Gutters divert water away from your home, but they can clog and stop working without routine maintenance. You can invest in gutter guards to avoid the inconvenience of climbing a ladder and cleaning your gutters twice or more a year. These products won’t eliminate the need for cleaning but will significantly decrease how often you have to do it.
The 9 Best Gutter Guards of 2023
Our team researched extensively and created an in-depth methodology to identify the best gutter guard services and products on the market. Here are our top nine recommendations.
- LeafFilter: Our Top Pick
- LeafGuard: Best Reverse-Curve
- HomeCraft: Best Design
- All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable
- Gutter Guards America: Best Materials
- Raptor: Best DIY Option
- A-M Gutter Guard: Best Screen Gutter Guard
- Amerimax Home Products: Most Affordable
- GutterBrush: Best Brush Gutter Guard
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A+ | Visit Site |
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Our Top Professionally Installed Gutter Guards of 2023
Getting gutter guards installed can help prevent damage to your home’s fascia, cladding, and foundation by keeping gutters free of clogs that cause rainwater to spill over. Gutter guards also cut down on how often you need to clean out leaves and debris but do not completely eliminate the need for routine maintenance. A professional installer saves you the hassle of a DIY install and typically offers a more durable product than what you can find from non-specialty retailers.
Here are our top picks for the best professional gutter guards:
| Gutter Guard (Brand) | Design | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeafFilter | Micro-mesh | Lifetime, transferable | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit |
| LeafGuard | Reverse-curve | Lifetime finish warranty, transferable | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects |
| HomeCraft Gutter Protection | Micro-mesh | Lifetime, transferable | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit |
| All American Gutter Protection | Micro-mesh | Lifetime | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit |
| Gutter Guards America | Micro-mesh | Lifetime, transferable | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit |
LeafFilter
LeafFilter
Best OverallWhat We Like
The LeafFilter gutter guard is a three-piece design that includes a durable uPVC frame, stainless steel micro-mesh filter, and hidden internal hangers. These hangers attach to your home’s fascia board to reinforce the entire gutter system. LeafFilter’s ultra-fine mesh can block debris as small as shingle grit and pollen.
Pros and Cons
- Includes a transferable lifetime warranty
- Makes gutter guards with 275-micron stainless steel mesh
- Offers new gutter installation if needed
- Doesn’t provide cost information without a home inspection
- Has received negative customer feedback for its assertive sales strategies
What To Expect
You can request a no-obligation estimate from LeafFilter over the phone or via its online contact form. When we requested an estimate, LeafFilter notified us that a home inspection would be required before providing any pricing information. Below, we’ve outlined the general inspection and installation process:
- A LeafFilter technician will inspect your home, measuring the gutters and looking for defective sections that may need repair or replacement.
- After you sign the contract, an installer or team of installers will come on the scheduled date to install the gutter guard system and clean up any debris.
- You may register your lifetime warranty on LeafFilter’s website once installation is complete.
What Customers Are Saying
After analyzing LeafFilter customer reviews published with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we found that many customers were pleased with LeafFilter’s gutter guard and installation process. Some customers were displeased with the company’s sales tactics, mentioning that they felt pressured to sign a contract to lock in a lower price than originally quoted. Here are two recent LeafFilter reviews:
The LeafFilter system is working perfectly; only water gets into the gutters. The system was installed the day after the sale was finished. One person cleaned the gutters and down spouts, added diverters, and installed the drip edge and the leaf guard filters in 2 days (Saturday and Sunday). The installer was knowledgeable and courteous, and kept me posted on his progress throughout the installation. I recommend the LeafFilter system for anyone who wants to eliminate cleaning their gutters for the rest of their life (guaranteed and transferrable to the next owner as well, by LeafFilter).” —Bob N, May 6, 2023, on BBB
“I requested to get a quote so I would be able to compare companies on the product and prices. When the sales person did not like that we wanted to review and compare quotes from other companies he would not leave us a written scope of work or quote. He just left some numbers on a piece of paper. Very unprofessional in my opinion. He wanted an answer at that time for the lowest price on the piece of paper. I wanted to find out how he came up with the price and what material is being used in writing.” —Kenneth R, September 7, 2022, on BBB
LeafGuard
LeafGuard
Best Reverse-CurveWhat We Like
LeafGuard has been in the gutter guard industry for more than 29 years, and its gutter system is backed by the Good Housekeeping Institute. The company offers a unique rain gutter and gutter guard combination seamlessly constructed from a single piece of aluminum. The reverse-curve design blocks debris while routing water into your gutters using the scientific principle of liquid adhesion. Professional installers custom-fit the product to each home during installation.
Pros and Cons
- Guarantees product won’t clog for the life of your home
- Features a sturdy single-piece reverse-curve design
- Includes ScratchGuard paint finish for durability
- Requires a full gutter system replacement
- Does not provide pricing information online
What To Expect
You can call LeafGuard’s toll-free number or fill out its online form to request an estimate. When we filled out the online form, we learned that LeafGuard will not provide an estimate without visiting the home. A representative contacted us shortly after submitting the form and confirmed this information. Here is what the estimate and installation process looks like:
- A LeafGuard installer will visit your home to assess and measure the existing gutter system, providing an estimate on-site.
- On the scheduled installation day, a LeafGuard installer will return to your home and custom-fit the one-piece LeafGuard gutter and gutter guard system to your home.
- The installer will fine-tune the new gutter system, installing structural hangers and adjusting the pitch before cleaning any debris from your property.
- Once the LeafGuard system is installed, you should register your lifetime finish warranty on the company’s website.
What Customers Are Saying
LeafGuard has mixed customer reviews on sites such as BBB and Trustpilot. Satisfied customers mention the company’s professionalism and the effectiveness of the product after years of use. Unsatisfied customers focused on unsatisfactory salesmanship of LeafGuard representatives or performance issues after installation. Here are two recent LeafGuard reviews:
“Excellent product, had Leafguard on our house in PA and just had them installed here in SC. Two guys, [LeafGuard installer] and [LeafGuard installer] completed the install in one day, took away the old gutters and took time to explain the system as there have been several upgrades since we first had them installed in PA. Expensive, yeah, but you get what you pay for. Top mount gutter filters sound good but when soggy leaves accumulate on them, they need to be cleaned off. Not with LeafGuard.” —Bob J, April 13, 2023, on BBB
“This is a very expensive system that says you don’t have to get up on a ladder anymore. This is not true. Also my gutter has an awful leak after spending big money on the system. My gutter is worse than when I started. I do not recommend LeafGuard.” —Denise S, August 9, 2022, on BBB
HomeCraft
HomeCraft
Best DesignWhat We Like
The HomeCraft gutter guard uses patented, diamond-raised technology that performs better than hooded or reverse-curve options. The guards are made from a combination of marine-grade stainless steel and finely woven micro-mesh to block debris while allowing water to flow through.
Pros and Cons
- Has a unique raised-screen design for improved debris filtration
- Is a family-owned and operated business
- Has metal roof compatibility
- Is only available in 12 states
- Does not have pricing information online
What To Expect
Like other professional installers, HomeCraft has a contact form on its website for requesting estimates, or you can call a live agent. Either way, you will need to schedule a home inspection before HomeCraft will provide a quote. The company called us to set up an appointment within minutes after we requested a quote online. Here is what to expect from the inspection and installation process:
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- During the inspection, the HomeCraft representative will measure your gutters, demonstrate the company’s gutter guard, and provide a quote that remains valid for up to one year.
- Prior to installation, HomeCraft will clean, seal, and repair your existing gutter system as necessary.
- The installer will attach the gutter guard and clean any debris.
- You will need to speak to the representative to discuss any necessary steps for registering for the lifetime, transferable warranty.
What Customers Are Saying
HomeCraft has positive customer feedback across popular sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB. Customers praise HomeCraft’s family-owned and operated business for its friendly and knowledgeable sales staff. Negative reviews frequently mention excessive, ongoing sales calls after the prospective customer declined service. Here are two recent HomeCraft reviews:
“I had a terrific experience with [HomeCraft sales representative]. [HomeCraft sales representative] was very knowledgeable about the product and explained to me just why HomeCraft gutter protection is the best. I know that I bought a product that will last a very long time.” —Ronald C, May 15, 2022, on BBB
“This business has been harassing me with telemarketing calls for weeks now. 5+ calls a day, 7 days a week sometimes as late as 10pm. [I] told every single employee on the line that they have the wrong number, there is no one with the name they are asking for and to please not call back and yet here they are calling me again at 2:30 pm on a Sunday.” —Rhi L, January 15, 2023, on BBB
All American Gutter Protection
All American Gutter Protection
Most CustomizableWhat We Like
All American Gutter Protection installs micro-mesh gutter guards custom-fit to your gutters. It can also install new gutters if your current ones aren’t in good condition, custom-forming the seamless gutters in various colors to match your home’s exterior. We also like that All American offers fascia repair and replacement when necessary.
Pros and Cons
- Offers customized installation for each home
- Can replace existing gutter system with seamless gutters that come in various colors
- Provides ongoing discounts for military and seniors
- Has no DIY options
- Limits service to 18 states
What To Expect
To start your All American quote, you will need to request an estimate over the phone or on its website and provide basic contact information. We requested an estimate online, and All American notified us that it would contact us within 12 hours to set up an appointment to visit our home and provide an estimate. Here is what to expect from All American:
- On the day of your scheduled appointment, All American will measure your home’s gutters to provide a gutter guard estimate.
- You can discuss the gutter guard’s lifetime performance guarantee, military and senior discounts, and the available financing options with your sales representative before signing the contract.
- The company will typically schedule the gutter guard installation within two to three days of you signing the contract.
What Customers Are Saying
All American Gutter Protection has overall positive reviews on the BBB. Satisfied customers noted the company’s professional and timely gutter guard installations. We found negative reviews that cited issues with the company honoring its warranty. Here are two All American customer reviews from the BBB:
“I had gutter guards that were placed in one day, the crew that installed them were professional and quick. That was 4 months ago and I am so happy that my gutters no longer get trash or debris in them. Thank you, All American Gutter Protection LLC.” —Monica N, October 23, 2022, on BBB
“Worst warranty ever. Called repeatedly for service with no response. Sales person sold me on the no questions warranty. My gutter performance is now worse than before All American Gutter installed the new system. It’s been almost 2 months since the initial installation with no call back to set up a warranty visit for repair. Do not be fooled as I was. I’ve been chasing them for weeks. The water overflow has repeatedly damaged my property.” —Elias H, July 29, 2022, on BBB
Gutter Guards America
Gutter Guards America
Best MaterialsWhat We Like
Gutter Guards America installs a gutter guard system manufactured by Valor Gutter Guards. This micro-mesh gutter guard system comes with highly durable materials that will last the life of your home. It backs up this quality installation with a transferable lifetime warranty and 100% money-back guarantee.
The high-quality gutter guard system installed by Gutter Guards America is built in the United States using a seamless aluminum frame and surgical-grade stainless steel mesh screen. The absence of plastics, vinyl, and adhesives means you won’t have to worry about any materials swelling, cracking, or degrading over time. Gutter Guards America has a mission to keep you off the ladder, although you’ll still need to do some gutter guard maintenance and cleaning.
Pros and Cons
- Is manufactured in the United States
- Makes gutter guards with surgical-grade stainless steel mesh
- Cleans, realigns, and seals existing gutters during installation
- Does not provide clear pricing information on products or services on its website
- Limits service to four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio
What To Expect
You can call Gutter Guards America or submit your contact information online to request a call back from a representative. We received a call back within one hour of our online request. Similar to other professional installers, Gutter Guards America will first inspect your home’s existing gutter system before providing your estimate. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
- Gutter Guards America will inspect your existing gutter for potential repair or cleaning needs and to take measurements.
- A representative will provide you with an estimate for gutter guard installation and any necessary gutter sealing, reinforcement, or repair.
- The company will return to perform your requested gutter services on the agreed upon date, and you will receive a lifetime, transferable warranty for your new gutter guard.
What Customers Are Saying
We analyzed recent customer reviews for Gutter Guards America on Trustpilot. The overall feedback was positive, with many customers complimenting the company’s professionalism and efficiency. Some mixed and negative reviews mentioned scheduling and communication issues. Here are two recent Gutter Guards America reviews:
“Gutter Guard America got back to me quickly upon my initial inquiry. Within a week, an initial quote and installation occurred. They were professional and got the job completed during the stated time frame. The guards have been performing as advertised.” —Brian J, April 30, 2023, on Trustpilot
“The job was not completed. They ran into a problem. Mr. Yarnell said he would call me on Wednesday, the 4th. No one has called. We are waiting.” —Linda H, May 5, 2022, on Trustpilot
Our Top DIY Gutter Guards of 2023
You can purchase your own gutter guard materials and install them yourself. However, these options are typically less durable and installation can be challenging depending on the product, so take special care in choosing one that meets your needs and abilities.
Here are our top choices for DIY gutter guards:
| Gutter Guard | Design | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor Gutter Guard | Micro-mesh | $2.60 per foot | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles, insects, shingle grit |
| A-M Gutter Guard | Screen | $1.78 per foot | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles |
| Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard | Mesh | $1.33 per foot | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles |
| GutterBrush Gutter Guard | Brush | $3.65 per foot | Leaves, seed pods, pine needles |
Raptor
Raptor
Best DIY Option- Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
- Warranty length: 25 years
- Fit: 5-, 6-, and 7-inch gutters
What We Like
This gutter guard has an ultra-fine mesh to keep out small debris such as seeds and pine needles. The mesh is made from stainless steel and is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Raptor’s gutter guard is available on Amazon and has overall positive customer feedback from more than 4,000 customer reviews.
Pros and Cons
- Offers DIY-friendly micro-mesh stainless steel guards
- Accommodates various installation styles
- Has a 25-year product warranty
- Is hard to cut for installation
- Has smaller mesh holes that can cause overflow issues
Cost
Raptor Gutter Guard is available on Amazon with a listed price of $2.60 per linear foot. For a home with a total gutter length of 200 linear feet, expect to pay $520.
Installation Process
Raptor Gutter Guard comes with a detailed installation guide and the self-tapping screws you need to attach the guard to your home’s fascia board. Note that you may need to bend or cut the gutter guard and should have tin snips on hand.
What Customer Are Saying
Based on more than 100 Amazon reviews we read, satisfied customers said these gutter guards were easy to install because of the instructions, drill bit head, and surplus screws included with the product. The main complaint was that the holes in the mesh were so small they wouldn’t allow all of the water to pass through during a downpour, causing water to flow over the gutters instead.
A-M Gutter Guard
A-M Gutter Guard
Best Screen- Materials: Aluminum
- Warranty length: Lifetime
- Fit: 5- and 6-inch gutters
What We Like
A-M Gutter Guard’s covers have a screen that lays across the top of your gutters to prevent debris from reaching the bottom while allowing water to flow through. The screen also comes with a lifetime warranty that states A-M Gutter Guard will replace the product if it stops working at any time.
Pros and Cons
- Is an affordable, DIY option
- Has a low-profile design that sits below the gutter edge
- Is made from sturdy and rustproof heavy aluminum
- Does not include installation screws
- Allows smaller debris to slip through the filter
Cost
A-M Gutter Guard is available on Amazon for approximately $1.32 per foot for the 200-feet package. For a home with 200 linear feet of gutter length, expect to pay around $264.
Installation Process
Your A-M Gutter Guard will come with an installation guide, but the necessary zip screws must be bought separately. You will need a drill or screwdriver on hand to attach the gutter guard. Tin snips are also necessary in case you need to cut a section to fit your gutters.
What Customer Are Saying
Several Amazon reviewers in wooded areas said this gutter guard kept leaves, twigs, and branches out of their gutters. However, some customers said that it required more maintenance than they expected. For example, the gutter guard formed a valley that collected debris and caused pine needles to get stuck in the holes, forcing customers to clean their gutters multiple times per year. (Most gutter guards require cleaning every one to two years.)
Amerimax
Amerimax
Most Affordable- Materials: Powder-coated steel
- Warranty length: 10-year limited warranty
- Fit: 4-, 5-, and 6-inch gutters
What We Like
This gutter guard is similar to Raptor’s micro-mesh guard except its holes are much bigger, minimizing water overflow. The Amerimax gutter guard comes in 3-foot-long sections, but you can order various pack sizes to ensure you have enough guards to fill all of your gutters. Amerimax manufactures its product in the U.S.
Pros and Cons
- Are easy to cut for customized fitting
- Work with most gutter styles and sizes
- Are rust-resistant
- Have a paint coating that can cause overflow issues
- Allow small debris to still pass through
Cost
Amazon lists the Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard at approximately $1.33 per foot. For a home with a 200-foot gutter length, expect to pay around $266.
Installation Process
You install this product by sliding it under the outermost shingles and clipping the guard onto the front of your home’s gutter. You will not need extra tools, fasteners, or additional hardware.
What Customer Are Saying
Though these guards can be challenging to install, several Amazon customers said they were easier than types requiring fasteners and tools. Some reviews said water rushed right over the gutter cover instead of going through it because of how slick the paint coating is on the steel.
GutterBrush
GutterBrush
Best Brush- Materials: Plastic, steel wire
- Warranty length: 10-year material warranty
- Fit: 5- and 6-inch gutters
What We Like
This gutter guard has plastic bristles wrapped in steel wire and slides directly into your gutter, blocking large debris from getting in while allowing water to seep through. Installation for this guard is quick and simple—it comes in 3-feet sections like the Amerimax mesh guard and easily slides into the gutter.
Pros and Cons
- Is available through many retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s
- Has the quickest installation compared to many other guards
- Fits with most gutter styles
- Filters large debris only
- Can clog more easily than alternative designs
Cost
GutterBrush is available on Amazon for approximately $3.65 per foot. Expect to pay $730 for a home with 200 total feet of gutter length.
Installation Process
Brush-style gutter guards are among the easiest to install. You simply drop the brush sections into your existing gutter. No fasteners are needed. If the length of the last gutter guard section extends past the gutter, you can simply bend the excess back into the gutter.
What Customer Are Saying
Multiple Amazon customers were realistic about how well these gutter covers would work, understanding that they could only keep out large pieces of debris. Because of this, customers occasionally had to rinse smaller debris from the guards. Several customers complained the gutter guard didn’t work well in yards with many trees and became easily clogged by leaves and twigs.
Gutter Guard Buying Guide
Gutter guards can be a self- or professional-install product, depending on where you make a purchase. Both variations typically have warranty protection, but the terms will vary among manufacturers and gutter service providers. The size, material, and appearance of the gutter guard should be key factors to consider when choosing a product for your home.
Installation
DIY gutter guard installation is straightforward if you have basic tools and a ladder and you’re comfortable with heights. DIY gutter guard brands provide hardware, detailed installation instructions, and customer service lines in case you need additional assistance.
Professional guard installers bring a trained eye, enabling them to point out gutter issues, such as sags, leaks, alignment issues, or missing downspouts. Below, Kevin O’Connor demonstrates the installation of a gutter system with a built-in gutter guard tested to effectively handle 32 inches of rain per hour.
Cost
Self-install gutter guards are available from many gutter service providers, home improvement stores, and online retailers. These retailers sell gutter guards in packs of 30 to 50 linear feet. Below, we’ll break down the cost of DIY-installed brands. We calculated the total cost using a home in need of 200 linear feet of gutter guards.
| Brand | Package Price (Amazon) | Price Per Linear Foot | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard | $125 for 48 linear feet | $2.60 per foot | $625 |
| A-M Screen Gutter Guard | $85 for 50 linear feet | $1.70 per foot | $340 |
| GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guard | $66 for 32 linear feet | $2.06 per foot | $462 |
Professional installers seldom provide pricing information for gutter guards without first inspecting your home to determine the required linear footage.
Warranty
Many gutter guard brands come with warranty protection that typically corresponds to the size of the investment. Professional installs are more expensive but often include lifetime, transferable warranties. For DIY gutter guards, you will find that manufacturer warranties vary considerably, ranging from zero to 20 or more years. Cheaper DIY gutter guards, such as foam and brush guards, may not include any warranty protection.
Size
Gutters most commonly have a 5- or 6-inch width, though 7-inch gutters are sometimes used in locations with heavy rainfall. Since gutters come in various sizes, it’s important to measure your gutters before buying gutter guards to ensure a proper fit. For a common K-style gutter, you need to measure from the backside of the gutter that touches the fascia board to the outer edge.
Appearance
If curb appeal is important to you, choose a guard that either can’t be seen from the ground or comes in a color that matches your home’s exterior.
The micro-mesh designs offered by professional installers are typically not visible from the ground. Some installers provide multiple options for matching a more visible gutter guard with your home’s aesthetic. One company that impressed us, LeafGuard, offers its one-piece gutter and gutter guard design in up to 12 colors.
Materials
Gutter guard products are made from various materials, with professionally installed products often exhibiting superior build quality to DIY products. Some materials last longer, have greater durability, or possess greater corrosion resistance. However, they are typically more expensive as a result. “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.”
Here is a breakdown of the materials commonly used to construct gutter guards.
- Plastic: Vinyl and other types of plastic are affordable but not as strong as aluminum or steel and can warp or crack over time.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is used for gutter guard screens and bodies and is stronger than plastic but not as strong as steel.
- Steel: Steel, or more commonly stainless steel, is the primary material used for mesh and micro-mesh screens.
- Copper: This is an expensive gutter guard material with moderate strength, an elegant appearance, and chemical resistance to mold and mildew.
Design
There are many different types of gutter guards, from DIY brush guards to professionally installed micro-mesh. Here’s a breakdown of each kind and their pros and cons.
- Screen: Screen gutter guards have large holes that keep out leaves and other large debris but do not provide protection against finer debris, such as pine needles or shingle grit.
- Mesh: Mesh guards are typically made of metal or plastic and have small holes that filter water while blocking debris.
- Micro-mesh: Micro-mesh gutter guards are similar to mesh guards, but their holes are much smaller, allowing them to keep out even the tiniest debris.
- Reverse-curve or surface tension: Reverse-curve, or surface tension gutter guards, use their distinct shape and surface tension to force water into the gutter while directing leaves and debris to the ground below.
- Brush: Brush gutter guards resemble large pipe cleaners that filter out debris while allowing water to pass through.
- Foam: Foam gutter guards are a wedge of polyurethane that fits into the gutter and keeps out large debris.
Advantages of Gutter Guards
Not all homeowners agree on the benefits of gutter guards, and much of the debate can be attributed to misinformation. Whether you install a mesh gutter guard, a basic screen, or a reverse-curve design, clogged gutters can still happen with neglected maintenance. However, as long as you don’t fall for claims that you’ll never have to climb a ladder again, you can benefit from reduced maintenance costs and effort.
Gutter guards significantly reduce gutter cleaning frequency by blocking pests and debris while allowing water to flow through. This effectively prevents your gutters from clogging and you from having to clean them twice per year.
They’re also a great way to protect your home from damage. When your gutters remain free and clear, they direct water safely away from your house and avoid water damage to your basement and foundation. Water won’t back up and rot your fascia or damage your roof, either. Even when dry, leaves and debris that accumulate in your gutters pose a fire hazard to your home and its inhabitants.
The advantages of gutter guards make them a smart choice for most homeowners. However, no product is perfect. While they make cleanings easier and less frequent, they do not eliminate gutter cleaning entirely. Debris can accumulate on top of the gutter guard and require you to brush it away.
How To Clean Gutter Guards
Some gutter guard companies claim that you’ll never have to clean your gutters again after installation. However, even the best gutter guards need cleaning every year or two. Here’s a quick overview of how to clean your gutter guards:
- Gather materials: To clean your gutter guards, you’ll need a ladder, a hose, and a broom—you can also use an extendable pole with a brush attachment or a leaf blower. Wear gloves, eye protection, and long-sleeved clothing. A ladder stabilizer is optional, and a spotter is optional but recommended.
- Pick a safe location: Position your ladder on a flat, dry surface. Ensure it does not rest on the gutters or gutter guards, which can cause warping or denting.
- Ascend the ladder: Carefully ascend your ladder with your broom, pole, or leaf blower.
- Remove built-up debris: Using your tools, carefully brush off built-up debris from the top of the gutter guards. Be gentle. Some gutter guards, such as micro-mesh guards, are delicate, and too much pressure can result in damage.
- Rinse: Descend the ladder, grab the hose, and reascend. Use the hose to wash off any remaining debris or gunk. Watch for any leaks or overflows that may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for each gutter section until your guards are clean.
Our Conclusion
The best gutter guards can handle heavy rain with ease, providing efficient filtration and protecting your home from possible water damage. Though gutter guards don’t completely eliminate the need for cleaning, they save you time and stress by reducing the frequency. We recommend LeafFilter as our top pick for the best professional installation.
LeafGuard is another great option for its one-piece design that replaces your existing gutter system. We also ranked HomeCraft among our top picks, noting its unique, raised-diamond micro-mesh that elevates debris to improve filtration. For our top-ranked DIY gutter guard, we chose Raptor Gutter Guard for its durable micro-mesh design that offers protection against most types of debris.
We recommend comparing at least three different gutter guards to find the right option for your gutter system.
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023.
FAQ About Gutter Guards
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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 specifications, services, reputation, warranties and discounts, payment options, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.