When it comes to weatherproofing your home, insulation gets most of the attention. Properly insulating your home will save you on heating and cooling costs in the winter and summer. But it’s also important to consider the rainy season. Without proper drainage, water damage can occur in your windows, walls and foundation.
That’s why an effective gutter system is an important part of the puzzle when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. But if you have gutters, you’re probably well aware of how much of a hassle keeping them clean can be. Twigs, leaves and other debris can flow into the gutter system, preventing proper drainage and possibly leading to damage. Getting your gutters professionally cleaned can cost a lot and doing it yourself can be difficult and time-consuming. While you won’t be able to eliminate the need for regular cleaning, a gutter guard can be a great way to protect your gutters and keep debris out.
Gutter guards come in many shapes and forms, ranging from foam liners to plastic guards to heavy-duty stainless steel pieces. These liners allow leaves, rocks and twigs to sit on top of the gutter while allowing water to flow through. This will help prevent debris from clogging the flow of water. We’ve rounded up some of the best gutter guards you can buy right now. Check them out below.
1. Raptor Gutter Guard
Raptor Gutter Guard is one of the sturdiest options on this list. While that does come at cost, this option is unique in that it combines the hardiness of steel with the benefits of a fine filter. While some metal options have larger holes that can let small debris through, this gutter guard has a very fine mesh that allows water to flow freely while keeping twigs and small leaves out. It comes with the necessary installation hardware, and it fits any standard 5-inch or smaller gutter.
Pros: Fine mesh filter made from stainless steel that helps to block out debris of all sizes.
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
2. FlexxPoint Gutter Cover System
This gutter guard is made from lightweight but sturdy aluminum, which is manufactured in the US. It has small holes throughout that allow the water to easily flow through and drain out of the gutters, while keeping debris out. The guard comes in easy, 4-foot long sections, making installation a breeze. The guard has a wave shape, helping to diffuse weight and reducing strain on your gutters. And while it can’t be seen from the ground, the guards come in several colors, so at least the birds flying over will be able to acknowledge your good taste.
Pros: Easy 4-foot sections that make installation easier. Made in the US. Available in several sizes and colors to suit your gutter.
Cons: Holes are a little larger, potentially letting in pine needles and other small debris.
3. E-Z-GUTTER GUARD
This easy option is a good pick for blocking out larger leaves from the gutter. It’s designed to easily snap into place, and the convex shape prevents it from bending inward under the weight of debris. It can be installed and removed without the use of tools, making installation and maintenance easy. However, the larger gaps mean it’s not ideal if your roof is directly under a pine tree or tree with other small needles and leaves.
Pros: Easily snaps into place without the use of tools. Curved shape prevents it from bending inward. Made from durable aluminum.
Cons: Only intended for 5-inch K-style gutters. Not ideal for keeping out small debris like pine needles.
4. GutterStuff Guard 5-Inch K Style Foam Gutter
This clever option is a foam wedge that fits into any 5-inch K-style gutter. Other sizes are available, including options for 4-inch and 6-inch gutters. Since the gutter guard is made out of foam, rather than mesh, it completely blocks out large and small debris from entering the gutter. The porous foam allows water to continue to flow through the gutters. Since the guard slots into the gutter, it can’t be seen from the ground.
Pros: Easy install, foam is dense enough to block out debris of all sizes but porous enough to allow water to flow through.
Cons: May not be ideal for very heavy rains. Maple “helicopter” seeds can potentially get caught in the foam and start growing.
5. A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard 5″
This gutter guard from A-M is made in the US from sturdy, rust-proof aluminum. It has a waved design to bear weight without bending. With 380 holes per foot, it’ll effectively keep out smaller debris while easily allowing water to flow through. It’s designed for hidden hangers and it works with K-style hangers as well. It’s available in a variety of lengths to fit your gutters, and you can even order a 6-inch sample to see if it works for you.
Pros: Made-in-US from rust-proof aluminum. Blocks out debris while allowing water to flow. Suits a variety of gutter styles.
Cons: Requires zip screws, which are not included.