Cleaning the gutter guards along a house’s roof is a nasty job, but it’s critical to keep this stormwater drainage system clear of blockages. Decomposing leaves, twigs, and other debris can cause gutter system clogs, driving water over the gutter’s side and potentially causing damage to foundation plantings and the foundation itself.
Fortunately, you don’t have to teeter on a ladder twice a year to keep your gutter system free. Rain gutter guards, which are simple to install, keep debris from blocking gutters and help to remove this problem. We put a slew of these items through rigorous testing in a range of categories in order to assess their performance on a variety of levels. Continue reading to learn more about gutter protection and our tried-and-true recommendations for the best gutter guards on the market.
How can you clean gutters without having to remove gutter guards?
While gutter guards help to keep heavier material out, the gutters must still be cleaned. To clean the gutters without removing the gutter guards, follow these simple instructions.
- To collect falling debris, use a drop cloth at the bottom of the ladder.
- Set up the ladder and secure it to keep it from falling or shifting.
- Put on your safety gloves and ascend the ladder to reach the gutters.
- Remove any debris that has accumulated on top of the gutter guards.
- Rinse the gutters with a hose or power washer to break up any clumps of small debris and remove extra dirt and debris.
Can gutter guards be installed under shingles?
The method of installation varies depending on the type of gutter guard, although some products are installed beneath the first or second row of shingles.
How effective are gutter guards in heavy rain?
Most gutter guards can handle heavy rain, though guards that are clogged with leaves or branches may struggle to keep up with the fast-flowing water. This is why, during the spring and fall seasons, when falling debris from neighbouring foliage is at its worst, it’s critical to inspect and clean both the gutters and the guards.
1. Superior Gutter Guards
This micro-mesh gutter guard made of sturdy stainless steel prevents the accumulation of leaves, twigs, mud, and debris. The strong metal frame slides beneath the first row of shingles, with the opposite side of the guard resting on the gutter’s edge. Secure the gutter guard to the roof and the gutter to ensure that the drainage system is protected all year round, regardless of the weather.
This micro-mesh gutter guard system is 48 feet long and is designed to fit conventional 5-inch gutter systems. The raised pattern on the mesh slows the flow of water, allowing it to drain into the gutter below, while debris rolls down the top of the guard. To help debris slide or blow off the gutter guard, place it at the same sloping angle as the roof.
Superior Gutter Guards outperform all other options on the best gutter guards list in terms of build quality. They’re fairly strong yet not overly tough to cut. Furthermore, the raised pattern on the micro mesh appeared to aid in strength. These gutter guards are unlikely to catch any debris, making them one of the most effective solutions. However, while the maker states that the guards have various mounting options, the only technique we found successful in testing was under the shingle, which made the guards visible from the front yard.
Features:
- Very durable
- Debris washes off easily
- Appears to be the most effective option
2. Raptor Gutter Guard Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh
This stainless steel best gutter guards has a fine yet sturdy mesh that protects even the smallest wind-blown seeds from entering your gutters. The tough micro-mesh cover can be slipped beneath the lower row of roof tiles, and the outside edge is screwed to the gutter for added security. Raptor’s V-bend technology improves filtering power and increases mesh strength, allowing it to withstand particles without sagging.
The Raptor gutter cover fits regular 5-inch gutters and is available in 48-foot lengths of easy-to-handle 5-foot strips. The screws and nut-driver socket required for installation are supplied.
The Raptor Gutter Guard system proved to be a fantastic DIY alternative, and we liked how it offered multiple installation techniques, such as placing directly across the gutter or beneath the roof shingles, depending on the situation. However, even with an excellent set of snips, we found the stainless steel material to be exceedingly difficult to cut, which speaks to its durability. Everything that might be expected was collected by the stainless steel mesh, which is also easily removable for cleaning.
Features:
- Flexible mounting styles
- Easy to remove for cleaning
- Stainless steel mesh
3. Amerimax Home Products 636025 Lock-In Gutter Guard
Even inexperienced DIYers may find it simple to install the Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard. This screen-style gutter guards is intended to slip beneath the first row of shingles and then snap over the gutter’s outer border. Its adaptable design allows it to work with 4-, 5-, and 6-inch gutter systems.
The Amerimax Home Products gutter guard is made of rust-resistant powder-coated steel and will keep leaves and debris out while allowing even the heaviest downpour to pass through. It comes in 3-foot strips that are easy to handle and can be installed without the use of any tools.
The hardware-free installation performed admirably in testing and was so secure that manually removing the gutter guard proved difficult. We liked how easy it was to cut the screen and how versatile it could be mounted (we couldn’t fit it under our shingles, so we put it across the top of the gutter). It did a fair job of keeping debris out, but smaller particles got in. The only significant issue was getting the guard off since the cut mesh got caught on the brackets.
Features:
- Locking design works well
- Easy to cut
- Flexible installation options
4. FlexxPoint 30 Year Gutter Cover System, 5″
The FlexxPoint 5″ Gutter Cover System protects against drooping and collapse even under heavy leaf or snow accumulation. It is reinforced with raised ridges that span the length of the strip and is constructed of lightweight, rustproof aluminium. The screen gutter guard features a low-key design that is not visible from the ground.
With the provided screws, this dependable gutter guard is attached to the outer border of the gutter. There’s no need to slip it beneath the shingles because it snaps into place. It is available in 22-, 102-, 125-, 200-, and 204-foot lengths and in black, white, brown, and matte.
Certain aspects of the FlexxPoint Gutter Cover System truly stood out during testing. It was the only system that required screws not only in the front but also in the back of the gutter. This makes it exceedingly strong and stable—it will not come out on its own under any circumstances. And, despite its toughness, it’s not difficult to cut. It is not visible from the ground, which is a great advantage for a heavy-duty guard. We discovered, however, that it collects heavier detritus, which must be manually (albeit simply) removed. It is the best gutter guards.
Features:
- Super-secure installation system
- Very heavy duty
- Invisible from the ground
5. Thermwell Frost King VX620 6″x20′ Plastic Guard
For those who would rather not invest in a costly stainless steel device, this Frost King gutter guard by Thermwell is a low-cost plastic solution that protects the gutter system from huge debris and pests such as mice and birds. The plastic screen gutter guard comes in a 6-inch by 20-foot roll and may be cut to suit the gutter with regular scissors.
The gutter guard is simple to install and requires no screws, tacks, nails, or other fasteners. Simply insert the guard into the gutter, making sure that the middle of the guard is bent up toward the gutter entrance rather than forming a trough where debris would gather. The plastic material will not rust or corrode, and it is fairly resistant to high temperature changes, so the gutters will be protected all year.
During testing, the low-cost Thermwell Frost King system proved to be a viable choice. The screen was simple to cut to 4- and 5-foot lengths while standing on the ground, and because the plastic is so light, we had no trouble lifting it up a ladder (which can be a challenge with heavier materials). However, because they don’t employ hardware to hold them in place, we found these gutter guards to be fairly difficult to install effectively.
Features:
- Lightweight
- Very affordable
- Easy to cut
6. A-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Gutter Guard 5″
Those who do not want gutter guards to be seen from below may be interested in the A-M Gutter Guard Aluminum 5″ Gutter Guard. The perforated panel is made of industrial-grade aluminium and has 380 holes per linear foot to withstand heavy rains. It fits snuggly inside the top of the gutter and is nearly inconspicuous once installed, ensuring that nothing detracts from the aesthetics of a roof.
The panel, which has slip-under shingle support and is tabbed for easy installation, attaches to the gutter’s outside lip using self-tapping screws (not included). It is intended for 5-inch gutters and is available in lengths of 23, 50, 100, and 200 feet. This product is also available in 23-, 50-, and 200-foot lengths for 6-inch gutters.
We had a love-hate connection with the A-M Gutter Guard system throughout testing. Yes, it’s a high-quality system with reinforced ridges along the length of the guard that can’t be seen from the ground. It’s simple to cut and install, even around brackets, and it’s effective at enabling water to flow and collecting trash. However, it does not include the required self-tapping screws! All of the other systems that required fasteners had them as well. This system will also clog with heavier particles, necessitating periodic repair.
Features:
- Durable reinforcement ridges
- Easy to cut
- Invisible from the ground
7. GutterBrush Gutter Guard
This brush gutter guard includes a stainless steel wire core that is flexible enough to bend around corners. The UV-resistant polypropylene brush bristles reach out roughly 4.5 inches from the core, allowing the entire gutter guard to fit easily into standard-size (5-inch) gutters.
The gutter guard is available in lengths ranging from 6 to 120 feet and is very simple to install without the use of fasteners: Simply insert the guard into the gutter and gently press down until the guard is at the bottom of the gutter. The bristles allow water to flow easily through the gutter while keeping leaves, twigs, and other big debris out of the drainage system.
The beauty of the GutterBrush gutter guard system, as stated above, proved to be its ease of installation during testing. The system is compatible with both fascia-mounted and shingle-mounted brackets, making it the most versatile of the best gutter guards we examined. They allow for plenty of water flow, however we found them to be prone to clogging with bigger particles. While large debris is easily removed, we discovered that the GutterBrush is not a maintenance-free solution.
Features:
- Universal fit
- Incredibly easy to install
- Allows plenty of waterflow
8. Gutter Cups Gutter Guards
best gutter guards made of foam and brush are simple to install, but so are gutter cups! There are no tools or clips required for installation. Simply lay the cups in the gutter one after the other, so that the edges contact. They will nestle into your gutters, where they will be safe from the elements. These are also reasonably priced, costing less than the usual. While they are not as cheap as other competitors, they are affordable for the majority of individuals.
With a perforated outer shell and a barrier at each end, these cups provide barrier protection in your gutter. When debris passes through the other shell, the closed ends prevent it from entering the gutter or downspout. This permits water to flow freely without the possibility of clogging caused by detritus.
The cups are composed of UV-protected polymer that is both robust and flexible. It is designed to suit all standard gutters without requiring any modifications to the product or your roof.
Features:
- Fits all standard gutters
- Allows rain to flow freely
- Easy to install without any tools
Conclusion:
We found the Raptor Gutter Guard to be the overall best gutter guards since it is robust, functional, and flexible. Those searching for a genuinely heavy-duty solution, on the other hand, may pick the FlexxPoint Gutter Cover System due to its sturdy design and ultra-secure installation. Thank you very much for taking the time to read our article.
