof substrate, or installation of leaf filters.
If drain guards are altered from their original installation or any steps are taken to obstruct or restrict the flow of water through the drain system, the warranty is void.
The warranty is void if structural changes are made to the leaf filter product. Such as damage by roof adjustments, adjacent trees, or any uncontrollable acts of nature.
Its warranty is limited to multi-unit structures. such as single-family homes and single-family units
The Leaffilter warranty does not cover liability for accidental damage resulting from snow dams or snow drifts.
If you have fewer downspouts, the warranty does not apply, which increases the water-carrying capacity of the sewer system. So water overflows.

How Much Does LeafFilter Cost?

Leaf filter costs can range from $15 to $45 per linear foot, including installation materials and labor. However, the average cost for a leaf filter installed on a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutter can range from $2,250 to $9,000.

Benefits of Gutter Guards

There are various advantages of gutter guards which are as follows:

Less Maintenance Required: Reduce the amount of money and time spent on maintenance. In gutters and downspouts, leaves, branches, pine needles, and shingle granules build up. Nests and animal carcasses aren’t uncommon. Gutter cleaning is essential to preventing blockages.
Saves Money: If you’d like, you can occasionally employ a gutter cleaner. Gutter guards keep debris out of your gutters and downspouts, saving you time and money. They may even help you avoid the expense of repairing storm damage to your roof.
Minimize the formation of Ice dams: Reduce the formation of ice dams. Gutter systems suffer throughout the winter. If they’re clogged, water might build up inside and cause damage. Ice dams can form if that water thaws and then refreezes. Ice dams can cause a lot of damage.
As a result, your roof and other parts of your house are more likely to sustain water damage. As a result, they can also impair the life expectancy of your roof and gutter system. Gutter guards, especially those with heating, can considerably minimize the creation of ice dams.
Prevent Infestation by Animals: Your gutters can be used by animals like birds and rodents as places to raise their young. Clogs can be caused by their excrement as well. The presence of nests attracts a wide variety of insects, such as ants. Gutter guards keep animals from making your gutters their home or a highway to your roof through which they might escape.
Reduce the Risk of a Fire Breaking Out: The accumulation of leaves and twigs in your gutters and downspouts is a potential ignition source. All you need is a nearby bonfire or BBQ. Dry gutter debris might catch fire when embers fly in the air. The chance of a fire starting in the gutters is greatly decreased by the use of gutter guards.

Disadvantages of Gutter Guards

There are also some disadvantages of Gutter Guards that are as follows:

1. Maintenance is still required for gutter guards:

However, despite promises that these leaf guards will reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters, these leaf guards still require regular cleaning despite their self-sufficient claims Guards are not only difficult to remove and clean, but they also require a lot of time and effort to maintain.

If you’ve got a variety of screens mounted, the difficulty level will be different. Cleaning your gutters and removing your screens may necessitate hiring a professional cleaning service. Because it’s a time-consuming endeavor, you’re effectively wasting your money.

2. Your roof is put under a lot of stress:

It’s possible for a home to be destroyed if the roof collapses under the weight of its own weight. Gutter systems and downspouts are designed to avoid placing pressure on the fascia, the longboard that holds the lower edge of a roof.

The fascia of your gutter will be unable to support the added weight of a gutter guard, screen, or helmet. Over time, the tension in your fascia will cause damage, even if they don’t appear to be heavy. Fascias are prone to buckling and eventually ripping away from the roof if not taken care of properly.

3. Expensive:

We conclude that gutter guards are a waste of money after evaluating all of the ways in which they don’t work. There are no cost-savings to be found in installing or maintaining gutter guards, and they’re not worth the effort or money they need.

Maintaining it will cost more than hiring gutter cleaners in Vancouver. Because these shields need to be cleaned on a regular basis, the cost and effort associated aren’t worth it. Instead of doing your own twice-yearly gutter cleaning, engage a company like Clean Home Break Services to do it for you.

Do Leaf Gutter Guards Work in Heavy Rain?

Problems can arise when using gutter guards during heavy rains. The problem is that when there is a large area of the roof, the gutter guard can be submerged in water during heavy rains.
Which can cause rainwater to flow out of the gutter. Gutter guards are more effective than others in various designs

What You Need to Know About Gutter Guard Installation

Types of leaf guards for gutters of the highest caliber are ideal, but they come at a high cost. An installed system might cost up to $30 per square foot. I’m not going to try to steer you in a particular direction because I’ve seen them all perform well when properly installed and maintained. There are many great options available.
Best gutter guards consumer reports’ appraisal of the industry in 2010 was widely criticized for excluding a number of major firms. Since then, they haven’t published any new findings.
Check the installation instructions carefully before attempting to install a system on your own. If it seems too simple or too good to be true, it probably is, so don’t waste your time trying it. In the event that you do decide to deal with an expert, choose a company that you feel comfortable working with and be sure to inquire about warranty coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Best Leaf Guard for Gutters?

Gutter helmets are widely considered the best leaf guards for gutters. It has a solid cover design that keeps out leaves and debris while allowing water to flow freely. Gutter helmets are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Many homeowners find drain helmets a great fit to protect their drains from clogging with debris and reduce the need for frequent gutter guard cleaning.

What Is Gutter Guards Best?

There are many types of gutter guards available in the market that can help protect your gutters from leaves and debris. Here are some of the best gutter guards according to various sources:

LeafFilter: Best Selection
LeafGuard: Best for Longevity
HomeCraft: Best for Shedding Leave
All American Gutter Protection: Best for Comprehensive Gutter Service
MasterShield: Best Curb Appeal
Raptor: Best for DIY Installation

What Is the Average Cost of Leaffilter Gutter Guards?

Leaf filter gutter guards can cost an average of about $ 17 to $ 43 per foot for materials and installation. From $0.68 to $7.50 per linear foot, the cost of materials alone is not uncommon. Whether you install the gutter guards yourself, hire a handyman, or employ a full-service contractor will have an effect on the total cost of labor.

Best Gutter Leaf Guard

LeafFilter is considered the Overall Best Gutter Guard by Construction Coverage. However, if you are looking for a leaf guard specifically, here are some of the best leaf guards according to various sources:

LeafTek DIY Gutter Guards: Best for Contractor Grade
Leaf Relief: Best for Heavy Duty
Gutter Helmet: Best for Performance
Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Black Metal Mesh Gutter Guard: Best for Mesh

How Much Does Leaf Guard Cost?

Leafguard is a custom-designed product. You can expect to pay about $9 to $33 per linear foot for materials and $2 to $4 per linear foot for rain gutter leaf guard installation, but there are a number of factors that will influence this pricing

How to Clean Gutters with Guards?

To clean brush gutter guards, simply remove any debris that may have accumulated on top of the brushes and rinse them down with a hose. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of the brushes if there is any stubborn dirt or debris.

Best Type of Gutter Guard

Micro mesh gutter guard is suitable as the best type of gutter guard. These gutters provide the best protection against corrosion, as well as being durable and prolonging life.

Are Gutter Guards a Waste of Money?

After reviewing all the ways that gutter guards fail to work, we conclude that the guards are a bad investment. When you calculate the amount of time, effort, and money it takes to install and care for gutter guards, you’ll see that it offers zero cost-savings and is not worth the expense.

How to Remove Gutter Guards for Cleaning?

Examine the guards to determine if they are snapped into place or held with screws.
Brush away debris.
Loosen screws or pry apart snapped-together edges with a screwdriver.
As you lift away gutter guard sections, lower them gently to the ground to avoid bending them.

What Are the Best Diy Gutter Guards?

Vinyl gutters are lightweight, inexpensive, and designed for easy installation, making them a great choice for DIYers. They come in a variety of colors to match the vinyl siding. If you cannot find an exact match, you can also paint vinyl gutters. The biggest downside to vinyl gutters is their durability.

What Are the Best Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards?

There are several reputable micro-mesh gutter guards available on the market. Here are a few options:

Gutterglove: Gutterglove offers micro-mesh gutter guards that effectively prevent leaves, debris, and even fine particles from entering the gutters
Raptor Gutter Guard: Raptor Gutter Guard features a micro-mesh design that keeps out small debris while allowing water to flow freely.
FlexxPoint Gutter Cover: FlexxPoint offers micro-mesh gutter covers that are made of aluminum.

1 thought on “6 Best Types of Gutter Guard”

Olivia Smart
July 29, 2023 at 1:09 am

Thank you for explaining that gutter guards can help with saving money on gutter cleaning. I’ve been thinking about getting gutter guards for our home. It is interesting to think that it might help with this, so we’ll have to keep this in mind when making our decision.