Best Gutter Guards To Reduce the Frequency of Gutter Cleanings

No one likes cleaning gutters. It’s a messy, stinky job. But someone’s gotta do it, right? Well, not really. Not if you have a gutter guard in place. A gutter guard prevents debris from clogging up your gutters which can end up causing water damage in your home. The question is, which gutter guard will work best for your home? It depends on several factors and not everyone is prepared to wade through an in-depth discussion on how to choose one. If you belong to that group, you’re in luck. We’ve already done a lot of the research and testing for you and we came up with a list of the 10 best gutter guards you’ll ever find. Check out which one of our list suits your needs best.

Top 10 Gutter Guards of 2020 Reviewed

1. Massca Gutter Guard

Best Gutter Guard for Snow

If it’s just your downspout your worried about, then you can get the Massca Gutter Guard instead of all the other types available. Unlike most gutter covers, this model is specifically designed to provide a filter to your downpipe. Installation is incredibly easy as you only need to place it on top of your downspout. Removing the cover is easy as well. Made of aluminum, the “mesh” is pliable enough to be molded into the shape you need. But it is still strong enough to withstand different weather conditions. And if you find out that this gutter guard is not for you, the manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, this does not eliminate the need to clean your gutters as leaves and other debris will still accumulate there. You also need to clean the gutter guard frequently to prevent clogging. In addition, these guards are a little pricey for what they do.

2. Wedge Downspout

Best Gutter Guard for Flat Roof

The Wedge Downspout isn’t your regular kind of gutter guard. Instead of installing a guard to cover your entire gutter system, this model just covers your downspout in a very unique way. The wedge design causes leaves and other debris to float up and away from the downspout while water flows through the guard and down the drain. And should your downspout be located away from a corner, you can easily connect another Wedge Downspout to continue the flow of debris away. Because of this design, it doesn’t require any tools for installation. It’s also incredibly affordable which makes it a good option for those with a limited budget. However, this best works on 5-inch gutters; it won’t fit properly if your gutters are smaller than that. Also, this does not eliminate the need to clean the gutters because debris will still be able to get in them.

3. Raptor Super Gutter Guard

Best Gutter Guard for Pine Needles

For blocking even the smallest debris ever, you’re going to need the Raptor Super Gutter Guard. Pine needles, roof grit, seed pods, you name it. These multi-patented micro-mesh filters will keep them out. The guard itself is made of stainless steel which will never rust or warp, backed by a 25-year warranty. However, it doesn’t handle heavy downpours well, causing some of the water to run off and spill over the gutter. Also, this is very expensive.

4. Flexx Point 30 Year Gutter Cover

Best Gutter Guards for Steep Roofs

The FlexxPoint 30 Year Gutter Cover System is a screen type gutter cover that provides a permanent solution to your gutter problems. The cover is mounted to the front lip of your gutter system using stainless steel fasteners. Installation is fairly easy, no need for professional help. You can’t see the cover from the ground which means no impact on your curb appeal. However, the aluminum can easily get bent during shipping. Snow doesn’t pass through the holes so it builds up on top of the gutter which can become ice. And you can only buy these in pre-selected quantities so you may end up with more than you actually need.

5. GutterBrush Leaf Gutter Guard

Best Gutter Guards for Leaves

The GutterBrush Leaf Gutter Guard is the perfect option for those who want the installation to be as easy as possible, no tools required. This brush style gutter guard features bristles that are double UV protected polypropylene while the center core is made of 12 gauge galvanized steel. It comes in different sizes so you can choose the one that fits your gutters perfectly. The bristles keep all the leaves from clogging your gutter while allowing water to continuously flow down the drain. It also prevents birds from claiming your gutters as their home. However, small leaves and similarly sized debris can still get into your gutters which means cleaning them out. Also, depending on the size you get, you may still see them from the ground. In addition, water tends to overflow during heavy rains.

6. Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard

Best Lock-In Gutter Guard

The purpose of a gutter guard is to keep away debris and dirt, thus removing the need to clean your gutters. You can expect that and more from the Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard. The tight mesh used to make this gutter guard can effectively sieve out the debris and dirt in the water. That way, your gutters will flow freely without requiring regular cleaning. You can use it on a 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch aluminum or steel gutters.

It is made from durable, long-lasting powder-coated steel that is protected from possible damage by the elements. The neutral black color creates a perfect blend with the rest of the roofline – it is hardly noticeable to an unaccustomed eye. To install this gutter guard, you need to slide it under the shingles and then lock it to the gutter on the front lip. The USA-made gutter guards come in a set of 25 pieces. You will get a 10-year limited warranty when you buy this product.

7. A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard

This aluminum gutter guard made it on our list for several reasons. One, it was designed by professional gutter installers. Two, it is made of heavy gauge .018 100% aluminum along with a 25-year warranty that it won’t rust, rot, or deteriorate. Three, it was designed specifically to work with all hangers including K-style ones. Four, it features 380 holes per foot so it is able to handle heavy rain. However, you can only purchase pre-selected amounts with 50 feet as a minimum. The material is thin and easily bends so be careful when installing. Also, the screws included were not stainless.

8. GutterStuff EZ K Style Protection

Best Gutter Guard for Birds

If the only problem you have leaves falling into your gutter, then the GutterStuff EZ K Style Protection is what you need. This is a foam type of gutter guard that fits completely inside your gutter, preventing large debris from getting in. At the same time, it allows water to continue flowing through to the drain. The best thing about this is that it helps prevent the accumulation of standing water which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The foam is treated with UV protection from the sun so it lasts longer. And it comes in various sizes so you can get the right fit. However, pine needles can get stuck in the pores of the foam and aren’t always easy to brush off. However, the foam does start to break down after two years. Also, it doesn’t handle heavy rain that well, causing water to overflow. Plus, if there is a lot of moisture left in the foam, it will freeze in winter.

9. EZ-Gutter EZ-Quick

Best Gutter Guard for Maple Seeds

The EZ-Gutter EZ-Quick is aptly named as it is very easy to install and quite easily removed should you need to do some gutter maintenance. Not only that, the mesh design keeps debris out while ensuring ample water flow. Because it’s made of heavy-duty aluminum, the guard won’t be in danger of rust or rot. It is also tension-engineered which means that it will stay put during rough weather. However, it is shiny silver and will stand against dark-colored gutters. Also, it is a bit pricey. Plus, it may cause ice dams to form.

10. LeafTek DIY

Best Gutter Guard for Heavy Rain

The LeafTek DIY solves one problem a lot of other gutter guards have – water overflow during heavy rain. It does this through its unique design. It has a raised vented ridge design that directs airflow and water flow downwards instead of down a sloped design that makes it flow down the side of the gutter. This design ensures water does not overflow during heavy rain AND keeps your gutter dry, preventing mosquitoes from breeding there. It also stops leaves and other debris from getting into the gutter and helps them get blown off by the wind. And have we mentioned that it has 404 holes for every square foot? Even better, the heavy gauge aluminum has a baked black enamel finish to keep it from being seen on the ground. However, the installation instructions are not clear. Also, it is a bit pricey.

How to Choose the Best Gutter Guard: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Anyone who’s ever had to clean the gutters know how much of a pain it is and how easier life would be to never do it again. Fortunately, that’s easy enough to do nowadays with the number of gutter guards available in the market. Of course, not just any gutter guard will do. There are several factors that need to be considered including budget, installation, durability, etc. If you want a gutter guard for your home and have no idea where to start, our handy shopping guide should give you a clearer idea of what to look for.

What are the Different Types of Gutter Guards?

Brush Gutter Guards

Just as the name suggests, these gutter guards have a brush-like design. Similar to a pipe cleaner, this type of gutter guard is made of bristles that prevents leaves and other debris from getting into the gutter while still allowing water to flow through the gutters. The main advantage of this type of gutter guard is that it is very easy to install. No professional or even handyman experience required. However, it isn’t good at blocking smaller debris which can still cause the gutter to get clogged. Plus, you still need to clean the brush to get rid of all the debris it has collected. If you plan on getting a brush gutter guard, we recommend the GutterBrush Leaf Gutter Guard.

Foam Gutter Guards

This type of gutter guard, as the name already states, is made of foam. The foam is shaped to fit inside the gutter, preventing any debris from falling into it while still letting water flow through. Like brush gutter guards, this one is easy to install on your own. Plus, it is very inexpensive. However, the piling up of debris on top of the foam can still cause clogging. Worse, seeds can fall inside the foam and grow into plants, damaging your gutters. Also, some models are flammable. Plus, the foam will deteriorate within 1 to 2 years due to exposure to the sun. Moreover, you will still need to clean any debris that gets stuck on or in the foam. If this is the type of gutter guard you prefer, then the GutterStuff EZ K Style Protection is the one for you.

Screens

This type of gutter guard is the most commonly used. It is available in a variety of shapes and materials. You can also install them in several different ways. Screens are typically affordable. However, the holes are usually large enough to allow debris to get through with the exception of large pieces such as leaves. This means that you’ll still need to clean the gutter out which will also translates to removing the screens and then reinstalling them. Sometimes, the debris can get stuck in the holes requiring you to unplug the holes one by one. A good example of a screen gutter guard is the Flexx Point 30 Year Gutter Cover. Unlike a lot of other models in this category, it has smaller than usual holes to filter out more debris.

Micro Mesh

This type of gutter guard functions much like the screens except its holes are much, much smaller and able to filter out the smallest particles (i.e. shingle grit).  Micro mesh gutter guards require the least amount of maintenance. Any debris caught in the mesh can easily be brushed or blown away. These are believed to be the best type of gutter protection, especially since they are typically backed by a warranty. However, they may require professional installation and they tend to cost more. And some are made of inferior quality, easily damaged by branches and ice. If you plan on getting this type of gutter guard, you’d be best served to get the EZ-Gutter EZ-Quick.

Surface Tension

Also known as reverse curve gutter guards, these are designed to let rainwater move down the drain while letting large debris like leaves fall down to the ground instead of piling up on top of the gutter cover. Smaller debris still gets in but the flowing water washes it out the downspouts. This type of gutter guard usually requires professional installation because the cover needs to be installed at an angle to work best. However, the gutter guard is visible from the ground which is not aesthetically pleasing. The cost of installation can be high because some companies require you to get new gutters. Also, a lot of these gutter guards require installation under roof shingles which can void the warranty on your roof.

Is it Easy to remove?

Ease of installation is important but the reverse should also be factored in. When choosing your gutter guard, you should also consider how easy it would be to remove the guard so you can clean your gutters. Working around the guards will make an already unpleasant ob even more so.

Is it Suitable to My Roof?

You also need to consider the type of roof you have and whether the gutter guard you have in mind will be effective. For example, steeply pitched roofs and those that are made of metal or other sleek materials may need a gutter guard that is not prone to run-off and able to handle large volumes of water such as a screen gutter guard. A surface tension gutter guard may cause water to overshoot your gutters. If you’re not sure about which type works best with your roof, ask around your neighborhood, particularly at houses that have similar roofs to yours.

What’s the Warranty and Return Policy?

Make sure you check the manufacturer’s guarantee and warranty before you make a purchase. Don’t be afraid to return the gutter guard if it doesn’t perform as well as expected. You’re buying it to save you a lot of headache, not to create bigger ones.