Best Gutter Guards
Based on In-Depth Reviews

Gutter Guards Reviews, By Type

Climbing a ladder to scoop out a pile of gunk is not how anyone wants to spend their free time, and it’s the main reason why gutter guards are so popular in the first place.

Not only is climbing a ladder to clean gutters time-consuming and exhausting, it’s also dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 300 people die every year from accidents involving ladders, and more than 500,000 people are treated each year for ladder-related injuries. Another study—using data from more than 2.1 million ladder-related injuries—found that around 97 percent of injuries occurred at homes, farms and other non-occupational settings.

We evaluated gutter guards based on their potential to keep you, the teenager down the block, or any professional you might hire away from ladders as much as possible. And, after more than a hundred hours of research, our conclusion is that, while your gutters will always require a thorough cleaning, a good guard can significantly reduce the time, frequency, and effort involved. 

Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

Gutterglove  Review

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Highlights

• 550 micron (about .019 inches) mesh openings

• Pro guards are made from 316 stainless steel (DIY from 314) and an aluminum frame

Widespread retail availability

Of the companies reviewed, Gutterglove offered the most micro mesh options. They have three professionally installed gutters guards—MicroMesh Pro, LeafBlaster Pro, Gutter Glove Pro—and one DIY option. Their DIY guard is available at most major retailers, both online or in-store. It may go by different names but it’s actually the same product:

• Sam’s Club: Stainless Steel Gutter Guard Kit

• Amazon: Raptor Gutter Guard

• Lowe’s: Atlas by GutterGlove

• Home Depot: Gutter Guard by Gutterglove

• Menards: Viking Gutter Guard

Not only is their DIY micro mesh widely available, it also has the smallest mesh openings of all the companies we reviewed.

DIY installation made simpler

The DIY kits sold by Sam’s Club, Lowe’s and Home Depot specify they include pre-attached 3M VHB—Very High Bond—tape. This heavy-duty adhesive tape is used in metalworking,  construction, and other industries where precision and strength is a must. 3M VHB was used to build architectural projects like the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

If tape-it-on installation isn't to your liking, the kits also include self-tapping screws, which you can drill through the front edge of the gutter guard and into the front lip of the gutter and you’re set. 

The downside

As seems to be a common complaint among homeowners, we found that Gutterglove had mixed reviews regarding the effectiveness of their product, particularly as regards fine foliage such as pine needles, and icicle production.

Leaf Filter Review

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Highlights

• 275 micron (about .007 inches) mesh openings, smallest of the guards we reviewed 
• Structural hangers that go from the front of the gutter into the fascia board to give extra support to the gutter system
• Includes end caps to prevent animals from nesting

Full gutter system checkup

Before installing the gutter guard, a LeafFilter installer (subcontracted from another company and trained in the product's three-step installation process) inspects your gutter system’s conditions. Based on the findings, the installer will replace or fix damaged parts prior to installation. Since the guard is made out of uPVC, it won't rust or corrode. Another plus is Leaf Filter's full service and support team, with over 50 representatives that can schedule service across the country.

Gutter Guards America Review

Best for: Durability value

Price: Estimate
Installation: Pro only

Material: Aluminum micro mesh raised screen design
Placement: Lays on existing gutters, with gutter replacement available
Warranty: Lifetime/Transferrable

Hybrid design
Gutter Guards America’s raised screen design blends the benefits of micro mesh and reverse curve guards, filtering out debris while simultaneously not letting it rest on the gutter guard itself. This dual design also mitigates the biggest downsides of both micro mesh (pollen buildup) and reverse curve (heavy rainfall), allowing for more durability than a gutter guard that only uses one of either feature.

Worry-less Warranty
Where Gutter Guards America's products shine, however, is in their lifetime transferable warranty. This gives more durability to an already durable product by providing support for manufacturing defects or issues with performance. The fact that it’s transferable means that you don’t have to worry about the warranty being an issue if you ever want to sell your home. They also have an A rating in the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed.

Gutter Guards America offers professional installations by personnel who will clean your gutters or even replace them if necessary before installing the gutter guards. This assures the consumer that their gutters will be in optimum shape out of the gate, increasing the durability of the product by an even wider margin. They do not provide pricing information, which is par for the course for professional installations of gutter guards, but you can get a free estimate through their website in a matter of minutes.

All in all, Gutter Guards America’s rigid aluminum design coupled with their lifetime transferable warranty promises the consumer spending the absolute minimum amount of worrying about your gutters, which is really all we ask from a gutter guard company. Their free quote and 0% financing means transparency when it comes to paying the bill, important for a service that requires an estimate. If you’re looking for a gutter guard that you can essentially forget about after it’s installed, Gutter Guards America comes as close as it gets to “worry-free”.

The Downside
Their website leaves a lot to be desired in terms of educational content about gutter guards, and a lot of its sections repeat the same information, which might steer away consumers looking to be educated more about the subject before making a decision.

Homecraft Review

Price: Varies by home. One-year guarantee on estimates

Installation: Professionally installed only

Material: Powder-coated aluminum frame. Stainless steel diamond screen technology

Placement: Hidden metal hangers​ that attach to your fascia boards

Warranty: Lifetime transferrable warranty

Upgrade Your Existing Gutters

If you're tired of climbing ladders or hiring professionals to clean your gutters, HomeCraft offers a simple solution. The company's gutter guards can be installed over your existing gutters. If your gutters aren't in top condition, Homecraft will make necessary repairs, such as reattaching gutters that have come loose or patching small leaks. The company does not, however, offer complete gutter systems. When HomeCraft dispatches a professional installer to your home to provide you with an estimate, he or she will give you an honest assessment of your gutter system. 

Solid Construction

HomeCraft gutter guards are constructed of 100% metal for long-lasting performance. The guards consist of a powder-coated aluminum frame and finely-woven marine-grade stainless steel. HomeCraft uses patented Diamond Technology to create the screen part of its gutter guards. The screen has a diamond-patterned raised surface that is highly effective in keeping out even the fine debris that contributes to gutter clogs. HomeCraft's gutter guards are installed without the use of glues or adhesives that can deteriorate over time. Guards are machine crimped with a 2,000 lb. press—a construction method that deters cracking, warping, and other kinds of gutter guard degradation.

A Well-Regarded Company

HomeCraft earns a B rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company earns a 4.7 out of five stars from actual users who review the company on Trustpilot, who often praise the company's professionalism and speed of service. The company has earned recognition from home improvement sites like Angie's List and Home Advisor. It also ranked in Inc. Magazine's list of Fastest-Growing Gutter Guard Companies. It was also listed as one of Qualified Remodeler Top 500 Largest remodeling companies.

The Downside

HomeCraft doesn't offer a do-it-yourself option. The company ensures the performance of its gutter guards by sending a professional to accurately estimate the cost of your gutter guards and recommend a customized gutter guard solution. HomeCraft gutter guards are professionally installed to guarantee the integrity of its products and services. So HomeCraft isn't the least expensive option. Experienced DIY-ers may prefer to save money by installing their gutter guards themselves.

In addition, HomeCraft is a regional company that operates in ten states. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to access the company's high-quality products and services.

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Gutter Helmet Review

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Price: Estimate

Installation: PRO Only

Material: Aluminum covered in Kynar paint 

Placement: Over or under shingles

Warranty: Lifetime/Transferable

Highlights

• Ribbed surface to create better surface tension

• Coated with Kynar (PVDF) paint to create a barrier against harsh weather conditions and retain color longer.

• Optional Helmet Heat Ice Reduction System: self-regulating heating cables that detect changes in ambient temperature to prevent icicles and ice dams.

• 9 different colors available

Performance Warranty

Gutter Helmet’s warranty covers more than the materials and workmanship of the guard. It also covers its performance. The company assures customers that their gutters won’t clog and that if they do, it must be due to faulty installation. If this is the case, you can schedule an appointment to have a technician inspects and fix your guard. If the gutter guard is in good working condition and was properly installed, but still gets clogged, Gutter Helmet will clean the gutters for you. 

The downside

During the course of our research, we found that by far the most common complaint regarding these guards was leakage, both in spring and in winter. 

Screen Gutter Guards

FlexxPoint Review

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Highlights

• Available in 4 colors

• Fits 5” and 6” K-Style gutters

• Mounts to the fascia board with stainless steel fasteners

• Two versions are available, one for use with high profile gutter mounting brackets

• Company says it has been tested to sustain 20.1” of water per hour per 20-foot section when covered with wet leaves. They also promise that most dry debris is cleared away with a 5 mph breeze, while wet debris will clear with a 21mph wind speed

Budget-friendly DIY screen guard

Flexxpoint’s screen gutter guard is a great DIY option. Sold through the companies website or Amazon, this guard was the cheapest aluminum DIY screen—$84 for 102 feet through Amazon—out of the ones we reviewed. Stainless steel mounting screws are included with your order.

The top of the gutter guard isn’t completely flat. It features 3 ridges to help slow down water and prevent it from shooting over the gutter. The ridges are also built to help leaves stay elevated so wind can flow and blow them away.

The downside

We found that a common issue with these guards is their unsuitability for colder climates that see a lot of snow, since the material (aluminum) and the design mean that runoff tends to freeze quicker.

Foam Gutter Guards

GutterStuff Review

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Simple alternative to traditional gutter guards

If you aren’t handy with a drill or don’t know much about shingles and fascia boards, GutterStuff could be right you. GutterStuff is basically a non-absorbent block of polyether foam that lets water pass through. You don’t need any tools to install it. The only thing you may need is a pair of scissors to cut up the foam and fit it properly.

Sizes are available for K-style, half-round, and fascia gutters. They can be bought through their webpage, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Ace, and True Value. 

Protective coating

Some of their options are coated with UV protection and a germicide to prevent the growth of moss. Others are also coated with a fire retardant to slow or prevent the spread of fire. The company says their high-end guard—GutterStuff Pro FR PLUS—is even certified as adequate for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in California.

Additional Products

Besides their guards, GutterStuff has other products to keep downspouts and drains free of clogs, and stagnant water or animals out of crawl spaces:

• GutterStuff Drain Tube

• GutterStuff Downspout

• GutterStuff Exclusion

• Roof Drain Foam Filter

The downside

Customers living near pine trees and heavy foliage have reported that the foam material tends to have leaves stick to it, especially when it's smaller-sized pine needles.

Take-your-pick Gutter Guard Companies

The companies in this category manufacture more than a single gutter guard type.

Gutter Topper Review

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Highlights

• The company says their guards have been tested and can withstand 110 mph winds and 22 inches (17 inches for their micro mesh guard) of rainfall per hour

• Optional heat cable to prevent ice and snow buildup

• 8 aluminum gutter guard products (reverse curve, screen, or micro mesh)

• Commercial-sized gutters available

• 13 colors to pick from

• Pro installation only, price based on estimate

Gutter guard options

• Gutter Topper: The company's flagship reverse curve guard. Valley diverters are installed where needed to handle increased water flow in roof valleys (area where two roof sections intersect). Includes a 20-year paint and performance warranty.

• Top Guard: Reverse curve gutter guard with additional .070 perforated holes. The holes divert rainwater into the gutter while the remaining water follows the curve into the gutter as well. Installs under shingles and includes a 20-year paint finish warranty.

• The Leaf Terminator: Screen guard which features .096 perforated holes. It can fit residential or commercial-sized gutters—8” up to 15”. It can also fit built-in gutters. Includes a 20-year paint and performance warranty.

• Needle Guard: Micro mesh gutter with 0.45  inch (1143 microns) perforations. It installs over gutters, not under shingles. Includes a 20-year paint finish and blistering warranty.

• The Solution: Mesh guard installed over the gutter and against the fascia—board mounted where the roof meets the outer walls. Includes a 5-year transferable paint finish warranty and 2-year performance warranty.

• The Versatile Solution: This mesh guard is The Solution’s sibling. It’s the same guard but installed under the shingles instead of against the fascia. It also includes a 5-year transferable paint finish warranty and 2-year performance warranty.

Hot Topper and Ice Dam Solution

The Hot Topper system can be a great solution for people living in states with heavy snowfalls and frequent freezing temperatures. It can be installed along with the Gutter Topper guard. The system helps melt ice and snow buildup by radiating eight watts of heat per foot length and heating the insides of gutters and downspouts. 

The Ice Dam Solution is the snow and ice deterrent for all the other gutter guards—it can be installed with Gutter Topper too. The self-regulating heat cable melts snow on top of gutters.

E-Z Gutter Guards Review

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Highlights

• Some gutters can be installed over the guards and other under shingles

• Designed to install on 5”, 6” or 7” gutters

• The company says their guards are thoroughly tested on simulations of 6 inches of rainfall per hour

• 21 different gutter guards with different debris load capacity and fastening methods

DIY options with snap-on installation

E-Z has three DIY options: E-Z-Quick, E-Z-ZipTight, E-Z-Shield. They’re available through Amazon, Do it Best, and True Value. 

These DIY guards feature a snap-on installation method that don’t require screws or fasteners of any kind. Since the guards are snapped onto the font and rear of the gutter, they can be removed without the need of any additional tools other than your hands. This installation method could make your gutter system’s maintenance more easygoing. 

Impressive guard variety

Powder-coated galvanized steel screens, powder-coated or mill-finish aluminum screens, and painted aluminum covers, E-Z makes them all. There’s also two copper options available.

Most of their guards are built for K-Style gutters, but they do have options for half-round gutters. Some of their gutters also come in different colors. You can check out their gutter guards and all their specifications here. 

If you’re interested in one of their professionally installed guards, you can search for contractors here.

User-friendly gutter finder

In addition to their product brochure and booklet, E-Z provides a “gutter browser” and “product explorer” so you can choose amongst their products based on material, how much debris they can hold, if they go over or under the shingles, and if they require fasteners or not. 

Amerimax Review

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Highlights

• 8 different gutter guards

• All guards options are compatible with 4'' gutters (not common when looking for gutter guards)

• Company sells additional roof-drainage products other than guards such as: downspouts, downspout extensions, splash blocks, flexible drain pipes, drip edges, roof aprons, drip caps, w-valley flashings, roll valley flashings, step flashings, soffits and soffit hangers, trim coils

Gutter Guard options

• Titan 3000: Aluminum mesh with a 20-year warranty. It’s the only one of their guards that installs onto the fascia board. The other ones are placed under the first row of shingles.

• Hoover Dam Pro: Powder-coated steel mesh with a rippled surface to handle heavy rainfall. Comes with 15-year warranty.

• Metal Lock-In: Powder-coated steel mesh that comes with a 10-year warranty.

• Solid Gutter Cover: PVC reverse curve guard that slides under the first row of shingles. 

• Snap-In Gutter Guard:  PVC mesh guard. It’s available in white, brown, or black. A micro mesh filter (The Snap-In Gutter Filter) can be added to it for increased protection. 

They can be bought through Amazon, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Gutter Cleaning Checklist

TOOLS OF THE TRADE:

✓ Inspect the ladder's rails, rungs, and feet. Make sure they aren't damaged.
✓ Be sure all safety locks are properly engaged.
✓ Place the ladder on a stable-grippy surface. Its feet should always be in contact with the ground. Never place on wet, muddy, icy, or snow-covered surfaces.
✓ Place the base of the ladder ¼ of its length away from the wall. For example, if the ladder is 20ft, place the base about 5 feet away from the wall.
✓ Don't rest the ladder against weak surfaces such as plastic gutters.
✓ It's best if the ladder extends about 3 rungs past the roof.
✓ Clean any mud, snow, or other slippery substances from the ladder and off your shoes before climbing up.
✓ Watch out for power lines.
✓ Important: Never use a stepladder as a leaning ladder.
✓ If possible, get someone to help by holding hold the ladder in place.

✓ Keep a three-point contact with the ladder at all times—two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
✓ Don’t stand on the three topmost rungs or the paint shelf.
✓ Avoid holding items while climbing or descending. Consider getting a tool belt.
✓ Don’t lean or reach out off the sides off the ladder. If your waist is sticking out of the ladder’s rails, come back down and reposition it. Never try to move the ladder while still on it.
✓ Make sure the ladder feet are clean when moving from soft ground—like soil—to a solid surface.
✓ Always face the ladder when ascending and descending.

*Information according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Health and Safety Executive.

✓ After placing your ladder safely, wear a good pair of gloves to scoop out as much debris. You can also use a trowel or gutter scoop. These are especially helpful for compacted debris.
✓ Throw gunk in a bucket to avoid making a mess. You can also place a tarp underneath and throw it down.
✓ Repeat the process along the length of the gutter.
✓ Flush out the gutter with a hose and sprayer water, starting at the opposite end of the downspout.
✓ If there isn’t much water coming out of the downspouts, they’re probably clogged. If so, turn the hose on full force directly down the spout.

Take care of your trees as well 

Insights from A.D. Ali, Davey Tree Expert Company

Since gutters mainly get clogged from the debris shed by nearby trees, homeowners may be compelled to cut them down or trim them excessively. However, before you butcher your trees, consider consulting an arborist. We talked to an expert over at the Davey Tree Expert Company and got some insight into the importance of having trees around your home and how they should be properly cared for.

A.D. Ali is the manager of technical services for the Davey Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in entomology and a master’s degree in plant protection and management both from the University of California at Davis. He has a Ph.D. in entomology from Louisiana State University and is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist.

On the benefits of having well-maintained trees around a house:

Trees add so much value to people, places and animals. Plus, mature trees are worth between $1,000 and $10,000, according to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. It takes years for trees to reach mature size, so plant now and enjoy the trees’ benefits until it’s time to sell.

To see a return on investment before you sell, plant trees to reduce heating and cooling costs. Trees are known for shade and reducing energy bills. The American Power Association estimates that effective landscaping can reduce a home cooling bill by as much as 50 percent a year. In fact, areas without cooling shade trees can become “heat islands” with temperatures reaching 12 degrees higher than surrounding areas. Trees planted on the north and northwest sides of your property create a wall against cold winter winds and cut heating costs by up to 30 percent a year.

On whether trees can increase a property’s value:

Money magazine estimated that while kitchen or bathroom remodeling can bring a recovery value up to 125 percent, landscaping can bring up to a 200 percent return at selling time. Keep your yard in tip-top shape with the help of an arborist who can tell you how to properly maintain your trees. Well-maintained trees increase property value by as much as 15 percent and an attractive landscape can account for up to a 30 percent boost.

On which types of trees can commonly cause issues with gutters:

It varies by region. Generally speaking, trees with large leaves such as sycamores would create a bigger mess than those with small leaves such as honeylocust. Most deciduous trees shed leaves in the fall. In the south and southeast, live oaks shed old leaves in the spring as new leaves develop. They can be quite messy during that time of year. As far as physical damage to gutters, if the tree is properly pruned and cleared from the house, there should be minimal branch damage to the gutters.

On whether homeowners should trim or prune trees themselves:

Many people have no idea that cutting large diameter main branches of a tree back to stubs in an effort to reduce the height is a counter-effective way to prune trees. This approach guarantees quick, visible results, but it leaves stubs permanently disfigured and essentially initiates the decline of the tree. Topping invites decay, the tree may be structurally weakened and its life-span reduced. It also removes a major portion of a tree’s leaves which are necessary for the production of carbohydrates.

Correctly pruning stops decay from progressing into the trunk by a barrier inside the collar. Also, a correct cut results in more rapid wound closure so that the bark quickly grows over the injury. A homeowner may prune a tree if it is young and safe to do so. Proper pruning and care information may be found at Treesaregood.org. For larger trees, a Certified Arborist should be consulted to do the work.

On what people should look for when hiring a tree trimming service or arborist:

Homeowners should always check for TCIA Accreditation, ISA Certification, proof of insurance and a list of references. Hiring an unqualified arborist may cost homeowners in the long run. An uninsured and inadequately trained arborist can damage trees and homes—leaving homeowners with the bill. Poor work can result in mistakes that decrease home value and may involve purchasing new trees.

Proper maintenance is the most important thing you can provide for your trees. Remember, maintenance is less expensive than replacing a mature tree. Lack of specific tree care knowledge can result in irreversible harm, leaving trees susceptible to diseases and weakening them to the point of no return. Make sure you trust your arborist before allowing them near your trees.