Having an unclean gutter is a burden, especially with trees nearby shedding leaves into the gutter. These leaves can clog up and trap water to potentially rot your fascia boards that the gutters are attached to.
Worst case scenario is that it the rotting fascia spreads and allows moisture inside your walls.
Also, getting up on a ladder and cleaning all the gutters on a weekly basis is a total nightmare. From the hassle of cleaning, all the way to the dangers it puts you at. That’s precisely where a gutter leaf guard comes to the rescue.
With that said, today, I’ll be presenting you with the top 4 leaf guard reviews, answering all the questions you might be thinking of, so you can choose your ideal pick.
What are Gutter Guards?
A gutter guard is a piece of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel or polyethylene that comes in different shapes. It attaches to your gutter and allows rainwater inside the gutter while keeping unwanted pests, leaves, and debris out to prevent clogging.
It acts as protection for your gutter to help maintain its efficiency and extend its life.
If you leave your gutter uncleaned, this can cause serious issues, such as wood rot, water leakage or cracks in the foundation of your home.
Cleaning gutters is no easy feat, as you’ll need a ladder, a ladder stand off stabilizer (to not damage your gutters) a lot of free time (depending on how big your house is) and many safety precautions to do it yourself or a good amount of cash if you’re hiring a professional.
Gutter guards don’t completely rid you of the chore of cleaning the gutter, but they reduce its frequency and the effort required to do it.
What are its Benefits?
Not only does it protect your gutter system and prevent clogging, but it also provides the following benefits:
- Prevents rotting of the fascia boards, which are there to prevent water from entering your house and to hold your gutters in place.
- Provides protection from rodents, pests, birds and even snakes that can mistake your gutter for a place to nest
- Protects against bushfires that can happen if leaves start piling up and accidentally catch fire
- Reduces mold growth from gutters that are sagging due to water or moisture damage to the fascia boards.
Types of Guards
Some gutter guards provide more benefits than others. Educating yourself on their differences will help you select the right one for you.
Bottle Brush Gutter Guards
This type of gutter guard looks like a giant pipe cleaner, as it has bristles standing in an upright position that catches leaves and other debris while allowing rainwater through. Air circulates between the spikes allowing the gutter to dry out.
They’re very easy to install as you simply pop them right into your gutter.
However, they can get clogged easily and will require frequent cleaning, which is made more difficult since you’ll have to take the whole thing out and shake off any debris.
Foam Gutter Guards
Much like the name indicates, these guards are made from foam that fits inside your gutters. They’re made from polyether or polyurethane foam which has pores that allow water penetration while blocking other debris.
Foam guards are cheaper and you can easily install them on your own.
They have the same disadvantage as the brush guards as they’ll need to be taken out completely to be cleaned.
Although they prevent clogging inside your gutters, the built-up debris on top can cause clogs.
Reverse Curve Gutter Guards
These guards cover your gutter, leaving a small opening and their design allows them to direct the water into the gutter while letting leaves and other debris fall to the ground.
This type of guard has to be professionally installed, which can add up in the cost department, but some may have a warranty.
They’re easily visible from the ground, which means you’ll have to pick a color that matches your roof or you’ll risk lowering your curb appeal.
The small opening can be a place for small debris to collect and bees or wasps to nest. The curved surface also allows for large icicles to form during icy winters.
Screen Gutter Guards
Made from plastic or metal, these guards have large openings or holes that sit on top of the gutter. They’re affordable and easy to install yourself or by a professional.
The holes, however, are too big and allow all kinds of debris to pass through, except bigger leaves, which could lead to clogging. They’re lightweight, which means that they can easily blow away on windy days or during storms.
The metal type can rust and stain your home.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh guards are usually made from stainless steel and have tiny holes that are almost invisible to the naked eye. These tiny holes allow water to pass through but unlike screen guards, they block small debris from getting into your gutter.
Even though they’re costly, they’ve been among the best gutter guards out there by Consumer Reports because of their durability and functionality. Just make sure you buy high-quality mesh guards.
They’re professionally installed and usually have a warranty.
9 Best Gutter Guards
We’ve evaluated and listed five of the best gutter guards in the market to save you from the hassle of not knowing which guard to choose.
Best Micro Mesh: Amerimax Home Products 86670 Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard
Mesh guards are considered the best type of gutter guards and Amerimax is no exception. It’s made from stainless steel and aluminum which share the properties of rust prevention and anti-corrosion.
The micro-mesh is very fine, so it doesn’t leave room for debris to pass through or for birds and insects to nest inside the gutter, but you have to make sure you install it facing upwards.
It comes in 25 panels that cover a total of 75 feet and a variety of widths (4”, 5” and 6”), which makes it suitable in size and shape for most roofs.
What We Like
- Stainless steel and aluminum prevent rusting and corrosion
- Fine micro-mesh doesn’t allow any debris or pests to pass through
- Comes in a variety of widths, suitable for many home sizes
- Easy installation as you simply snap it on
- Budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Debris doesn’t pass through, so can build up on top and will need cleaning to prevent clogging
Best Brush: GutterBrush Leaf Gutter Guard
Since this is a brush gutter guard, installing it is extremely easy as you’ll just need to fit it right into the gutter.
The feature that makes this gutter guard stand out flexibility. This means that it can easily bend around the profile of your gutter without any modification.
The base of the guard is made from steel to provide durability, while the bristles of the brush are made out of double UV protected polypropylene, which is a type of plastic that can stand against harsh weather and heavy moisture.
The steel base, however, can eventually rust. The design of the guard doesn’t prevent water draining into the gutter or flowing when inside the gutter, which means that the gutter will perform its function minus the debris.
That said, the debris, such as leaves, sticks to the bristles which means that you’ll clean them more frequently.
Smaller unwanted debris can pass through the bristles and into your gutter, meaning you’ll also have to clean your gutters as often as you clean your brush guard.
What We Like
- Comes in many sizes
- Best water flow system
- Double UV protected bristles withstand temperature changes
- Adjustable for all sizes and ages of gutters
- 10-year to a lifetime warranty
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Requires frequent cleaning
- Smaller debris passes through, can cause clogging if not cleaned frequently
- Possibility of nesting insects
Best Foam: GutterStuff Guard
This is another gutter guard that slides right into your gutter. It’s made from durable polyether outdoor foam that’ll live longer than other foam guards.
The foam itself is flame retardant to eliminate accidental fires and it’s also coated with a germicide that’ll prevent bacterial or mold growth, as well as prevent nesting of insects.
The lightweight material also contributes to the install-it-yourself factor. It comes at a length of 32 feet and is suitable for gutters with a width of up to 6 inches.
The material allows water to pass through while blocking out any unwanted debris. It can withstand harsh weather conditions like cold days and it’s UV protected which protects it from sunlight damage.
The fine debris that doesn’t pass through can build up on top of the foam and eventually clog your gutters.
What We Like
- Extremely easy to install
- foam material extends the life of the guards
- Foam is UV protected, fire retardant and germicide coated
- 20-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t block finely grained debris, such as dust, which can cause clogging
Best Screen: Shur Flo X Leaf Gutter Guard
This is a screen guard that’ll keep most debris out of the gutter but unlike the micro-mesh, it won’t keep the smaller bits out.
It comes in 50 panels of 4 feet each for a total length of 200 feet and fits 5-inch gutters.
It’s made from aluminum, which is anti-corrosion and weather-proof. Thus, no replacements will be required.
The design of the panels with the ridges on the bottom allows for proper ventilation.
The panels are easy to install. The included color-matching screws need to be inserted into the front lip of the gutter and the back. It fits onto your gutter and doesn’t interfere with your roof, which will protect its warranty.
Once installed, they it be seen from the ground but you still have color options to choose from if that’s what you prefer. The black color especially will absorb heat on cold days and reduce the formation of ice.
What We Like
- Aluminum material is durable and won’t need a replacement for a long time
- Comes in a length of 200 feet
- 25-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Difficulty of installation can be off-putting
- Trees can grow inside the gutter if small seeds pass-through
Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard By Gutterglove
Kicking off our list with one of the best gutter leaf guards to ever grace the market, these gutter guards offer an outstanding micro-mesh that’ll just block everything you can imagine. From small particles, pine needles, and debris all the way up to large-sized leaves, insects, and pests.
The raptor’s micro-mesh is offered in a stainless steel finish, which resists chipping, warping, and rusting and can surely stand the test of time.
The micro-mesh leaf gutter guard is easy to install, self-cleaning, all the while being sturdy, durable, and good looking.
All you need is to do is lift the roof panels, and install micro-mesh gutter guard as directed, and you’re good to go.
Along with the gutter guards, you’ll find a detailed manual guide that’ll show you every step with pictures along the way. It also comes with magnetic hex head drivers, screws.
The best part is that Raptor’s gutter guard works on any standard 5-inch gutter and won’t void the roof warranty.
The leaf guard offers a generous 25-year warranty with a US-based support team that provides top quality after buying services.
After registering the product you can request a free cleaning brush that you can keep your gutter guards shiny, clean, and brand new.
What We Like
- Stainless steel micro-mesh that passes nothing but water without clogging
- Excellent post-purchase services and long-term warranty
- Easy to install with detailed manual and supplies included
What We Don’t
- May collapse in snowy weathers
Amerimax Home Products 636025 Lock-In Gutter Guard
Landing in style, our second product in the list, Amerimax 636025 leaf gutter guard.
Made of highly durable powder-coated steel, the Amerimax gutter guards are proven to be firm and sturdy, providing a year after year protection against the harshest environmental condition out there.
The guard’s steel tight and expanded screens are made to block leaves, pine needles, and debris without clogging, allowing the highest amounts of heavy rains and storms water to pour down through the gutter with ease.
Moreover, the Amerimax gutter guards are constructed to fit over any 4, 5, or 6-inch metal K style gutters.
Furthermore, the guard comes with an easy installing technique called “lock-in installation“, in which all you’ve to do is to slide the first row of shingles on the roof, then clip the gutter guard screen on the front lip of the gutter, and there you have it.
The all American made gutter guard comes with a 10-year warranty. While this product does block out pine needles, be sure to check out how you can be proactive by keeping pine needles out of you gutters.
What We Like
- Maximum durability powder-coated steel mesh
- Easy to install lock-in technology
- Flexibility to fit on different gutter sizes
What We Don’t
- Short 10-year warranty compared to other products
- Requires buying a hard brush to clean off the metal screen
- Can void some roof warranty policies
Flexxpoint Gutter Cover System
Flexxpoint is one of the most trustworthy brands when it comes to gutter guards and covering systems. This gutter guard system offers maximum protection against all types of debris, dust, leaves, pests, and molds.
The renowned family-owned business has earned its reputation by making nicely designed, high performance, gutter guards systems that’ll never void your roof warranty.
It’s a nice looking and practical addition to your property.
Flexxpoint gutter covers are made of exquisite grade aluminum and provided in a wide array of colors, including white, black, and non-shiny silver colors.
The easily installed gutter covers are permanently installed, allowing for nothing to pass through except water, and is supplied with stainless steel fasteners to keep then in place for years to come.
The 3 point technology used in designing Flexxpoint gutter cover systems is engineered in a way that prevents high volumes of water, like in heavy rain or a storm, from overflowing and pouring down from the gutter, rendering the gutters useless.
What We Like
- Available in many colors to suit the house style
- Excellent 35-year warranty
What We Don’t
- Poor cold weather handling
- Doesn’t come with hex head drivers which are essential for the guard installation
LeafTek Gutter Guard Leaf Protection
Ending our list on a high note, the leading-quality aluminum gutter guard is surely a great extension to your house’s gutter system.
The DIY friendly gutter guard is supported with an innovative raised ridge which allows for a higher amount of air to diffuse through the system, helping the whole gutter to dry quickly. This facilitates the wind action in blowing away all the debris and leaves off the gutter.
All that comes with a whopping 35-year warranty, and an outstanding customer and after buying services.
What We Like
- Superb quality aluminum covers for excellent look and performance
- The raised ridge advantage which allows for faster clearing
- Long investing 35-year warranty
What We Don’t
- The product is a bit pricey
- Require double-checking as some parts get warped and bend during shipping
Gutter Pro Foam 32-Linear Feet Gutter Guard
They’re available in 32 feet long foam pieces that are specifically made to cover any K-style gutters, from 4″-6″ wide.
Installing this cover is as easy as cutting a piece of foam with scissors and lining the gutter with it.
However, being simple isn’t the same case when it comes to filtering, as they easily filter out all kinds of leaves and debris.
What We Like
- Easiest to install and remove
- Extremely budget-friendly
What We Don’t
- Takes a large space in the gutters so heavy rain might cause overflowing
Best Value for Money: EasyOn Gutter Guard
This is another micro-mesh option that’s relatively affordable compared to other brands. It’s made from stainless steel, which makes it durable.
Installment is made easy as it comes in 9 sections (4 feet each) that are screwed into place using the screws and drivers included in the package. This allows for adjustment according to the size of your gutter.
Setting it up at an angle will allow leaves, dirt, and sand to fall right off the guard.
What We Like
- Durable stainless steel material
- Multiple sections installment is easy and tools are included
- IceMelt cover is an option for keeping your guard snow-free in colder areas
What We Don’t Like
- The corner sections can be tricky to install
Materials
First things first, the gutter guards material is by far the most critical aspect to check while buying a leaf guard. The guards are available in a wide selection of materials used to produce gutter guards in the market. Among the most commonly used are:
Stainless Steel
They’re the most common type of guards on the market. They’re easy to install and durable, as well as able to resist corrosion, warping, and rusting.
Stainless steel screens can block large particles easily, but due to the large size of the sieving in the guards, small particles can pass through easily, which can also clog the screen mesh.
Such a problem can be fixed by regular cleaning of the metal screen.
Moreover, many manufacturers solved the issue of big holes in the stainless steel screen by innovating the micro-mesh variant, which provides all the pros of a stainless steel gutter guard, ditching the troublesome cleaning process.
Steel
With its solid and high endurance properties, steel can withstand heavy loads of debris and snow without cracking or bending.
The main downside to using steel is rusting. Poor paint job on a steel mesh will cause it to rust, crack, and it just won’t live long.
Aluminum
It’s a recent addition to the gutter guard systems market. Using an all-aluminum system or aluminum made screen has been widely used since their introduction.
They’re lightweight, easier to cut and install than steel gutter guards. They also stay shiny, clean, and rust-free.
The catch here is that they can’t handle cold weathers, as in snowy environments.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to installation, gutter guards are offered in two types: the first type is the more complicated gutter guards that require hiring a professional for installation, which can be costly for some people.
The other type is the easier type to install, rather deemed as a do it yourself type of gutter guards.
If you opt for one of those DIY variants, our advice in this situation is to opt for a gutter guard that comes with all the needed supplies for effortless installation. Some of the recommended supplies to look for are normal fitting screws, adhesive tapes, and hex head screws.
Not to forget the importance of an easy explained, clear installation manual that includes illustrative pictures that explain the whole process with details.
Warranty
If you’re a long term investor, you’d always go for a product that gives you the maximum benefit for your money.
A 20 or more year full warranty that covers regular maintenance as well as repairing and replacing malfunctioning parts will fulfill such a wish.
Wrap Up
Gutter guards aren’t just a very essential, practical, and functional piece of a household. They can also provide the house with a fine decorative touch. If you’re not able to get a gutter guard, we have list of other gutter alternatives you may want to use!
In the light of all the previously mentioned criteria, I think the Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard By Gutterglove takes it home.
The enduring stainless steel micro-mesh, blocks out everything but water, the manual makes the installation process a breeze, and it comes with a great warranty.
However, if you’re living in extremely cold weather, and voiding a roof warranty isn’t a concern of yours, then you might want to consider the Amerimax Home Products 636025 Lock-In Gutter Guard, for its weather enduring powder-coated steel that could give the other competitors a run for their money.
Be sure to check out our article were we compare the differences between the gutter guard and the gutterglove, to determine which one suits your desires best.
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