Compare 8 Best Gutter Guards (Top 2024 Brands Reviewed & Ranked)

LeafFilter: Most Professional Gutter Guard Installation

Check out this quick video to learn more about LeafFilter’s installation process:

Key Features of LeafFilter

• Steel micro mesh gutter guard with uPVC frame
• Customizable sizing and several color options
• Trusted brand with over 15 years in the industry
• Lifetime transferable warranty
• A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Why We Chose LeafFilter

LeafFilter is one of the most trusted names in the business, with a decade-plus-long reputation for professional installations of high-quality gutter guards. It also delivers on both efficiency and environmental friendliness — two of our most-valued qualities here at EcoWatch.

LeafFilter gutter guards are made of recyclable stainless steel mesh and uPVC siding. While regular PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made of harmful toxins, research shows that gutter guards made with uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) have one the lowest global warming impacts when compared to steel, titan-zinc and aluminum gutter guards.¹ You can read more about LeafFilter reviews and its commitment to sustainability here.

LeafFilter Gutter Guard Costs

You won’t find an exact cost for LeafFilter gutter guards — or almost any gutter company — online. Because LeafFilter’s products are available for installation through many retailers throughout the country, you’ll have to get an estimate from your local retailer by requesting one here.

Based on internal research, we’ve found LeafFilter gutter guards typically cost between $15 and $35 per linear foot installed, depending on installation difficulty. This makes LeafFilter a more expensive option compared to other gutter guards (for context, $4.50 to $7.50 per foot is average), but you pay for quality. LeafFilter makes some of the highest quality, most durable and long-lasting gutter guards available, and they’re made of the most sustainable materials out there.

Pros & Cons of LeafFilter Gutter Guards

Pros:

• One of the most durable and long-lasting gutter guards
• Professional installation
• Lifetime transferable warranty
• Available in several colors, including white, gray, brown and beige
• Made of uPVC (the most eco-friendly choice for gutter guard materials) and recyclable stainless steel

Cons:

• LeafFilter is currently facing a lawsuit for alleged misleading marketing tactics (read about it here)
• More expensive than most competitors
• Not available in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana or Wyoming
• No DIY products

LeafFilter Customer Reviews

At the time of publication, LeafFilter holds a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot with over 87,000 reviews as well as an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

Most customers praise LeafFilter for its professional installations and durable gutter guards. Some critical reviews complain about how the gutter guards fared during heavy downpours, and other reviewers didn’t understand that gutter guards don’t eliminate the need for gutter cleaning.

“Love this product. Everything from the sales process to installation was very easy, quick and professional. Would definitely recommend!”

– Colleen M via Trustpilot

“Great product! It got tested the day after installation — we had a torrential rain. Water did not fly off from [the] metal roof like it used to, and we don’t have to worry about damage to our foundation any longer. Only complaint is that there’s not good communication between the salesman and the installers…”

– Charles M via Trustpilot

“Should have done this years ago. Installers went above and beyond. They noticed a leak on my roof I hadn’t found and sealed it free of charge. A top-notch A+++ company.”

– John A via BBB

Read Also: LeafGuard vs LeafFilter Gutter Guards

Dedicated to Sustainability

4.5/5

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MasterShield Gutter Protection: Most Eco-Friendly Gutter Guards

Key Features of MasterShield Gutter Guards

• Trusted name with 17-plus years in business
• Has self-cleaning properties
• Lifetime warranty, plus guarantee to pay insurance deductible (up to $1,500) in event of water damage

Why We Chose MasterShield

MasterShield is another reputable brand in the gutter guard space, as its design comes from the creator of micro mesh technology. The company’s gutter guards come in over 14 color options and have a unique self-cleaning solution: Its stainless steel is copper-infused, allowing it to naturally break down organic matter like algae and moss.

Here at EcoWatch, we also like that MasterShield’s micro mesh screen is made up of at least 30% recycled materials, while its aluminum frame is made of 95% recycled materials, and both can be recycled after use. 

MasterShield’s parent company, MicroMeshGutterGuards.com (MMGG), is also a member of the U.S. Green Build Council (USGBC) and its products can be utilized in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, making it highly committed to sustainability.

While MasterShield isn’t the only gutter guard company to offer a lifetime warranty, it is the only one we found that also offers a guarantee to pay your insurance deductible (up to $1,500) if the product fails and causes water damage to your home.

MasterShields Gutter Guards Pricing 

You’ll have to reach out to MasterShield for an accurate quote, but our research has found that, on average, MasterShield gutter guard costs between $17 and $20 per foot installed. 

For context, gutter guard installations typically run between $4.50 and $7.50 per foot, so MasterShield is much more expensive than many of its competitors. However, you’re paying for a higher-quality product, and many of its customers attest to that.

Pros & Cons of MasterShield Gutter Guards

Pros:

• Pitched angle design to allow for better flow
• Built-in water filter
• Professional installation
• Available in 14 colors
• Made of recycled and recyclable materials
• Lifetime warranty, plus guarantee to pay insurance deductible up to $1,500 in the event of water damage

Cons:

• No DIY option, must be professionally installed
• Reports of filter getting clogged at times
• More expensive than many competitors

What Customers Say about MasterShield Gutter Guards

Neither MasterShield nor its parent company, MMGG, is accredited by the BBB. However, many independent dealers of MasterShield are, and all hold BBB ratings between A and A+ as of this article’s publication date. 

Of the reviews EcoWatch analyzed, we noticed that many customers praise the company for professional installations and high-quality performance, while complaints center around the higher cost of MasterShield gutter guards compared to competitors.

“I had new gutters, downspouts and MasterShield [gutter guards] installed on my home on May 7 of this year. We had several storms come through yesterday, and MasterShield performed beautifully! I’m very pleased.”

– Debbie L via BBB

“The only reason I did not give [MasterShield] a 5-star rating is due to the problems I have had with the company in the past, so this would be an overall rating of 4 for the last 14 years. I would have used a 4-1/2 if that were possible. The performance of the product has never been an issue, just the response of the personnel employed there at times in the past.”

– Sharon S via BBB

Most Eco-Friendly Materials

4.5/5

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HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Gutter Guard Design

Check out this video to learn more about their product and installation process:

HomeCraft Gutter Guards Key Features

• Stainless steel micro mesh screen
• Raised diamond design to separate debris without clogging
• Transferable lifetime warranty
• Works with all types of roofs, including metal

Why We Chose HomeCraft 

There’s no denying HomeCraft Gutter Protection has one of the best — if not the best — designs in the gutter guard market. Its patented, diamond-raised screen technology performs much better than the typical hooded or reverse curve designs offered by most other companies. 

The micro mesh guard is made from marine-grade stainless steel and features a powder-coated aluminum frame that can fit all types of roofs. Plus, all of its component materials are easily recyclable. HomeCraft also provides a transferable lifetime roof warranty.

HomeCraft Gutter Protection pricing

We’ve been unable to find information about the cost of HomeCraft Gutter Protection’s gutter guards. However, many of its customers have praised the company for its affordability and competitive pricing, so gutter guard installation costs are probably around average at $4.50 to $7.50 per foot.

Once you receive a quote from HomeCraft, the company will stand by that price for up to one year.

Pros & Cons of HomeCraft Gutter Protection

Benefits of HomeCraft Gutter Guards:

• Unique diamond design meant to prevent debris build-up
• Known for affordability and competitive pricing
• Can fit any gutter without hangers
• Made of recyclable marine-grade stainless steel and powdered-coated aluminum 
• Transferable lifetime warranty

Downsides to HomeCraft Gutters:

• Company has no mention of commitment to sustainability or environmental initiatives
• Only available in 10 states: AL, CO, FL, GA, IN, KY, NC, SC, TN and TX

• Need an appointment to receive a quote
• Mixed reviews online 

What Customers are Saying about HomeCraft Gutter Protection

HomeCraft Gutter Protection has accreditation with the BBB and an overall B rating, along with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot at the time of publication. 

Most of the positive reviews rave about HomeCraft’s affordability and the quality of the product, while negative reviews typically complain of poor customer service or unprofessional installation. It’s worth mentioning that HomeCraft Gutter Guards are installed by local dealers, so the quality of your installation is dependent on your local company.

‘I’m blown over by the service I received… Long story short, I not only have excellent gutter protection, but also new gutters all around the house, and all I paid was the initial estimate — not a dollar more. By the way, the estimate was a few thousand dollars less than the other company’s estimate. I highly recommend HomeCraft!’

– James P. via Trustpilot

“…The pricing was very competitive, and the quality of the product was far superior to anything else I was shown. The installation crew was great! They were very polite and worked hard… I was pleased from start to finish and recommended they call my son for his gutters. Thank you for the gutters and gutter guards!”

– Jo via Trustpilot

“I had a terrific experience. [My service representative] was very knowledgeable about the product and explained to me just why HomeCraft Gutter Protection is the best. I know that I bought a product that will last a very long time.”

– Ronald C. via BBB

Most Versatile Design

4/5

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New customers save 30%.

All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable Gutter Guards

Key Features of All American Gutter Guards

• High-quality stainless steel mesh
• Over 20 years of experience
• Rust-proof aluminum gutter guards
• Lifetime performance guarantee
• Over 30 colors to choose from

Why We Chose All American 

With over 30 colors options, All American makes some of the most customizable gutter guards in the industry. Its guards feature an aluminum rust-proof frame with stainless steel micro mesh, all of which can be recycled after use. The company offers professional installation and ensures that its gutter guards will fit the specific needs of your home.

Cost of All American Gutter Guards

Like most of the best gutter guard providers, All American doesn’t display cost estimates online. However, it does list the following as factors that will impact your overall price:

• Total gutter guard length needed
• Height of the home 
• Whether new gutters are needed or if existing ones will work 
• Types of debris that gutter guards will protect against
• Corners and valleys on the roof

All American is one of the few gutter guard companies to offer military and senior discounts, as well as other specials. For example, at the time of publication, All American is offering $300 off and a 20% discount on products, which could make it one of the most affordable options for gutter guard installation.

Pros & Cons of All American Gutter Guards

Pros:

• Made of customizable stainless steel and rust-free aluminum materials
• Lifetime performance guarantee, promising to fix anything that fails to meet your expectations
• Plenty of discounts available, including $300 off
• Comes in over 30 different colors, very customizable

Cons:

• Only available in 13 states: DE, FL, GA, KY, IN, MI, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, SC and WV
• Few reviews on public online review sites 
• Not a ton of information available online

What Customers Say about All American Gutter Protection

At the time of publication, All American Gutter Protection is accredited with the BBB and holds an A+ rating and 4.33 out of 5 stars, but it has fewer than 100 customer reviews on public review sites (though All American’s website features hundreds of customer testimonials). 

Of the reviews we could find, positive feedback centered on All American’s high-quality materials and competitive pricing, while negative reviews focused on spotty customer service and poor installation.

“Quick response. Competitive pricing with high-quality materials. Technicians were friendly. Gutter installation was well done with good cleanup when completed. Gutter performance has been as promised. Very satisfied.”

– Gary C. via BBB

“They came when they said they would. They did a professional installation. Their price was about half of my quote from another company. I am happy with the price and installation.”

– Dwight C. via BBB

“Professional and honest! They stood by their estimate, even after the inflation/supply chain issues started.”

– Robert R. via BBB

Most Customizable

4/5

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Klean Gutter Leaf Guard: Best Gutter Guards for Cold Climates

Klean Gutter Guards Key Features

• Made with stainless steel and 99.9% pure copper
• Installed at the same angle as your roof to ensure debris slides off
• Claims 75% more filter area than any other gutter guard
• 25-year warranty

Why We Chose Klean Gutter Leaf Guard 

Klean Gutter shares the same parent company as MasterShield (MMGG), so we already know it’s committed to sustainability. (If you need a refresher, MMGG is a member of the USGBC and makes products for LEED-certified buildings).

Klean Gutter guards are made from recyclable, surgical-grade steel micro mesh that may be installed under roof shingles or mounted to your home’s fascia. The fascia mount doesn’t touch your shingles, and the company’s under-the-shingle installation is a shingle manufacturer-approved installation method, so you won’t have to worry about it damaging your roof.

Wondering why we rate Klean Gutter as the best gutter guards for colder climates? In colder states, some companies will install heat cables under the gutter cover to melt ice dams and icicles that can clog up the guards. While Klean Gutter Guards don’t come with heated systems, they are compatible with them, allowing you to get a heated gutter guard system at a much lower cost, according to the company’s website.

Costs associated with Klean 

As with MasterShield, you can’t find much information about the cost of Klean Gutter gutter guards. The company says you’ll have to have an installer come to your house to examine your gutters to give you a proper estimate.

Our research has found that, on average, MasterShield Gutter Protection costs between $17 and $20 per foot for installation, so we’d estimate that Klean Gutter would be about the same. Keep in mind that gutter guard installations typically run between $4.50 and $7.50 per foot, so MasterShield is much more expensive than many of its competitors. However, you’re paying for a quality product, and many of its customers attest to that.

Pros & Cons of Klean Gutter Guards

Pros:

• Made from recyclable, surgical-grade steel
• Copper-infused material ensures no rust
• Accommodates heat cable under guard to melt ice dams (though company does not install heat cables)
• Installed at the same angle as your roof to ensure debris slide-off
• Said to have 70% more filtering area than any other system
• 25-year warranty

Cons:

• Not much information on the internet about Klean Gutter guards
• Hard to find customer reviews

Customer Reviews on Klean Gutter Guards

Neither Klean Gutters nor its parent company, MMGG, is accredited by the BBB. However, a contractor that exclusively uses Klean Gutter Leaf Guard products — Klean Gutters Midwest — rates an A+ with BBB, and several customers have praised the effectiveness of these guards. Most negative reviews harp on the quality of installation, but that will depend on which contractor you choose to install your gutter guards.

“I have had these gutters for 1 year and 3 months. They are wonderful! I have not had to clean my gutters since having them installed. They keep out pine needles, those helicopters that come from maple trees, and anything else my yard can throw at them. Over the winter, there was no ice buildup. My gutters have stayed completely clear. The installation has held up beautifully.”

– Prudence via BBB

“We were very pleased with the results of our new gutters! Everything turned out better than we had imagined. The work crew was very professional and put in a full day despite extreme temperatures. They went above and beyond to make sure everything came out perfect, including doing some rework because it didn’t meet their expectations.”

– Mary via BBB

Best for Cold Climates

4/5

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Raptor Gutter Guard by Gutterglove: Best DIY Gutter Guards

Key Features for Raptor Gutter Guards

• V-bend technology to lift debris off guard, allowing it to blow away more easily
• Product is rust-proof and 100% recyclable
• 25-year warranty
• Designed to fit any roof
• Easy to install and available at many retailers

Why We Chose Raptor Gutter Guard

If you’re looking to install your own gutter guards, we recommend checking out Raptor Gutter Guard made by Gutterglove — a well-regarded home improvement product company that offers both DIY and professional gutter guard installations.

Gutterglove’s widely popular Raptor guards have an impressive filtering ability and are made of heavy-duty material. They’re easy to install, yet made to last a long time and are 100% recyclable. Raptor’s micro mesh has 900 holes per square inch, which the company claims is the perfect balance for debris blocking and water filtration.²

Raptor Gutter Guard comes with a 25-year warranty, which is rare for a DIY gutter guard brand, as they typically have no warranty at all. You can shop for these guards at many convenient places like Costco, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and more.

Costs of Raptor Guards

Other Benefits of choosing Raptor Gutter Guard are being able to know exactly how much your gutter guards will cost and, of course, saving on the installation. Raptor Gutter Guard ranges from $2.60 to $3.25 per foot depending on the width of your gutters and come in packs of 48 feet of material:

• Standard (for gutters up to 5 inches wide): $124.99
• Super (for gutters 6 to 7 inches wide): $149.99

You can also order a sample pack of Raptor Gutter Guard for $8.90 to examine the product before committing to purchase.

Raptor Gutter Guards Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to install
• DIY installation can save you a lot of money 
• Easily found at popular retail stores and online
• 25-year warranty (rare for DIY gutter guards)
• More than 20 years in business

Cons:

• More expensive than other DIY gutter guard brands
• Some customer complaints of water overflow
• DIY gutter guard installation can be complicated and dangerous

What Customers Say

Gutterglove holds an unaccredited A+ rating the BBB and rates 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Raptor Gutter Guard has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with nearly 4,000 reviews as of this article’s publication date. 

Most customers rave about the quality of Raptor Gutter Guard and how easy it is to install. Of the most critical reviews, customers mainly complain of rainwater overflow due to the fineness of the micro mesh.

“Great product. arrived on time with easy, user-friendly DIY instructions. Sturdy shipping boxes allowed for no bent or damaged items. Everything was included to make the installation seamless and smooth. I highly recommend this product. If you are a DIYer, you can save 90% over the cost of having a professional do it.”

– Buster M via Trustpilot

“This product is very versatile. I have a metal roof and an old home so nothing is straight, but these could be bent to suit most situations. I was short a few screws, but the company was willing to remedy this issue; they were excellent to deal with. I highly recommend this product. I had cheaper gutter guards before, and these are worth the money.”

– Jim, Amazon

“They work great! Installed them on my shed and haven’t had any problems with them. They seem to keep the debris out while allowing the water to flow freely.”

– George B via Trustpilot

Best DIY Gutter Guards

4.5/5

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Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard (Metal): Easiest DIY Installation

Amerimax Gutter Guards Key Features

• Made from recyclable steel that’s powder-coated for durability
• 10-year limited warranty
• Easy lock-in installation (no screws necessary)
• Compatible with 4- to 6-inch metal K-style gutters

Why We Chose Amerimax

First, we want to be clear that we are only reviewing Amerimax’s steel lock-in gutter guards and not any of its vinyl products. Amerimax sells plastic gutter guards that are made from standard PVC that is full of toxic chemicals and can be harmful to the environment. Traditional PVC gutter guards are also known to be less durable than guards made from other materials.

We are recommending Amerimax’s metal lock-in gutter guards, made from powder-coated steel that can be recycled. These guards feature Amerimax’s simple “lock-in” technology, making them the easiest gutter guards for DIY installation. All you have to do is slide the guards under the first row of shingles and snap the gutter guard into the front lip of your gutter.

Cost of Amerimax

Amerimax offers the most affordable gutter guard option in our round-up, coming in at $1.33 per foot. On Amazon, Amerimax’s lock-in gutter guards come in a 25-pack of 3-foot guards (75 feet) for $99.73 or 200 feet for $200. There’s also an option to add in a gutter scoop for cleaning prior to installing the guards for an additional $3.37.

Amerimax Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Snap-in technology makes these guards easy to install
• Made of recyclable, durable powder-coated steel 
• One of the most affordable gutter guard options available

Cons:

• DIY gutter installation can be complicated and dangerous
• Reports of small debris getting clogged in the holes
• Some complaints of water running over the top

What Customers are Saying about Amerimax

At the time of publication, Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard holds a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 1,200 reviews. Most customers praise the gutter guards for being easy to install and effective. Negative reviews complain that too much water runs over the guards and that small debris can get caught inside the holes.

“Once I got the hang of it, I managed the installation with little problem. I just used tin snips to cut… I like that you can easily make special cuts if you need to. Glad I bought them. Only time will tell if they last. I am almost 60 and a female. If I can do it, anyone can.”

– Barbara Kemp, Amazon

“After several months, I got up on the roof to check out how they’d been working. I was happily surprised to find no debris of any kind in the gutters. I have several trees and normally I have to clean out my gutters every three to four weeks. This is the best home improvement I’ve done in years. Thanks, Amerimax!”

– R. Smith, Amazon

Easiest DIY Gutter Guards

3.5/5

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Superior Home Pro Gutter Guards: Best Micro Mesh Gutter Guard

Key Features of Superior Home 

• Raised design to lift debris and slow the flow of water to prevent blockages
• Stainless steel micro mesh screen and aluminum rails 
• Easy install with magnetic setter and self-tapping hex screws
• 45-year warranty

Why We Chose Superior Home Pro Gutter Guards

Superior Home Pro Gutter Guards round out our list of the best gutter guards. The micro mesh guards’ solid metal frame slides easily under the first row of your roof shingles, and the other side of the guard sits on the outside edge of the gutter. The guard secures to both the roof and the gutter, ensuring that the drainage system is protected in any type of weather, all year round.

We like that these gutter guards have a 45-year warranty, but before you get too impressed, the coverage only ensures that the guards are defect-free and that the material will not rust and the guards will not separate if installed correctly. It does not specifically mention the effectiveness of the guards. Still, 45 years is longer than most people own their homes, so you can feel confident in the length of coverage.

Superior Home Gutter Guard Costs

Although Superior Home Pro Gutter Guards has a website, it seems to do all of its selling through Amazon. Superior offers a few different gutter guard products based on your home’s needs, ranging from about $2.52 to $6.92 per foot of material. Here are some of the options at the time of publication:

• Traditional 5-inch gutter (6 feet): $40.06 ($6.68 per foot)
• Traditional 5-inch gutter (48 feet): $120.99 ($2.52 per foot)
• Traditional 6-inch gutter (6 feet): $41.50 ($6.92 per foot)
• Traditional 6-inch gutter (48 feet): $139.99 ($2.92 per foot)

Pros & Cons of Superior Homes

Pros:

• Raised design lets debris flow off easily
• Made of recyclable metals
• Comes in various size options, beneficial for smaller homes or projects

Cons:

• Gutter guards likely visible
• Can be difficult to install and no option for professional installation
• DIY gutter guard installation can be dangerous
• Only fits five- to six-inch gutters

Superior Home Gutter Guards Customer Reviews 

Superior seems to sell most of its products through Amazon, so we analyzed its reviews there. Overall, most customers like the product, with it holding a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. Many reviews cite the ease of installation and superiority of quality compared to other gutter guard products. The most critical reviews complain of water overflow due to leaf clog and the product not functioning properly in heavy snow.

“I just finished installing these gutter guards and I am very happy with the product, installation and instructions. I have old, 4-inch aluminum gutters, and these worked just fine… Overall, this is a great product and easy to use for any basic DIYer. Order these! You’ll save a ton of money versus a company-installed version and you won’t regret it.”

– AmazonFreak, Amazon

“I’ve had the gutter cover guys out to ask for thousands to do my house and garage. I had them do the house. Then I bought this product for my garage, which I did myself. To do two 24-foot gutters took an hour…maybe an hour-and-a-half. Very easy to install… Wish I would have done the whole house myself.”

– Farinoh, Amazon

“This seems to be working great. We have had a couple of rain storms after installation and no problems were found… Even raccoons have not made a dent. Total cost to install this one was just under $1,000 (this includes a bit of gutter repair and sealing materials). The installation was a quick and easy weekend project.”

– Aaron H., Amazon

Best Micro-Mesh DIY Gutter Guards

4/5

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Types of Gutter Guards

When shopping for gutter protection, you’ll find many different brands and types of gutter guards. Each type has its own structure, as well as varying levels of durability and installation difficulty.

Screen Gutter Guards

Screen gutter guards have large holes that allow for great water flow while still keeping leaves and other large debris out of your gutters. However, small pieces of debris like pine needles are often able to slip through the holes. For that reason, screen gutter guards are best for homes that don’t accumulate too much debris but get a lot of heavy rainfall.

Screen gutter guards sit directly on top of the gutter itself and are installed by lifting the bottom row of roof shingles and sliding the screen underneath it. Screen gutter guards are an easy DIY install option but have been known to blow off or become brittle over time.

Mesh Screen Gutter Guards

Mesh screen gutter guards are similar to screen gutter guards except (just as the name implies) they have a mesh structure to allow for more debris buildup, keeping particles out of your gutters. 

Mesh screen gutter guards are a bit more expensive than regular screen ones because they’re more effective and slightly more difficult to install — they may require professional installation. It’s worth noting that some mesh screen gutter products can be easily torn or damaged because of their flimsy nature.

Micro Mesh Screen Gutter Guards

These are similar to mesh screen guards, but the stainless steel micro mesh gutter guard has small holes, preventing almost all debris from getting in. Because of this high-quality design, less gutter cleaning and maintenance are required.

Micro mesh gutter guard systems usually require professional installation. They’re typically installed by either snapping the guard onto the gutter, slipping the edge under the first row of roof shingles or attaching a flange to the fascia (the vertical strip above the top of the gutter).

Reverse Curve/Surface Tension Gutter Guards

Reverse curve gutter guards, also called surface tension guards, work differently from most. Instead of having water flow through the guard into the gutter, reverse curve guards allow water to flow over the top and around a downward curve, using gravity to collect water before sending it into the gutter beneath while debris falls off naturally. These guards are very effective for keeping leaves and debris out of gutters.

Reverse curve or surface tension guards are typically made from lightweight metal or molded plastic, but they’re far more expensive than screen and mesh guard options. Plus, these gutter guards typically require a more extensive, professional installation process that may require lifting a row of shingles on your roof. 

We’ll note that these types of gutter guards go above your existing gutter and can be seen, so you’ll probably want to consider the aesthetic aspect as well.

Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards are an inexpensive, easy DIY option, as they’re pretty much pieces of foam that you stick into your gutters. They have a flat top that debris will land on top of but are made out of a foam that water can flow through.

The downside of foam gutter guards is that they deteriorate faster than other materials and are not recyclable, making them a poor choice for an eco-conscious homeowner.

Brush Gutter Guards

A brush gutter guard looks similar to a large pipe cleaner. The bristles help keep the debris out and allow water to flow through. However, a downside of brush gutter guards is that smaller debris can get easily stuck in the bristles, requiring you to clean them far more often than other gutter guard designs.

How to Choose the Best Gutter Guards For Your Home

If you’ve never had gutter guards on your home, you might be wondering which is the best type for your needs. Here are some of the most important elements to consider when making your decision:

Quality

Quality is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing gutter guards for your home. We don’t recommend buying cheap plastic gutter guards. Not only are they made of harmful chemicals that are detrimental to the environment, but they can also easily warp, bend and break, causing a bigger headache than clogged gutters.

If your goal is to have clean gutters, you’ll want to choose a high-quality guard that’s going to last a long time. Remember that your gutter guards will be exposed to the elements, so you want materials that can withstand heavy rain and snow and aren’t susceptible to corrosion.

Price

While you might be seeking the best deal on gutter guards, remember the old saying “you get what you pay for.” The cost of gutter guards is typically calculated based on the linear footage of gutters you have around your home. You’ll also notice that all of our top picks for gutter guards are micro mesh. These are typically a bit more expensive but are better equipped to keep debris out of your gutters.

If you’re having a professional install your gutter guards, the price will likely vary depending on where you’re located, the company you choose and the height and length of your roof, among other factors. You can save money by choosing to DIY your gutter guard installation, but if you’re not well-equipped to handle the job, it may be worth the extra expense to hire professionals. 

Dedicated to Sustainability

4.5/5

Made from sustainable and/or recycled materialsMaterials are recyclableCompetitive pricing

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Most Eco-Friendly Materials

4.5/5

Lifetime and/or comprehensive warrantyHas green initiativesLots of color and design options

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Most Versatile Design

4/5

Offers diamond designs for better flowLifetime WarrantyMicromesh guards available

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Installation Difficulty

If you’re installing your own gutter guards, you’ll probably want to choose ones that advertise an easy installation. But we also recommend you don’t just take the company’s word for it. Be sure to read through customer reviews, as people will often explain how they installed their own gutter guards and how easy or difficult the process was.

Curb Appeal

Ideally you won’t be able to see your gutter guards from the ground. But some of them are visible, especially those with pitched or sloped designs. For that reason, you may want to choose a gutter guard company that offers sleek design or color options that go well with your home’s aesthetic.

Size

This factor is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll want to choose gutter guards that actually fit your gutters. We don’t recommend guessing what size gutter guards you’ll need, because they’ll be ineffective if you’re off. It’s best to have a professional come out to assess your gutters for exact measurements, even if you decide to DIY them in the end. Many companies will give free or low-cost estimates.

Warranty Options

There are many different types of warranties for gutter guards. Many guards — especially cheap DIY options — don’t come with any warranty at all, while more reputable companies typically offer 10-year, 25-year or lifetime warranties. Transferable warranties are the best option, because if you sell your home, you can transfer over the gutter guard warranty to the new owner, adding a bit of value to the home.

When examining gutter guard warranties, we recommend reading the fine print. Most warranties will only cover the cost of a replacement in the event of deterioration, rust or corrosion. In most cases, gutter guard warranties won’t hold up if your guards were damaged or destroyed by falling limbs, severe weather or other acts of nature.

Material

By now, you’ve probably realized that EcoWatch is different from most review sites, as we’re looking out for the eco-conscious homeowner. However, environmental impact didn’t make our job much harder when picking out the best gutter guards, because the best materials — uPVC, stainless steel and aluminum — are also the ones that have comparatively less impact on the environment.

Here are all of the gutter guard material options on the market:

• Stainless steel: This is one of the most commonly used materials to make the base of a gutter guard. Stainless steel is often used for screen, fine mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards.
• Copper: Copper is great because it holds up in all weather conditions, isn’t likely to rust and is recyclable. Copper is usually priced higher, so not all gutter installation companies will offer it.
• Aluminum: Many of the stainless steel gutter guards mentioned in this review have a combination of aluminum and stainless steel components. The aluminum materials are known to not bend, warp or break through the years. Plus, both metals are 100% recyclable and often are made from recycled materials.
• Plastics: In the past, guards were almost always made with plastic materials. But as technology has advanced, more companies have moved away from it, seeing the benefit of using metals. Plastics tend to crack after very long exposure, and, with the exception of uPVC, are terrible for the environment. We don’t recommend any gutter guards with a plastic base, but some gutter guards — like LeafFilter — have uPVC siding, which is a fine option.
• Foam: While foam gutter guards are easy to install, they’re not a durable option. They usually come with some kind of UV protection to ensure they don’t deteriorate from the sun. But they won’t last long, and they’re not recyclable or environmentally friendly, so we don’t recommend foam.