5 Best Gutter Guards in 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)
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Many gutter guard brands claim to protect your gutters and reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, but not all guards are effective at preventing debris buildup and promoting water flow. We tested 12 gutter guards, including professionally installed and DIY products, and surveyed 1,000 homeowners who purchased gutter guards to obtain their reviews and cost information for the different providers and products.
After conducting our testing and research, we recommend LeafFilter as the best professionally installed gutter guard and Raptor as the top DIY product. LeafFilter’s high-quality micro-mesh design blocked debris as small as shingle grit during testing. Raptor’s micro-mesh guard blocked pine needles and leaves while promoting water flow. Our thorough testing determined that micro-mesh gutter guards constructed with stainless steel are the most effective type of gutter guards for most homeowners. Below, we will provide our test results and a comprehensive guide to choosing the best gutter guard for your needs.
Best Gutter Guards of 2024
- LeafFilter: Our Top Pick
- LeafGuard: Best for Large Debris
- Gutter Guards America: Best Customer Responses
The Best DIY Gutter Guards
- Raptor: Best DIY Brand
- A-M Gutter Guard: Best for Easy Cleaning
Compare Professionally Installed Gutter Guards
The table below compares the top professionally installed gutter guards on price, type, and our rating. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners who have had gutter guards installed on their homes to determine the average price for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard system installation for each brand.
| Star Rating | Product Image | Gutter Guard Type | Average Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeafFilter |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,528 | Visit Site | |
| LeafGuard |  |  | Reverse-curve | $5,242 | Visit Site | |
| Gutter Guards America |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,270 | Visit Site | |
| HomeCraft |  |  | Micro-mesh | $6,338 | Visit Site | |
| All American Gutter Protection |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,630 | Visit Site |
| LeafFilter | |
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| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,528 |
| LeafGuard | |
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| Gutter Guard Type | Reverse-curve |
| Average Cost | $5,242 |
| Gutter Guards America | |
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| Star Rating | |
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| Product Image |
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| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,270 |
| HomeCraft | |
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| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $6,338 |
| All American Gutter Protection | |
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| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,630 |
Top Professional Gutter Guard Providers
Professional gutter guards are typically made with higher-quality materials and come with longer-lasting warranties than their DIY counterparts. Here are our top picks for professional gutter guards.
LeafFilter
Best Filtration
LeafGuard
Best for Large Debris
Gutter Guards America
Best Customer Responses
Top DIY Gutter Guard Providers
DIY gutter guards can be an effective and low-cost solution for clogged gutters. Note that you’ll install DIY gutter guards yourself, and quality varies greatly between products. DIY guards can be a good choice if you’re comfortable working on a ladder and want to save money on your gutter guard installation.
To help you find the best guards for your home, we’ve purchased, installed, and tested every major product on the market. Here’s a selection of our top picks:
Raptor
Most Customizable DIY Guard
A-M Gutter Guard
Best for Easy Cleaning
Which Companies Didn’t Make the List?
There are dozens of national gutter guard companies and hundreds of DIY products. We curated a list of our favorite options and excluded any brand or company that performed poorly against our review standards. Some of the brands that didn’t make the list can be useful in niche circumstances. Review two of these guards below.
All American Gutter Protection
All American Gutter Protection is a smaller brand that could be a good fit if you live in one of the 15 states it serves. We excluded All American from our list of the best gutter guards due to its limited operating area, customer complaints indicating that it doesn’t always honor its warranty, and its lack of additional services. However, it offers generous discounts for homeowners.
GutterBrush
GutterBrush is a DIY product that resembles a large pipe cleaner. Brush gutter guards have a central steel cable and connecting plastic bristles. This design is prone to clogging and won’t block small debris from entering your gutters. It’s sold on Amazon for $199 per 60 feet and will cost $730 to install on a 200-linear-foot gutter system. This product is easy to install, making it a good option for homeowners looking for a quick fix.
How We Conducted Our Gutter Guard Testing
We tested more than a dozen gutter guards to assess how they withstood wear and tear, debris, and water. Our testing process varied depending on the product being assessed, but we typically applied debris such as tree leaves, pine needles, and shingle grit, water at varying speeds, and falling objects to the guards. Here are the three steps we followed:
- Water passage test: We poured water on the shingles above the guard to simulate rainfall at varying intensities. This tested the guard’s ability to promote water flow.
- Filtration test: We placed pine needles, shingle grit, deciduous tree leaves, seedpods, and twigs directly on the guard and the shingles above it. We then applied water to see which materials passed through the guard or were knocked to the ground.
- Durability and quality inspection: We assessed the quality of the materials, the design of the guard, and the guard’s flexibility and rigidity. If the guard seemed easily damaged, we applied a stress test and noted any damage, such as dents, chips, cracks, or detachments.
We use testing to verify, correct, or reinforce information gathered from customer reviews and independent research. We rely on available information and customer feedback if we cannot test a product. If a product is unavailable for testing, we do not deduct points from that product or company’s overall score. If you would like to learn more about how we assess gutter guard quality, read our detailed rating methodology.
What Did Our Gutter Guard Testing Tell Us?
Do gutter leaf guards actually work? Our rigorous testing provided evidence that gutter guards prevent debris buildup in gutters but do not completely eliminate the need for routine cleaning. Our testing of popular DIY and professionally installed gutter guards revealed the following takeaways:
What You Should Know Before Buying Gutter Guards
There are two main categories of gutter guards to choose from: professionally installed brands and DIY products. Within these broad categories are multiple types of guards, from stainless steel micro-mesh guards to sturdy reverse curve gutter helmets.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of brands, products, and materials available when shopping for gutter guards. “The material of the gutter guard is essential,” says Andrew Johnson, CEO of Prime Seamless Gutters & Roofing. “Homeowners should look for durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum.” Below, we’ll take a closer look at each type and material to help you find the best one for your home.
How Do Different Types of Gutter Guards Compare?
The following table compares the main types of gutter guards, including what situations they perform best in and a cost range for DIY and professional installations. Our testing and research of each type of gutter guard revealed that a micro-mesh design was the most effective at keeping even small debris out of your gutters.
| Gutter Guard Type | Professional Installation Cost | DIY Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-mesh | $4,000–$8,000 | $150–$625 | Areas with heavy foliage; long-term investments |
| Mesh | $700–$1,950 | $45–$199 | Areas with intense rainfall and deciduous trees |
| Screen | $500–$1,500 | $150–$265 | Areas with high winds; homes that experience falling tree limbs |
| Reverse-curve | $5,000–$10,000 | $205 to $936 | Areas with low rainfall; homeowners who want to reduce cleaning |
| Foam | N/A | $270 | Temporary gutter protection |
| Brush | N/A | $795 | Homeowners who want a quick and easy solution |
How Do Gutter Guard Materials Compare?
The following table compares gutter guard materials based on their best and worst use cases. It also outlines which gutter guard types use these materials to help you narrow down your options.
| Gutter Guard Material | Gutter Guard Type | Good For | Not Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Screen and reverse curve | Quick and inexpensive installations | Long-term use, areas with high wind |
| PVC | Reverse-curve and screen | Areas with heavy deciduous tree leaves or other large debris | Areas with high heat, small debris, or consistent impacts from falling objects (such as tree limbs) |
| Aluminum | All guard types | Areas with heavy rainfall or more corrosive climates (such as coastlines) | Areas with high winds |
| Stainless | Mesh, micro-mesh, screen | Areas with pine needles, seedpods, and other small debris, or areas with high winds | Areas with corrosive climates (such as coastlines) |
Commonly Asked Questions About Gutter Guards
We’ll provide some answers to common questions and issues that homeowners have regarding the purchase, installation, and ownership of gutter guards.
What Is the Average Cost of Gutter Guards?
Many factors impact the cost of professional gutter guard installation, and an at-home inspection is typically required for an estimate. Based on our survey data for LeafFilter, LeafGuard, Gutter Guards America, and HomeCraft, the average price of professional gutter guard installation is $5,595 for 200 linear feet, or nearly $28 per linear foot. Prices can range up to $8,000 or more.
For DIY products, expect to pay between $300 and $600 or more for 200 linear feet. The total cost to install Raptor on a 200-linear-foot gutter system is approximately $550, based on current Amazon pricing.
Can You Negotiate the Price of Gutter Guards?
Yes, you can negotiate the price of a gutter guard installation to receive a fair price from a gutter guard installer. Some installers present initially inflated prices and will only drop them if you negotiate. This practice is common in many home improvement industries.
Do Gutters Require Maintenance and Cleaning With Gutter Guards?
Yes, gutter guards require maintenance and cleaning even with gutter guards. No gutter guard completely removes the need for regular gutter maintenance and cleaning, however installing gutter guards make cleaning and maintenance easier and much less frequent.
How Long Do Gutter Guards Typically Last?
A gutter guard will last between five to 20 years, depending on your location, the guard’s material type, and the level of maintenance and care. Lower-end materials such as plastic and PVC last between five and 10 years. With adequate care, metal guards can last 15 years or more in ideal weather conditions.
Will Gutter Guards Help Prevent Fascia Board Damage and Reduce Soffit Repair Costs?
Yes, gutter guards help prevent fascia board damage and reduce soffit repair costs. Fascia and soffits can decay due to water damage from overflowing gutters. Gutter guards prevent clogs and keep gutters functioning at peak performance. Because gutter guards protect your gutters against clogs and overflows, they reduce water exposure to your fascia boards and soffits.
What Are the Downsides of Gutter Guards?
While gutter guards provide many benefits, there are also downsides. The biggest downside to gutter guards is that they may contribute to the formation of ice dams. The main cause of ice dams is poor attic ventilation, but gutter guards can contribute to ice and snow buildup. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or cold winters, we recommend installing products such as heat tape to counteract ice dams. Consistently inspecting your attic and ensuring it’s properly ventilated will reduce ice dam buildup. Additional downsides include the cost of professional installation and the fact that installing gutter guards does not completely eliminate the need for maintenance and cleaning.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), installing gutter guards can extend the lifespan of your gutter drainage system by 2 or 3 times. Gutter guards can be worth it for homeowners who live on lots with numerous trees. You want to get the most for your dollar when shopping for gutter covers. DIY gutter guards are typically priced the lowest, but they’re often made with lower-quality materials and require more frequent repairs or replacements. You’ll need to buy more than a single pack of DIY guards, so the final price tag will be much higher than what’s shown on the store page.
Professionally installed guards will always be more expensive but come with a range of benefits that balance the higher up-front cost. Professional companies provide higher-quality gutter guards, skilled installation crews, long-lasting warranties, and additional services such as downspout installation.
Which Gutter Guards Are the Best?
Our testing and research revealed that the best type of gutter guard is a durable micro-mesh design made from stainless steel. This design can handle heavy rain and prevent possible water damage to your home’s foundation and exterior by blocking debris while still allowing water to flow freely into your gutters. Though professional installation can be pricey, we believe the right gutter guards are worth the investment for homeowners who value convenience and peace of mind.
We recommend LeafFilter, Gutter Guards America, and LeafGuard as our top picks for professionally installed gutter guards and Raptor as our top DIY product. Like with any home service, we recommend getting quotes from at least three gutter guard companies to find the right option for your home and budget.
FAQs About Gutter Guards
Do gutter guards really work?
Yes, gutter guards work if they are installed and maintained properly. Gutter guards work by blocking debris from entering your gutters to reduce how often you need to clean them. However, many homeowners have misconceptions regarding the functionality of gutter guards. Some companies advertise that gutter guards remove the need to clean your gutters entirely, which isn’t the case.
Are gutter covers the same thing as gutter guards?
Yes, gutter covers are the same thing as gutter guards. A gutter cover, also known as a gutter guard, is installed on top of your gutter to block debris and filter water. Gutter covers may be used to refer specifically to a reverse-curve gutter guard.
What is the best gutter guard for leaves?
Micro-mesh and reverse curve guards are the best gutter guards for leaves. These guards filter out large and small debris to keep your gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and branches.
What is the best gutter guard for pine needles?
The best gutter guards for pine needles are micro-mesh, based on our testing of 12 gutter guards.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
