Best Gutter Guards of 2024 | Expert Reviewed

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Apr. 29, 2024

Best Gutter Guards of 2024 | Expert Reviewed

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The Best Gutter Guards of 2024 | Expert Reviewed

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By Alex Hawkins

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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.

We’ve researched major gutter guard companies to help you find the best option to protect your home’s gutter system. We analyzed gutter guard products, customer reviews, and costs and rated each provider against our objective rating system. We also installed and tested more than a dozen gutter guards to rate their performance, materials, and durability.

We recommend LeafFilter, LeafGuard, and Gutter Guards America for professional gutter guard installations. If you’re looking for a DIY alternative, products such as Raptor, FlexxPoint, and Amerimax are excellent choices. In the guide below, we share our findings on each of these gutter guards and explain what to consider before choosing the right gutter guard for your home.

Top Gutter Guards of 2024

Here are our top picks for the best professionally installed gutter guards:

Here are our top three picks for the best DIY gutter guards:

Raptor: Best DIY Mesh Design
FlexxPoint: Best DIY Color Palette
Amerimax Home Products: Best Low-Profile DIY Guard

Compare the Best Gutter Guards Brands

The Top Professional Providers

Gutter guards requiring professional installation are often unique, proprietary designs that emphasize different attributes. One gutter guard company may underscore the debris types restricted from entering the gutter while another highlights how its gutter guard impacts the home’s curb appeal.

We’ve considered these factors and many more to rank our top five picks for the best professional gutter guards:

4.8

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What We Like

LeafFilter offers a three-piece, steel micro-mesh gutter guard system that uses surface tension to pull water through your gutters but push debris off. Its steel body means that extreme temperature changes will not warp the guard over time. LeafFilter pitches the guard flush with your roof to minimize maintenance and visibility from the ground. LeafFilter’s gutters come in various colors, including off-white and beige, to match your home’s external color scheme.

LeafFilter Specs and Services

Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutter Sealing and Repair
Materials – Stainless Steel, Aluminum, uPVC Steel Micro-Mesh
Minimal Maintenance
New Gutter Installation
Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard System
Temperature will Not Warp the Guards
Transferable Lifetime Warranty
Variety of Colors
Variety of Sizes

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for LeafFilter’s Aurora, Colorado, branch. Some of these reviews were critical of the company’s professionalism and punctuality. Many homeowners noted that it took several phone calls to ensure they received services on the correct date. However, LeafFilter was responsive to each review.

Many reviews praised the quality of LeafFilter’s gutter guards, though some homeowners noted that LeafFilter’s guards are not ideal for extreme winter conditions. On its blog, The Leaflet, the company advises homeowners to take preventive measures to combat ice dams. You also have to clean your gutters every one to two years with LeafFilter’s gutter guards, despite advertising that you’ll never have to clean them again.

4.0

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What We Like

LeafGuard is a great option for homeowners looking for new gutters that include built-in protection against clogs. The reverse-curve design features a sturdy, one-piece construction that replaces your existing gutter system. The aluminum material resists warping and cracking and can endure the elements longer than many types of DIY gutter guards.
LeafGuard customizes the length of each gutter run during professional installation for the perfect fit. It also uses a scratch-resistant finish and offers its gutter system in 12 or more colors.

LeafGuard Specs and Services

12 Color Options
5 or 6-inch Size Options
Materials – Aluminum
Resists Warping and Cracking
Reverse Curve Gutter Guard System
Scratch Resistant Finish
Sturdy One-Piece Construction
Transferable Lifetime Warranty

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed 100 reviews across Trustpilot and the BBB. Positive reviews mentioned professional and knowledgeable sales staff, clean and courteous installation, and a quality product. Discontented customers called out aggressive sales tactics, inflated prices, and limitations in the lifetime warranty.

4.4

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Gutter Guards America produces a corrosion-resistant micro-mesh gutter guard that will last for the life of your home covered by a transferable lifetime warranty. It features a seamless aluminum body and surgical-grade stainless steel mesh that prevents leaves, pests, and fine debris from entering your gutter. Plastics, vinyl, and adhesives are absent from the construction, so you know your gutter guards won’t fail from abrupt seasonal changes.
Installation is handled by professional contractors, providing you peace of mind that everything is in place and working correctly. Work crews also address issues with your existing gutters by cleaning, aligning, and re-sealing them as necessary.

Gutter Guards America Specs and Services

5 or 6-inch Size Options
Materials – Aluminum Body, and Stainless Steel Mesh
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard System
There are no Plastics, Vinyl, or Adhesives
Transferable Lifetime Warrant

What Homeowners Are Saying

We found very positive reviews during our analysis of recent customer reviews across TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau. Many of the reviews mentioned the professionalism and efficiency of the installation of the gutter guards. Other reviews indicated the transparency of the estimation process.

A few critical reviews stated that there was an issue with representatives from the company showing up at the appropriate time and receiving an efficient resolution to an install issue.

4.1

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All American Gutter Protection provides a similar micro-mesh gutter guard system to LeafFilter, though All American’s design features an aluminum rather than uPVC frame. Its gutter guard is lightweight and resists warping and bending during large temperature fluctuations. The low-profile design minimizes visibility from the ground.

All American Gutter Protection Specs and Services

5, 6, or 7-inch Sizing Options
Fascia Replacement Available
Gutter and Downspout Installation
Low Profile Design
Materials – Aluminum Body, and Stainless Steel Mesh
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard System
Resists Warping and Bending
Transferable Lifetime Warranty

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed 100 Google Reviews across All American Gutter Protection branches in Atlanta; Nashville; Philadelphia; Greenville, South Carolina; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most customers praised the company for its effective installation and quality gutter guards.

There were noticeable complaints. Some reviews criticized All American Gutter Protection’s punctuality and scheduling. We recommend being somewhat flexible with your appointment time if you decide to use All American Gutter Protection.

4.2

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What We Like

HomeCraft Gutter Protection offers a marine-grade, stainless steel, micro-mesh gutter guard with raised diamonds throughout its cover. The guard also features a powder-coated aluminum frame that fits almost any gutter size. HomeCraft secures its gutter guard during installation by using hidden reinforced metal hangers attached to your fascia boards, keeping it secure in stormy conditions. The HomeCraft gutter guard sits flush with your gutter and has low visibility from the ground.

HomeCraft Specs and Services

5, or 6-inch Sizing Options
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter Installation
Gutter Repair
Low Visibility From the Ground
Materials – Stainless Steel and Aluminum Steel Micro-Mesh
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard System
Transferable Lifetime Warranty
Uses Hidden Reinforced Metal Hangers

What Homeowners Are Saying

We found overwhelmingly positive reviews during our analysis of the 100 most recent Google Reviews for HomeCraft’s Charlotte, North Carolina, branch. Many of the reviews mentioned the company’s responsiveness and overall value. Many homeowners were also impressed with their quoted price and financing options.

The few critical reviews claimed that HomeCraft completed installation haphazardly, or that the quote process was frustrating.

Best DIY Gutter Guards

You can install gutter guards yourself if you don’t want to hire a professional. This is a cost-effective solution that is sensible for many homeowners. However, DIY gutter guards often come with more limited warranties, and design quality can vary considerably among brands. Below our our top picks for DIY gutter guards:

4.6

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What We Like

Raptor Gutter Guard is a highly efficient, DIY micro-mesh gutter guard. It’s made of 304 stainless steel, which is rust- and corrosion-resistant. The gutter guard is highly compact and provides ample protection against fine debris while still effectively filtering water.

Raptor’s gutter guards are also eco-friendly. Instead of plastics or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the company uses 100% recyclable aluminum and stainless steel. Raptor manufactures its guards to be easy to install on most gutter sizes in 4-foot sections. It includes an installation guide with all purchases.

Raptor Gutter Guards Specs and Services

25 Year Warranty
5, 6, or 7-inch Sizing Options
Cost Factors – $2.60 per Ft. / $625 for 200 Ft.
Easy Installation with Guide Included
Eco-Friendly
Fully Recyclable
Materials – Stainless Steel and Aluminum Steel Micro-Mesh
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard System
No Plastics

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed the 100 most recent Amazon reviews for Raptor Gutter Guards and found that the majority were positive. Many customers praised the guard’s simple and low-key appearance, rust resistance, and easy installation. The few critical reviews said that the cost was too high for their needs or that the measurements online were incorrect.

4.6

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What We Like

FlexxPoint offers aluminum gutter screens for various gutter widths. You can choose white, black, brown, or matte silver guards to match your home’s color scheme. The guards come in lengths of 22, 102, 125, 200, and 204 feet so you can easily order the amount your home requires.

FlexxPoint uses a three-point design. This helps prevent water overflow and potential foundation damage by acting as a dam and slowing water flow over the gutter cover.

FlexxPoint Specs and Services

3-Point Design
5, or 6-inch Sizing Options
50 Year Warranty
Cost – $1.33 per Ft. / $266 for 200 Ft.
Materials – Aluminum
Screen Gutter Guard System
Variety of Color Options
Variety of Lengths Available

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed the 100 most recent Amazon reviews for FlexxPoint’s 102-foot, residential 5-inch gutter guards and found that the majority of reviews were four stars or higher. Most customers liked that the guards were quick and straightforward to install. The few critical reviews mentioned receiving damaged products or having difficulties with pine needles getting stuck in the guards.

4.0

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Amerimax Home Products offers several mesh gutter guards, including designs made with steel, PVC, or vinyl. Most of its products snap onto your existing gutter without using hardware, supporting an easier installation. Amerimax’s higher-end steel gutter guards can withstand severe weather. Its lower-end vinyl design is more cost-effective and will last longer in milder climates.

Amerimax’s gutter guards are compatible with K-style gutters and can fit most common gutter widths.

AmeriMax Specs and Services

10 to 20 Year Warranty (Varies by Product Choice)
4, 5, or 6-inch Sizing Options
Cost- $1.22 per Ft. / $249 for 200 Ft.
Materials – Vinyl, PVC, and Steel
Mesh Gutter Guard System
Snap-In Design

What Homeowners Are Saying

We analyzed the 100 most recent Amazon reviews for the 10-count pack of Amerimax’s Hoover Dam Gutter Guard. Very few of these reviews were negative. Many customers praised the guard’s quality and easy installation process. Critics mentioned damaged products from poor packing or being confused about how many guards came in a package.

What Should You Look for in Gutter Guards?

When choosing the best gutter guard for your home, select one that is well-suited to your local climate and surrounding foliage. Consider your budget and how comfortable you are working on ladders. DIY guards can save money on labor costs, but you’ll need to install them yourself.

Gutter Guard Types

The following table lists the main types of gutter guards and explains their materials, designs, installation process, and benefits and drawbacks. We recommend choosing a guard that best fits the needs of your home and then selecting a brand or provider that suits your budget.

Foam Gutter Guard

Material: Foam
Design: Sponge-Like
Debris Filtration: Blocks most large and small debris
Installation: Fits inside gutter system
Not Good For: Durability

Screen Gutter Guard

Material: Plastic and Copper
Design: Metal or plastic with many openings
Debris Filtration: Blocks most large debris
Installation: Attaches by snapping on hardware
Not Good For: Blocking small debris

Mesh Gutter Guard

Material: Stainless Steel
Design: Metal or plastic with tightly spaced openings
Debris Filtration: Blocks large and small debris
Installation: Often requires hardware
Not Good For: Ease of installation

Brush Gutter Guard

Material: Stainless Steel
Design: Bristled
Debris Filtration: Underperforms with small debris
Installation: Fits inside gutter system
Not Good For: Reducing cleaning frequency

Reverse Curve Gutter Guard

Material: Aluminum
Design: Curved metal or plastic with liquid adhesion
Debris Filtration: Sheds most large debris
Installation: May require replacing existing gutter system
Not Good For: Low profile appearance

Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard

Material: Stainless Steel and Copper
Design: Metal or plastic with extremely small openings
Debris Filtration: Blocks large and the smallest debris
Installation: Often requires hardware
Not Good For: Inexpensive installation

DIY vs. Pro Gutter Guards

There are many kinds of gutter guards available for DIY installation. Brush, foam, and snap-in guards are easy to work with and require the fewest tools to install. However, these guards don’t block small debris and have shorter longevity. Micro-mesh DIY products such as Raptor require more time and effort to install but boast better performance and durability.

If you want to learn more about installing DIY gutter guards, you can read our comprehensive installation guide. No matter which product you choose, you’ll need the following tools to install a DIY product:

Bucket with an S-hook
Circular or miter saw
Drill and drill bit
Gloves

Hose with spray nozzle
Ladder
Safety glasses
Screwdriver

Self-tapping metal screws
Tape measure
Tin snips

Professional gutter guard companies offer higher-end and longer-lasting products. They also provide additional services such as gutter and downspout installation and gutter cleaning and repair. Gutter guard companies back up their products and services with long-lasting warranties. This protects your purchase and ensures you get the most out of your installation.

Cost

The cost of a gutter guard installation can vary by provider and by type, however, a typical range for a professional installation is $1,000 – $2,000. Professional installers often offer gutter and downspout replacement, repair, and cleaning as additional services. Most will require you to schedule an inspection before providing any pricing information.

The following table provides examples of the average costs for each type of gutter guard. Cost data in this section was sourced from Angi and internal data.

Gutter TypeCost Per-Linear FootProfessional Installation Cost (200-foot system)Micro-mesh $10–20$2,000–$4,000Mesh $3.5–$9.50$700–$1,900Screen$2.50–$7.50$500–$1,500Reverse curve$12.50–$50$2,500–$10,000

Warranty

A warranty provides additional security and peace of mind with your gutter guards. DIY gutter guards may have warranties that extend up to 25 years. Professional installation companies provide transferable lifetime warranties in most cases.

These warranties often have limitations, though. In particular, any tampering with the roof or structure around the guards will likely void your warranty.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Gutter Guard?

As we have mentioned, gutter guards are made from various materials and have many different designs. However, not all gutter guards are created equal. We’ve detailed the qualities that make a gutter guard effective and long-lasting so you can find the best solution for your home.

Durable Materials

Gutter guards must be made from strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials in order to withstand harsh weather conditions and large debris. Guards made from stainless steel, aluminum, and uPVC hold up best in harsh conditions.

Effective Design

A good gutter guard should be designed to allow water to flow freely through your gutters while blocking leaves and other debris. The best gutter guards block large materials, such as leaves, as well as small debris that can build up over time, such as shingle grit and pollen. The guards should also have a gentle slope that pushes water and plant-matter buildup off to the ground. Micro-mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards best meet these requirements.

Secure Installation

An effective gutter guard must be installed securely and without damaging your existing gutters. You can’t securely fasten plastic, foam, or brush gutter guards to your gutters, so while these may work as a temporary DIY solution, they won’t be effective long-term. Professional installation companies attach their gutter guards to your gutters with metal screws, ensuring a stable, long-lasting product.

Our Recommendation

Our research and firsthand testing showed that micro-mesh guards are the most effective overall. These guards filtered out the most debris (more than 90% in some cases) and allowed water to pass through to the gutters easily. Stainless steel and aluminum perform the best, last the longest, and offer corrosion resistance

DIY gutter guards may be the right solution for homeowners who have the equipment and comfort level to install gutter guards. We recommend Raptor Gutter Guard for its durable micro-mesh screen and superior debris filtration compared to many other DIY products. Keep in mind that Raptor requires a more involved installation than simple drop-in or snap-on gutter guards.

Professional gutter guard installation leaves the work in the hands of a specialist. We recommend LeafFilter for its comprehensive service, high-quality materials, efficient design, and outstanding customer reviews. LeafFilter’s screen uses a 275-micron stainless steel mesh that blocks even the smallest materials, such as pine needles, seedpods, shingle grit and pollen.

Gutter Guard FAQ

What style of gutter guards works best with heavy leaves?

Micro-mesh, mesh, surface tension, and screen gutter guards block leaves and push them off your gutters. Because leaves are large and are blocked by most gutter guard styles, focus more on the guard’s construction and build quality when shopping. Steel is one of the strongest gutter guard materials. Some gutter guards also have hangers to support the mesh screen or the gutter itself.

Which gutter guards work best in snow and ice?

Any gutter guard with a heating element is best for snow and ice. Without this, ice dams may form inside your gutters, as well as dangerous icicles. Heated gutter guards typically feature a cable running through them, dispersing heat to prevent liquid from freezing. If you encounter seasonal ice and snow, you will also encounter sharp temperature changes. Metal gutter guards are best for this application because they won’t warp or crack like less durable vinyl or plastic construction. Aluminum and stainless steel have the added benefit of inherent corrosion resistance, but powder-coated or painted steel can work too.

Are gutter guards effective?

While no gutter guard keeps gutters completely free of debris, they drastically reduce how often homeowners need to clean their gutters. The effectiveness of gutter guards varies by style. Temporary solutions such as foam and brush guards are less effective than high-end options such as reverse-curve and micro-mesh.

How do I clean gutters with gutter guards?

Your strategy for cleaning gutters with gutter guards will depend on the type of gutter guard you have installed. Brush and foam gutter guards are easily removable, allowing you to clean the gutter as normal. Snap-in gutter guards can also be removed easily for cleaning, but for gutter guards installed professionally with hardware, you may need to contact your gutter guard provider for instructions.

How do I measure for gutter guards?

Homes commonly use K-style gutters. To measure the width, place your tape measure on the gutter edge that touches your roof and extend it to the outside face of the gutter. The most common size for gutters in the United States is 5 inches in width, but homes in rainier regions may require 6- or even 7-inch systems. This measurement is the size you will need for your gutter guard.

What are ice dams?

An ice dam forms when snow and ice go through cycles of thawing and refreezing. This process can trap meltwater on your roof behind refrozen ice, potentially causing leaks. A clean and undamaged gutter guard should not contribute to the development of an ice dam. However, if you live in an area prone to harsh winter weather, you should routinely check your gutters for signs of ice damming.

Is a plastic gutter screen a good option for my home?

Plastic gutter screens can be effective at filtering debris from your gutter system for a period of time but come with many pitfalls. Namely, this material does not hold up well to extended sun exposure and breaks down more quickly than aluminum or steel gutter guards.

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 based on the following criteria:

Gutter guard design and aesthetics (up to 30 points): We evaluated each guard’s construction, rating it based on the quality of its filter material and design. We also considered aesthetics, color options, and visibility from the ground. Guards received additional points in this category for being made of eco-friendly materials.
Service offerings (up to 15 points): Companies receive points for additional service offerings, including gutter guard installation, gutter replacement, gutter repair and cleaning, and downspout installation. The wider the variety of services provided, the more points they earn in this category.
Customer service and communication (up to 25 points): We looked at each company’s available methods of communication, including phone, email, and online chat. The more means of communication and the better the customer experience, the more points providers earn.
Quote process and warranty (up to 20 points): Providers earned points for having a clear and transparent quote process with free inspections and quotes that are good for one year. They also earned points by offering longer, more comprehensive warranties.
Financing options (up to 15 points): Companies that provide multiple financing options to customers earn high points in this category.

We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. This system’s categories and point breakdowns are similar, but we substituted factors that only applied to professional installations, such as “quote process,” with categories relevant to DIY products. We evaluated each DIY guard based on material quality, 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.

10 things to look for in a gutter guard

Leaf guards or gutter guards work to reduce gutter cleaning and maintenance with leaf proofing, bird control and prevention, ember guard against ember attack and rainwater harvesting.

Gutter leaf guards also significantly reduce the amount of gutter cleaning for homeowners. This is especially true for trees that overhang the structure. It is essential to select a gutter guard mesh with an adequate hole size to match the surrounding vegetation: pine needle trees need a mesh with small aperture size.

Gutter guards are also an effective bird-proofing solution. It is widespread in new build homes and estates built on green field sites as birds are often displaced from their regular nesting locations and need a new home quickly.

However, older homes are not exempt from bird nesting problems. All houses provide great natural nesting locations: roofs, gutters, verandas, valleys, and even downpipes. These areas offer warmth and protection that birds will take advantage.

Vermin, including possums, rats and mice, commonly nest in gutters and are noisy, especially at night, attracting other kinds of pests and diseases. A strong gutter guard will deter them and force them to seek shelter elsewhere.

Gutter guard saves homeowners and property owners money and keeps people safe on the ground, not risking themselves climbing ladders to clean gutters.

Blocked gutters also overflow during heavy rainfall and can cause foundation problems over time. The gutter will also start to sag with additional weight built up, and over time it produces lulls where stagnate water can sit. Stagnant water also attracts pests such as mosquitoes.

A gutter guard is also used in bushfire protection. It prevents debris in the gutters, an ignition source for embers in a bushfire. An ember guard also keeps the embers off the roof and gutter as those entry points are the most vulnerable in a bushfire.

Are you interested in learning more about aluminium gutter mesh? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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