A gutter guard is a system that guards your gutters against debris. It doesn’t take long for leaves, debris, moss, and other particles to block up your drains and cause them to overflow. A gutter guard can solve that problem.
Several types exist, including some that attach to your downspout as well. However, not all of them will be right for you. If you no longer want to clean all that muck out of your gutters by hand, then check out these ten options below. You can weigh up the pros and cons of each, then look forward to putting the ladder away and keeping your hands clean. There’s no time like the present to go shopping and try them out for yourself.
1. FlexxPoint Gutter Cover System
Cleaning out your gutters can be a messy job, but if you buy this gutter cover system from Flexxpoint, those days could be over. The supplier of these guards says they last for 30 years, which can be a weight off any homeowner’s minds. It could be 30 years before you need to step foot on a ladder!
These gutter guards are available in eight sizes with five-inch lengths and are effortless to install thanks to the four-foot sections. As long as your guttering is relatively new, the process will go off without a hitch.
You can also choose a color to suit your home, even though you can’t see them from the ground. Pick white, black, brown, or matte, and enjoy how they blend into their surroundings. Aside from style, however, these gutter guards have a lot to offer.
They stop blockages, don’t clog up, and let a high volume of water get through. You can spend more time on other tasks, and less time unblocking your drains. These guards are also made in the USA and come with stainless-steel fasteners. If there’s anything you won’t like, it will be that the seeds from some trees can block the small holes. Everything else will put a smile on your face.
Features
- Eight sizes
- Five-inch lengths
- Residential
- White, matte, brown, and black color schemes
- Stainless-steel installation fasteners
- Aluminum construction
- Made in the USA
- Four-foot sections
Pros
- They don’t void your roof warranties
- You can choose a color to suit
- Various lengths to suit
- Ideal for residential housing
- They block debris from entering your gutters
- They allow a high water volume
- They don’t clog
- Effortless to install
- The fasteners are stainless-steel
- They last for three decades
Cons
- Seeds can get stuck in the holes
- They build up ice in cold climates
2. Massca Gutter Balloon Guard Filter
If you’re tired of leaves blocking up your downpipes and causing all kinds of issues, then it might be time to invest in a gutter guard for the downpipe. This balloon-shaped product can work hand-in-hand with a traditional gutter guard, providing a convenient solution to your leaf clogging woes.
You buy them in a pack of four for an affordable price, then install them without a lot of hassle. If you have a roof overhang, you may spend a few minutes longer, but it won’t be too hard. These gutter guards feature robust propylene that withstands a lot of weather. They won’t rust, corrode, or succumb to the elements like some steel ones would.
They are also weatherproof, waterproof, and come with a money back guarantee to seal the deal. If that’s not going to convince you, then maybe how much they can stop from going down your drainpipes will. You can put an end to leaf debris, twigs, moss, and more, from heading down your pipes.
Something to be aware of, however, is the potential for clogging in your spouting itself. If you don’t have a gutter guard for that portion in place, you are shifting the problem to your spouting instead. Invest in both balloon filters and a gutter guard to say goodbye to spouting cleaning chores for good.
Features
- Pack of four
- Leaf guards
- Propylene construction
- Weatherproof
- Waterproof
- Non-corrosive
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- They stop blockages in your downpipes
- They work seamlessly with gutter guards
- They fit over the top of your downpipe with ease
- No tools required
- Effortless installation process
- Affordable to buy
- Durable materials
- They are weatherproof and don’t rust
- They stop twigs, leaf debris, moss, and more
Cons
- Leaves clog the gutters instead of the downpipes
- Not ideal if you have a roof overhang
3. Amerimax Home Products Gutter Guard
The gutter guard market is vast, but it’s a challenge to find one that doesn’t take much effort to install. Until now. This gutter guard system from Amerimax is all about making life easier for a homeowner.
One person can install an entire house of protection within a fraction of the time of others. Slide the guard under your shingles then lock the lip on the front of the gutter. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
This gutter guard is also one that’s made to last. It features powder-coated steel to handle all weather conditions and suits most K-style gutter systems. It’s also made in the United States and comes with a generous decade-long warranty.
The only thing you may struggle with is a lack of instructions. With a product such as this, you have to use your DIY instinct and make it work for your roof type. There’s no one correct installation method, so instructions won’t be any use.
Features
- Black color scheme
- Four, five, and six-inch sizing options
- K-style gutter-compatibility
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Lock-in installation style
- Ten-year warranty
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Straightforward to install
- It blends in with the roof
- You can choose a size to suit your gutter system
- It keeps out most debris
- Robust materials that handle the elements
- The lock-in installation system makes life easier
- Generous warranty period
Cons
- Doesn’t come with instructions
4. Gutter Cups Gutter Guards, the Best Gutter Cover Protection
Not everyone is a DIY expert, which is why many people may put off the purchase of a gutter guard system. Some people would rather get up on a ladder to remove debris than fit with a drill and screws to put a gutter guard in place.
That’s no longer a problem thanks to this gutter guard from Gutter Cups. You can buy as many as you need, sit them in your gutters, then let them take care of business. They are a multiple barrier protection system with a perforated outer shell. They take care of debris, leaves, and anything else that threatens to block your gutters.
Leaves can sit on top of them, but the water will still flow freely through your spouting, causing no problems at all. They are flexible, sturdy, require no installation tools or clips, and take mere seconds to install. You can even cut them to size, and buy as many feet as you need to do the job.
These gutter guards are revolutionary, as there are few systems like it on the market. Say goodbye to DIY and blocked gutters and hello to a simple yet effective system.
Features
- Residential gutter fit
- Multiple barrier protection system
- Perforated outer shell
- UV-protected
- Polymer construction
- Tool-less installation
Pros
- They are ideal for use in all weather conditions
- Affordable to buy
- They require minimal effort during installation
- You don’t need tools or clips to install them
- They block leaves and debris
- They don’t impede the flow of water
- Ideal for most residential gutters
- They are flexible and tough
- You can cut them to size
Cons
- Pine needles can block them
5. The Gutter Guard Downspout Gutter Guard
When you’re tired of your downspout getting clogged up with leaves and debris, then it might be time to invest in this gutter guard specifically for a downspout. Not only does it work on its own, but you can pair it with another gutter guard system for the full package.
You can buy it in green or white, enjoy its two-in-three compatibility, and get peace of mind that it suits most residential homes. It’s also made in the USA and is affordable to buy. You may not like that you have to assemble it, but when you see how effortless the installation process is, you won’t mind. It takes mere minutes to put it in place, with no tools or clips required.
The goal of this gutter guard system is to blow the leaves up then out of your spout. They do what they are supposed to most of the time, but they also clog quickly. Once leaves plug them, they can attract mosquitos. For some people, the hole is also too small, and it can’t let water flow through quickly enough.
It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and see if this gutter guard system is right for you.
Features
- White or green
- Downspout-compatible
- Five-inch gutter compatibility
- Tool-less installation
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Affordable to buy
- Easy care
- You can choose the color that suits the best
- They push leaves up so that they blow away
- They stop downspouts from clogging
- You don’t need any tools for installation
- Made in the USA
- Robust materials
Cons
- The downspout hole is too small to deal with large volumes of water
- It blocks quickly, attracting mosquitos
- You have to assemble them yourself
6. Joylight Stainless Steel Filter Strainer Gutter Guard
Cleaning out your gutters can be quite a messy job and one that’s not necessary if you invest in a gutter guard. When you want to say goodbye to this terrible chore, get gutter guards, then match them with these downspout guards from Joylight.
At three inches round, they are more than suitable for a range of residential downspout systems. You get them in a pack of four, and the installation process is as easy as popping them over your pipes. They then do all the hard work for you. They will stop all those drain-blocking debris types from getting into your spouting, while even boasting a flow direction slot gap and a spherical shield head.
Sealing the deal is the robust stainless-steel construction and ten-year lifespan. They are bound to put a smile on your face once you seem them in action.
Features
- Three inches
- Stainless-steel filtration
- Four pack
- 2.5-3.7-inch drainage hole compatibility
- Spherical shield head
- Flow direction slot gap
- Ten-year lifespan
Pros
- They won’t rust or corrode
- They don’t require tools
- Installation is as easy as pushing them into your downspout
- They last for a long time
- They stop leaves and debris from entering your downspout
Cons
- For best effect, you need gutter guards on your spouting too
7. Amerimax Home Hoover Dam Gutter Guard
Living in a high rainfall area comes with many challenges, but it could be worse if you didn’t have a gutter guard. When there’s heavy rainfall, it doesn’t take long for your gutters to block. A few pieces of debris can impede the water flow, leaving nowhere for it to go except over the top of the gutter system.
This gutter guard can be a game changer. It’s black so that you won’t see it on your roof, and you can choose one of three sizes to suit your K-style guttering. The dam style of this gutter guard also means that even in the heaviest rainfall, it does the job well.
If that’s not enough to convince you to buy them, then the generous 15-year warranty and straightforward installation process might. Even though they take a long time to install, and you need to supply self-tapping sheet metal screws, it’s going to be one of the best house additions you ever made. There’ll be no more gutter cleaning for anyone!
Features
- Black color scheme
- Four, five, and six-inch K-style gutter compatibility
- Dam-style for heavy rainfall
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Neutral color
- 15-year warranty
Pros
- Plenty of sizing options
- Ideal for areas with heavy rainfall
- Keeps fine and large particles out of your gutters
- They last a long time
- Generous warranty period
- Simple installation process
Cons
- You have to supply self-tapping sheet metal screws
- They can take a long time to install
8. Amerimax Home Gutter Guards
It’s time to get serious about your gutters with these gutter guards from Amerimax Home Products. If you’re tired of the mess and fuss caused by overflowing gutters, then change it with this simple yet effective guarding system.
These guards work by encouraging leaves and debris to blow off your roof, rather than laying to rest in your gutters. They have a low-profile design, blend in with your roof, and come with a perforated surface to let the water run through. What’s more, they are stronger than most due to the installation of them both on your guttering and home’s fascia board.
If there’s anything you won’t like, it’s the tedium of installation. It can take a long time. They are also quite expensive, with only enough for around half a house in any one box. If you live in an area with extreme winters, the ice may also pose problems.
Features
- Gray color scheme
- Low profile design
- 20-year warranty
- Pro-pack quantity
- 50 pieces
- Perforated surface
Pros
- They prevent clogged gutters
- They encourage leaves to blow off your house
- They blend in with your roof line
- You can screw them to your gutter and the fascia board
- They are strong
- Generous two-decade warranty
- You get 50 pieces in a pack
Cons
- You need at least two packs for an average house
- They are expensive
- They take a long time to install
- They cause ice formation in winter
9. Nie Zle Flo-Free Gutter Guard
If you have your caulking gun at the ready to fix the major flaw in this gutter guard, then there’s every reason to add it to your shopping cart. When you install these foam gutter guards, there’s a slight gap between the roof and gutter.
It might not seem like a problem at first, but it becomes one as it traps leaves. You can avoid this right away by plugging the gap as you install them. Once you do, it’s smooth sailing from there on in.
They are suitable for six-inch gutters, come with 36 feet of gutter guards in a box, and won’t succumb to UV rays either. You can use them for all K-style gutters and enjoy the patented design and lifetime warranty that comes with them.
They let rain flow through, don’t clog, and blend in with your roof. They are an excellent option when you’re trying to avoid clogged gutters and have a DIY solution available to help it be effective.
Features
- Six-inch width
- 36 feet per box
- UV protection
- Lifetime warranty
- K-style gutter compatibility
- Patented design
Pros
- They allow a lot of rain to flow through
- The slick surface stops foliage from hanging around for too long
- Generous lifetime warranty
- They don’t clog
- They blend in with your roof
Cons
- There is a gap between the roof and gutter which catches leaves
10. Allu Gutter Guard
If you’re on a budget, but would still prefer not to clean out your gutters as often, then check out this gutter guard from Allu. As a roll of plastic mesh, it’s a universal gutter guard system that will take care of most debris that falls into your spouting.
The roll is 16 feet long, six inches wide, and will suit all residential guttering. How? You cut it to size! Once you unroll it, you slice it to fit then install it under the roof tiles. It then gets right to work blocking large debris from causing blockages.
The only downside is the time it takes to install it. It can be quite fiddly with all the cutting and securing in place, but will be a treat once it’s in place.
Features
- Plastic mesh construction
- 16 feet long
- Six inches wide
- Universal fit
Pros
- It keeps out leaves
- You can cut the mesh to fit
- Easy to install under your roofing tiles
- Affordable to buy
- You can unroll it easily
Cons
- Takes a long time to install
Considerations for Purchasing a Gutter Guard
One of the least liked chores for the average American is gutter cleaning. There’s a lot of gunk and disgusting stuff up on your roof, and if you can avoid touching it, then why wouldn’t you? That’s where a gutter guard system comes in.
The goal of it is to eliminate blockages, which means you don’t have to clean out your spouting. However, technology and style differs, depending on the manufacturer. Review your options and find out which setup would be best for your home. Here’s what to consider.
- Compatibility
Everyone’s home spouting is different. Some are three inches; others are four, five, or six. It all differs. You need to make sure the guttering system will fit your home by finding out what the manufacturer recommends. Read the comments too.
- Materials
Because the styling of guards differs from one brand to the next, so too will the materials. Pay attention to the content and durability. Aluminum tends to be the most common and hardy, but it’s troublesome in extreme winter weather.
Plastic is affordable and pliable, but it can also be brittle. Foam can also be worth considering, but it can rot over time. Weigh up the pros and cons, read the feedback, and choose the best materials for your climate. - Effectiveness
The most important thing to know about a gutter guard is whether it’s going to work. None are perfect, stopping all debris from going through your gutters, but it should take care of most. To get the most honest answer about whether it does, refer to the comments. Someone with a decent or horrible experience will gladly let you know.
- Installation
If you’re not much of a DIY expert, then you should weigh up the pros and cons of buying gutter guards that require intense installation. Some of the best systems on the market take the longest time to install, but the payoff is worth it. Others work reasonably well and require no time at all. Find a happy balance between installation time and effectiveness.
Last update on 2020-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API