6 Types of Gutter Guards: Which Option Is Best for Your Home?

If you've noticed that your gutters frequently get clogged with leaves and other debris, adding gutter guards can help. There are several types of gutter guards to choose from, and cost, performance, and appearance are just some of the factors you’ll want to consider when shopping. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and costs of six popular types of gutter guards.

1. Mesh Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $2–$7 per linear foot

In addition to being a long-lasting option, mesh provides a great way to keep larger debris out of gutters. For this reason, it's a top choice if you live in an area with heavy foliage. Another benefit is that it's very easy to brush debris away from the mesh after heavy storms deposit clumps of leaves and twigs at your gutters.

Pros:

• Rugged

• Good for harsh weather

• Can last up to 20 years

• Keeps debris out effectively

• Low profile won't spoil curb appeal

• Allows for water flow through gutters

Cons:

• Not ideal for DIY installation

• Some styles are expensive

• Larger holes can require more maintenance

2. Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $2–$8.50 per linear foot

Micro-mesh gutter guards possess many of the same qualities as ordinary mesh gutter guards. With micro-mesh, the maximum size of the particles that can pass through the filter is much smaller. In addition to keeping out more debris, micro-mesh gutter guards are actually more attractive because the holes are so tightly compacted that they are nearly invisible.

Micro-mesh gutter guards are typically made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. People like micro-mesh gutter guards because they are a long-lasting, inconspicuous option that can keep out large amounts of debris in rugged weather conditions.

Pros:

• Can last 20 to 30 years

• Very durable in harsh climates

• Keep out debris of all sizes

• Great for directing water flow from your foundation

Cons:

• Require annual cleaning and maintenance

• Costs more than other options

• Professional installation is required

3. Screen Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $1–$2.50 per linear foot

The concept behind screen gutter guards is similar to the concept behind the screens we use on our windows. These screens have large holes that keep debris out while still allowing for air and water flow. Screen gutter guards can be placed directly on top of your old gutters without any complex retrofitting. You do need to be diligent about having screen guards cleaned at least once per year to avoid problems. Cleaning this type of gutter guard requires you to remove each screen.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Great for blocking larger debris

• Can typically be done with either DIY or professional installation

Cons:

• Larger holes can allow some debris to pass through

• Screens must be removed and cleaned at least once annually

4. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $3.50–$7

This clever design allows water to flow around your guard to get to the gutter. While water can flow freely, debris is cut off in its tracks. You don't have to worry about debris piling up at the block-off point because reverse-curve gutter guards actually make it easy for debris to simply trickle down.

While this is an innovative choice, it's not necessarily an aesthetic choice. You'll need to be okay with having noticeable leaf guards if you select this option. Installation is also complex. During installation, it's necessary to lift roof shingles.

Pros:

• One of the best for allowing proper water flow

• Allow debris to slide down without clumping

• Great for blocking large debris

Cons:

• Requires professional installation

• Can damage the roof if installed incorrectly

• Alters the appearance of your home

• More expensive than many other options

5. Foam Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $1.50–$3 per linear foot

Foam can be a good budget option if you're looking for a simple fix for clogged gutters. Foam gutter guards essentially slip right into the gutter without the need for a custom fit.

While foam is often touted as being a great budget pick, the reality is that it comes with some hidden costs. Unlike options that last 20 years, foam gutter guards can start to deteriorate after just a few seasons. They are also a little bit difficult to clean because they need to be removed and replaced every time you clean out your gutters. Finally, foam isn't necessarily the best material for helping debris to channel through your gutters. In fact, debris will generally just pile on top of foam. This can damage both your foam gutter guards and your actual gutter system.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Quick DIY installation

• Can fit essentially any gutter style

Cons:

• Removing foam for cleaning is a time-consuming task

• Debris will pile on top of foam

• Not the best for allowing air and water to flow through gutters

6. Brush Gutter Guards

Typical cost: $3–$6 per linear foot

As the name suggests, a brush gutter guard looks exactly like a large-bristled brush that rests inside your gutter. When inserted into gutters, it can look like a fuzzy caterpillar. The open-air design of this type of gutter guard is great for allowing air and water to pass through. However, the "spiny" quality of the brush gutter guard prevents debris from getting through.

Brush gutter guards excel at blocking pinecones, leaves, and other types of large debris. However, fine particles can often get through. This includes pine needles and small twigs. Once these materials get tangled up in a brush gutter guard, they can be difficult to remove.

Pros:

• Easy to install

• Easy to replace

• Easy to remove for cleaning

• Allows for good air and water flow

Cons:

• Not that affordable when considering performance

• Smaller particles can stick to the brush

• Clogs easily

• Requires ongoing maintenance

Common Gutter Guard Materials

The various gutter guard materials each have their own pros and cons—some are more durable than others, while some have the benefit of being more cost-effective. 

1. Plastic: Plastic gutter guards are a budget-friendly option, but they’re much less durable and have shorter lifespans than gutter guards made from metal. In addition, the mesh screens and drainage openings on plastic guards are less precise and can prevent water from filtering properly.

2. Aluminum: Aluminum is one step up from plastic—it’s more durable, has a longer lifespan, and is corrosion-resistant. It doesn’t last as long as steel, but it is a cost-effective option.

3. Stainless steel: Stainless steel is the strongest, most durable gutter guard material you can choose. Some premium brands will manufacture gutter guards with marine-grade stainless steel, which is also known as surgical-grade stainless steel. Made from an alloy of molybdenum, nickel, and chromium, marine-grade stainless steel is resistant to erosion. This material is also more precise; because steel is stronger than plastic or aluminum, the mesh screens can be made finer and can therefore catch more debris while allowing good water flow.

How to Choose the Best Gutter Guard for Your Home

With so many types of gutter guards out there, it can be hard to find the best option for your home. If you're in a pinch, foam and brush gutter guards can be good for quickly getting guards in place to prevent serious damage to your gutters. If you're looking for a long-term solution, mesh, micro-mesh, and reverse-curve gutter guards are considered the premium options. While mesh and micro-mesh are great for creating "invisible" protection, reverse-curve gutter guards deliver added innovation if you're ready to accept the fact that your guards will be more visible.

DIY Gutter Guard Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

It's important to know that gutter overflow is a serious problem that can eventually ruin your home's roof or foundation. Gutter guards are worth the cost if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall and is heavily wooded, which is the perfect combination for many weekends spent cleaning out gutters.

You can certainly have success with DIY gutter guards. However, homeowners should consider a few things before making a decision. Improper installation could be giving you a false sense of security while excessive water damage is slowly cracking your home's foundation. What's more, improperly installed guards can actually put pressure on your gutters until they begin to sag or pull away from your home. Finally, damaging your gutters or roof while installing DIY gutter guards could void warranties.

Most local gutter installers also install gutter guards. They can offer you access to high-quality products with warranties. What's even more important is that they can ensure an expert-level installation that's going to keep your gutters protected for years to come. This can save you from a pricey and unexpected gutter replacement cost down the line. Pros can even make custom recommendations based on the style, age, and positioning of your home.