LeafFilter is our top pick for professional gutter guard installations. We like Raptor for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. But before you choose the best gutter guards for your home, you must decide whether to hire a professional or install them yourself.
The decision often comes down to price. It’s not always that simple, though. Costs for a DIY project can escalate quickly if you don’t account for equipment needs, safety measures and potential time lost.
On the other hand, hiring a professional installer can cost thousands of dollars upfront but includes benefits such as higher product quality, trained installation and a better warranty.
We conducted thorough research and hands-on testing to help you determine the company and gutter guard products that suit you. Based on our reviews and test results, we recommend choosing a stainless steel micro-mesh system for your home due to its performance and durability.
The 6 best gutter guards
Here are our top picks for professionally installed and DIY gutter guards to protect your gutters from debris and leaves and help prevent clogging:
Professional:
- LeafFilter: Our top pick
- Gutter Guards America
- LeafGuard
Not sure whether DIY or professional installation is right for you? Here are a few key points to consider.
Hiring a professional can cost more, and you’re stuck with scheduling the project on their timetable. But with professional installation, you can expect the following benefits:
- Better product workmanship
- A warranty that covers manufacturer defects or installation errors
- Little to no risk of personal injury
On the other hand, doing it yourself might bring a sense of personal accomplishment and pride. It also can cost significantly less than professional installation. But going the DIY route also carries risks, such as the following:
- Unexpected equipment costs
- Potential for personal injury
- Improper installation
- A shorter or sparser warranty
Whether you choose professional installation or DIY, you will want to select the right type of gutter guard for your home. The chart below shows that more than two-thirds of people we surveyed in October 2023 preferred screen, mesh or micro-mesh gutter guards.
Compare top choices for gutter guards
When assessing a gutter guard for your home, one major factor is how effectively it filters out debris and handles heavy rain. That will help you determine whether it’s worth the price.
Our reviews of the top professionally installed gutter guards
Hiring a gutter guard installer provides a holistic look at your gutters. A trained technician can point out any gutter damage or issues that should be resolved before installing gutter guards, and most providers offer gutter installation and repair services, too. Here are our reviews of three prominent gutter guard installation companies.
Our reviews of the best self-installation gutter guards
The best DIY gutter guards are cheap, relatively effective and easy to install. They should include clear instructions and any hardware required for the project. Here are our reviews of three prominent manufacturers of gutter guard products.
Best gutter guard types according to our testing
We tested six gutter guard styles under various conditions and found that micro-mesh options perform the best overall. Your local debris types, weather phenomena and pests influence the integrity of your gutters and the performance of your gutter guards, so it’s important to find the right style for your home.
Here are some takeaways from our testing that may help you decide which style is right for you.
Mesh
Mesh-style gutter guards use interwoven metal or plastic wires to create a mesh filter. These guards can handle heavy downpours and block large- to medium-size debris. However, pine needles, seedpods and shingle grit can get through. We recommend these guards if you live in a climate with heavy rainfall.
![A plastic mesh DIY gutter guard catches leaves and pine needles during testing.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12203622/mesh-gutter-guard-in-action-1024x681.jpg)
Micro-mesh
These guards are functionally similar to mesh guards but have a much finer filter. The fine mesh on these guards is the most effective at keeping out small debris, including pine needles and shingle grit. While they are more expensive than other products on the market, these gutter guards can be a great option if your home is surrounded by pine trees.
![Close up photo of a gutter guard with a few leaves on top of the guard](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12203554/Gutter-Guards-AM-metal-screen-4-1024x681.jpg)
Screen
Screen guards are thin metal sheets with perforated holes. They’re durable and easy to clean. However, the holes are too large to prevent small debris, such as pine needles or seedpods, from entering your gutters. These guards may be a good fit for your home if you have oak or other deciduous trees around your property but not pine trees.
![Raptor micromesh gutter guard](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05190255/Raptor-micromesh-gutter-guard-1024x681.jpg)
Reverse-curve
Reverse-curve gutter guards, also called gutter helmets, are large plastic or aluminum caps that attach to the top of your gutters. They use the scientific principle of liquid adhesion and surface tension to block debris, promote water flow and self-clean. These guards are the most durable because they act as a shield on your gutters. We recommend reverse-curve guards if you have trees directly over your home or live in a high-wind area.
![Reverse-curve gutter guard blocking debris](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12203639/reverse-curve-gutter-guard-in-action-1024x681.jpg)
Brush
These guards resemble large pipe cleaners with thick plastic bristles. Brush guards are inexpensive and easy to install, but because their design intentionally clogs with debris, they must be cleaned more often than other guards. Brush guards may work as a short-term solution but only last up to five years with proper maintenance. For many homeowners, they don’t provide enough value for the effort.
![brush gutter guard in action during testing](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/12203159/brush-gutter-guard-in-action-1024x682.jpg)
Foam
These guards resemble large, triangular foam blocks. Foam guards allow water to pass through and block almost all debris. They’re inexpensive and relatively effective but degrade in sunlight, which means they need to be replaced every few years. Foam guards are well-suited for short-term installations but become expensive as time passes and you continuously replace them.
![Closeup photo of a foam gutter guard that is catching leaves and other debris](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12203530/foam-gutter-guard-in-action-1-1024x681.jpg)
How we tested gutter guards
We on the USA TODAY Homefront team tested the primary types of gutter guards, including every DIY brand featured in this article. We purchased DIY gutter guards and installed them on a model of a roof and gutter system.
Additionally, LeafFilter provided us with a floor model of its gutter guard system, and we were able to test its professionally installed guard.
![LeafFilter model roof and gutter system](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15204342/leaf-filter_studio6-1024x576.jpg)
Installation difficulty
This test determines how difficult it is to install a DIY guard on existing gutter systems. We affixed standard 5-inch, vinyl, K-style gutters with hidden hangers to our model roofing system. We installed the guards on these gutters by following the instructions as closely as possible.
Debris filtration test
We applied an assortment of debris to the guard, including deciduous tree leaves, pine needles, pine cones, seedpods, twigs and shingle grit. We applied water to observe which materials passed through the filter.
Durability and quality inspection
We thoroughly inspected each guard for structural weaknesses, material quality and other design factors that could impact performance. If we noticed any potential problems, we applied a stress test to check whether the guard could be easily damaged, warped or bent.
Water flow test
We applied water at varying speeds and intensities to the roof and gutter system to simulate different levels of rainfall.
Cleanability test
We applied water directly to the debris atop the guard to see how easily it was pushed off to the ground. If any debris remained, we used a brush or gloved hands to remove it and noted how difficult it was to dislodge.
![man uses razor blade to trim a plastic micro-mesh gutter guard](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15211837/guttergaurds_AM_micro_2_USAT-1024x681.jpg)
How do you choose the right gutter guards for your home?
As mentioned earlier, the first decision you should make is whether to do it yourself or buy a professionally installed gutter guard product.
Here are some major considerations for each path:
Professionally Installed | DIY | |
---|---|---|
Product quality | Premium materials last longer | Cheaper materials degrade quicker |
Warranty | Lifetime transferable warranty is standard | Warranty lengths vary and only cover materials |
Cost (200 linear feet) | Expect to pay around $4,000 | Expect to pay around $500 |
Labor | Peace of mind from installation by trained professionals | No quality assurance or company to stand by the work |
Average cost of professionally installed gutter guards is based on our October 2023 survey of 865 homeowners. Average cost of DIY brands is based on retail prices for top brands we’ve reviewed.
Choosing the best professionally installed gutter guards
If you hire a professional installer, you’ll want to know how best to evaluate these companies. Our reviews are based on a comprehensive list of standards that can serve as your buying guide.
Rating gutter guard companies
Here is a detailed look at how the gutter guard companies we tested scored with our review standards. The numbers represent their scores on a 5-star scale for each review category.
Rating Category | LeafFilter | Gutter Guards America | HomeCraft | All-American Gutter | LeafGuard |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Construction and appearance | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.9 |
Service and installation | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.7 |
Quote process and expense | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.7 |
Communication and support | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.8 |
Average Rating | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Construction and appearance
Find out what styles the company offers and what filter and frame materials it uses to understand if its product is suitable for your needs. Stainless steel filters and aluminum frames, such as Homecraft’s, score higher, while aluminum filters and vinyl frames score lower.
If aesthetics are important to you, ask each company about color options and whether it offers low-profile designs. All five prominent gutter guard providers we reviewed scored well in this category, although LeafGuard was the only one not to offer a low-profile design.
Services and installation
How versatile is the company? A well-rounded suite of services should be available, including gutter installation, repair, cleaning and downspout installation. Of the companies we reviewed, only All-American did not offer downspout installation.
Quote process and expense
How much does the company’s gutter guard cost per linear square foot? Anything more than $20 per linear foot is above average, based on our survey results. Also, find out whether the company offers binding quotes for at least one year and offers financing options.
Tip
Professional gutter guard companies often do not share any information about pricing without an in-person consultation, where a representative will come out to your home, inspect your gutters and provide a custom estimate. There is often room for negotiation during these appointments.
The table below shows that Gutter Guards America offered the lowest prices among the companies we’ve reviewed.
Average cost for professional gutter guard installation
Brand | Average Cost per 200 Linear Feet | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|---|
LeafFilter | $4,484 | $22 |
LeafGuard | $4,014 | $20 |
HomeCraft | $3,699 | $18 |
All American | $3,624 | $18 |
Gutter Guards America | $3,546 | $18 |
Average | $3,873 | $19 |
Communication and support
Does the company provide online chat, email and phone support? While all providers we’ve reviewed have email and phone support, only Gutter Guards America provides the convenience of online chat.
Does it offer a lifetime warranty? Is that warranty transferable to new owners? Though most companies we reviewed got perfect scores for their transferable lifetime warranties, All American Gutter Protection stood out for not allowing you to transfer its warranty to the next homeowner.
Good communication and a well-rounded warranty are signs that a gutter guard installer will be easy to work with if issues arise after the installation is complete.
Choosing the best DIY gutter guards
Your decision to install gutter guards yourself should be based on your experience and knowledge regarding home improvement projects. For example, if you’re concerned about working on a tall ladder, DIY gutter guards might not be for you.
On the other hand, if you’re confident in your ability to do the job, there is something to be said for the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. Just be sure you take the proper safety precautions and understand everything you need to know about the equipment you’ll need for the job.
In addition to purchasing the gutter guard materials and a safety harness from a manufacturer or hardware store, you’ll need to acquire the following tools:
- Bucket
- Electric drill
- Gloves
- Hose with spray nozzle
- Ladder
- Ladder stabilizer
- Quarter-inch self-piercing screws
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Tin snips
The table below shows how we on the Homefront team rated six popular DIY gutter guard manufacturers based on our review standards. Raptor scored best overall, while A-M Gutter Guard and Amerimax Screen tied for the best price.
Rating gutter guard products
Here is a detailed look at how the gutter guard products we tested scored with our review standards. The numbers represent their scores on a 5-star scale for each review category.
Rating Category | Raptor Stainless Steel | A-M Gutter Guard | Amerimax Screen | Master-Shield | Gutter Brush |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Style choices | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Appearance | 5.0 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 2.0 |
Filter material | 5.0 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
Frame material | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 3.8 |
Attachment types | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 |
Warranty length | 4.0 | 4.0 | 1.5 | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Customer support | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Reputation | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 4.0 |
Testing results | 4.0 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 2.5 |
Expense | 3.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
Average Rating | 4.5 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.4 |
Style and appearance
You’ll want to know whether the manufacturer offers a variety of styles, such as micro-mesh, foam or brush, as well as what colors are available if you’re looking at products you can see from the curb. Of the six companies we reviewed, only A-M Gutter Guard and Gutter Brush don’t offer color options.
Construction and attachment
Ensure you understand what the gutter guard is made of — gauging its durability and suitability for your home. Stainless steel is a long-lasting material that resists corrosion while vinyl is more susceptible to warping, cracking or bending.
Take note of the attachment method, too. An adhesive product will be easy to apply but difficult to remove and the glue could break down over time. Screw-in products are more difficult to install but long-lasting while snap-in products may blow off in high winds. For example, we tested Raptor’s stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard, which screws into your gutter lip for added security.
It’s also helpful to know (before your installation weekend) if the necessary hardware is included with the gutter guard itself. The roll-on products we tested, such as FrostKing, didn’t come with the required screws to prevent the material from curling.
Finally, does the gutter guard slide up under your shingles? If so, that can potentially damage your roof or void its warranty. Of the six brands we reviewed, only Raptor’s product does not insert under the shingles.
Communication and support
Is the material under warranty? Does the company provide clear, accessible installation instructions? Are you able to contact the company with questions via email or phone?
DIY gutter guard warranties vary by product. GutterBrush warrants its materials for 10 years while Raptor includes a 25-year warranty. Still, you’ll get the best warranty with a professionally installed product. They typically last for the life of your home, transfer to the next homeowner, and include their own version of a clog-free guarantee.
Performance and satisfaction
We tested cleanability, water flow, debris filtration, durability and overall ease of installation. We found Raptor scored best in this category thanks to its above-average water flow capability and debris filtration.
Note
Consider professional installation for reverse-curve gutter guards. While DIY options are available, the reverse-curve guards we tested from Amerimax and Waterlock Pro exhibited significant overflow issues. You may see better performance from a professional product expertly installed under the right conditions, such as proper roof pitch. We recommend LeafGuard for its durable one-piece design.
Expense
Installing DIY gutter guards is more work for you and often results in an inferior product attached to your roof. That’s why low cost is important for good DIY gutter guards.
Of the companies we reviewed, only A-M Gutter Guard and Amerimax Screen offered their flagship products for less than $299 per 200 linear feet. By contrast, Raptor — our highest-rated DIY product — charged $626 for linear 240 feet and GutterBrush charged $599 for 210 linear feet.
What do you need to know after you install gutter guards?
Installing gutter guards will drastically reduce the time and effort required to clean and maintain your gutters. But they aren’t a free pass to ignore this important part of your home’s drainage system. Here’s what to keep in mind after installing gutter guards.
The life expectancy of gutter guards varies depending on their material and your home’s location.
How long do gutter guards usually last?
- Plastic or PVC gutter guards often last between five and 10 years.
- Metal gutter guards, such as aluminum or stainless steel, can last 10 to 20 years.
Your climate, surrounding foliage and frequency of maintenance also impact how long they last.
How often will I need to clean my gutters after the gutter guard installation?
While some companies advertise that you’ll never need to clean your gutters again after installing their guards, this isn’t true. No matter how effective the product, gutter guards can’t completely replace the need for regular gutter cleaning and maintenance. However, they make cleaning easier and less frequent.
Without gutter guards, you likely need to clean your gutters at least twice per year. With a good set of gutter guards, you can clean them once every year or two. Instead of grabbing a scoop and digging debris out of your gutter system, you can brush the debris off the top of the guard or spray it down with a hose.
While you’re cleaning, it’s a good time to watch for larger maintenance risks developing. Inspect your gutter guards for rust, corrosion, mold or mildew growth and other signs of damage. If you notice anything amiss, we recommend calling a professional to repair your gutter guards immediately.
I live where it freezes in the winter. How will that affect my gutter guards?
Some gutter guards, such as reverse-curve and micro-mesh guards, can contribute to forming ice dams — ice that builds at your roof edge and prevents melting snow from draining. However, most ice dams stem from improper attic ventilation.
We recommend ensuring your attic is properly ventilated to protect against ice dams. If you have reverse-curve or micro-mesh guards installed and are experiencing ice dams, you can install heated tape to counteract the issue.
What other environmental factors might degrade the condition of my gutter guards?
Weather conditions can cause gutter guards to degrade quicker than usual. The two biggest culprits are heavily pollinating trees and air with higher salinity (salt).
Some types of pollen produce acidic compounds when they break down in water, which will cause some gutter guards to corrode quicker. To prevent pollen buildup, trim overhanging trees and clean your gutters regularly.
If you live within a few miles of a coastline, the air is more saturated with sea salt, which also corrodes gutter guards. In this situation, we recommend using PVC or plastic gutter guards over metal ones.
Some gutter guards work better in heavy rainfall than others. For example, mesh, micro-mesh, screen and brush guards can handle heavy downpours. Foam and reverse-curve guards are susceptible to overflows during heavy rain.
Will gutter guard installation void my roof warranty?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Chances are you’re in the clear if your gutter guards are professionally installed, but the only way to know for sure is to read the fine print of your roof warranty document or call the contractor and ask.
Faulty gutter guard installation might nullify some manufacturer’s warranties. For example, the limited warranty for Certainteed asphalt shingles does not cover “damage caused by structural changes, alterations or additions, or by the installation of equipment (such as, but not limited to, aerials, signs or air-conditioning equipment) to the building after the original shingles have been applied.”
Final take: Micro-mesh provides the best gutter protection
Based on our research, survey results and firsthand testing, stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards provide the best gutter protection. Our testing revealed that this guard type blocked the most debris and promoted efficient water filtration.
We recommend LeafFilter and Gutter Guards America for professionally installed micro-mesh guards. If you prefer to do the job yourself, Raptor offers a fine micro-mesh alternative.
We recommend scheduling at-home inspections with a few gutter guard providers. They will assess your gutter system and provide personalized quotes for the cost of installing gutter guards on your home.
Our rating methodology for gutter guards
The Homefront team incorporates our carefully developed methodology to rate professional gutter guard providers and do-it-yourself (DIY) products. We research and test gutter guards, interview industry experts and speak with company representatives to provide the information you need to make an informed decision before investing in gutter guards.
We assess professional gutter guard installation companies on construction materials and appearance, services and installation methods, cost, communication and customer service. We rate DIY gutter guard products on similar factors while emphasizing our product testing results.
We synthesize this information into review standards focusing on key aspects of the gutter guard buying experience and scoring each company out of 100. This score translates to the 5-star rating you see in our reviews.
BBB and other third-party ratings are accurate as of April 2024.
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Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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