Which Gutter Guard Is Ideal For Your Home? Best Of 2023

Are gutter guards worth your time and money? The answer is that everything depends on the model you choose. You should make sure that the one you pick is made to handle heavy rains or filter any debris you want. The primary function of all gutter guards is to block debris from entering your gutters and allow consistent water flow. However, each gutter guard comes with a unique set of features. Our article aims to help you find the perfect gutter guard for your home.

At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners learn more about their roofing and gutter options so they can make well-informed decisions. Based on their performance and reviews we’ve chosen the two best gutter guards of 2023. They each have different features, so you can choose the ideal one for your home.

Before we begin with the list, let’s first understand why homeowners and contractors prefer using gutter guards.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Gutter guards are very handy. While you can choose to clean the gutters every week to prevent clogs, gutter guards will make your life easier by filtering out most debris and leaves. Open gutters are at risk of getting clogged during rain, high winds, hail, and the fall season. Even if you clean them regularly, their lifespan will shorten due to the high velocity of downpours, hail impact, and improper cleaning methods.

• Gutter guards may not eliminate every problem, but they do the crucial task of protecting your gutter and home from water damage. They reduce the water force, prevent hail damage, and keep debris from blocking your gutters and downspouts.
• Gutter guards reduce your maintenance efforts and help you save lots of money on future gutter repairs.
• They prevent gutter damage caused by rust, pests, birds, bees, squirrels, and other small animals.
• Some gutter guards also ward off insects from your gutters and fascia board. For example, aluminum gutter guards deter all sorts of pests due to the metal’s properties.

If these things sound important to you, investing in gutter guards is the right choice to keep your home safe!

Unfortunately, there is a lot of outdated information out there, so we will help clarify the difference in gutters and recommend the top two gutter guards worth every penny. Why two? Because there are already hundreds of options, we aim to make it easier for you to pick one.

Two Best Gutter Guards Of 2023: Ideal For Most U.S. Homes

Every rain gutter system has specific measurements, and you should choose the gutter guard that fits perfectly into your existing gutter system. There are nearly six types of gutter guards to choose from, but lately, most people have switched to micro-mesh and screen guards. Our top picks belong to these same categories.

Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards

Micro-mesh guards are a favorite among homeowners because they filter almost everything! They don’t require heavy maintenance and work well under heavy rains. We’ve found that micro-mesh gutter guards are the most durable and can last for years without repairs or replacement. They are made from metal, vinyl, or fine mesh, which allows water to pass through, but keeps out everything from big leaves to pine needles. Once installed properly, you will not need further adjustments or weekly cleaning.

Micro-mesh gutter guards generally cost more compared to other types of gutter guards. Still, if you’re looking for maximum filtration, low-maintenance, and highly durable gutters, micro-mesh gutter guards are worth your investment.

#1 LeafFilter Micro Mesh Gutter Guard: 5/5

We give a 5 out of 5 rating to the LeafFilter Micro-Mesh gutter guard. It tops our list as it has the maximum features homeowners desire. The LeafFilter gutter guard keeps the tiniest debris out of your gutters and ensures smooth water flow. It’s specifically designed to filter debris of every size, such as:

• Twigs
• Branches and leaves
• Pebbles
• Shingle granules
• Pine needles
• Maple seeds

The LeafFilter gutter guard is made from stainless steel, a micro-mesh screen, and a uPVC frame. It also works efficiently during heavy rains because of its smart design. The edges of the frame are tilted inwards, and rainwater slides inside the gutters instead of pooling around the edges. An additional perk is that micro-mesh gutter guards are nearly invisible from ground view.

Another important aspect of the LeafFilter gutter guard is its cost-effectiveness. You can pay around $15 per linear foot for this gutter guard, which is very reasonable compared to other models with similar features. To top it off, the company also provides lifetime transferable warranties which makes it a huge advantage for homeowners.

Lastly, LeafFilter gutter guards can be custom-made to fit all types of gutters and homes. Ask your gutter contractor for the right size and color, and you’re good to go!

Mesh And Screen Gutter Guards

Mesh and screen guards have larger holes than micro-mesh. These filters can be made from mesh, metal, or plastic. Out of all materials, PVC, stainless steel, and aluminum are the most popular options in the U.S. Mesh and screen gutter guards don’t need much cleaning or maintenance because they don’t get clogged often. They allow a large amount of rainwater to flow through them freely and prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters. You only need professional cleaning before the weather turns cold and ice builds up on them. When you notice a buildup of leaves or branches on these gutter guards you can sweep them off, and your work is done. These gutter guards are also an affordable option compared with other types available on the market today.

#2 A-M Gutter Guard: 4/5

Our second-best pick is the A-M screen gutter guard. A-M gutter guard is one of the most affordable options on the market. You can choose from different materials like stainless steel or aluminum. We rate it 4 out of 5 for these reasons:

• Apart from pine needles, silt, and shingle granules, A-M gutter guards block every other debris from entering the gutters. The other small rubble usually gets washed away through the downspouts on a rainy day.
• A-M gutter guards have a unique patented design that creates a bubbled filtration system. While the rainwater passes through the guards, the bubbled design allows debris to dry off and blow away easily.
• The design is maintenance-free and promotes airflow to prevent algae, rust, pest infestation, and other gutter issues.
• The cost of an A-M gutter guard installation starts from an affordable $3 per linear foot range.

There is one concern homeowners may have, though this may not be a particular downside for everyone. The A-M gutter guard only comes in its natural metal color, but the shiny grey shade of stainless steel and aluminum screens looks good on all types of homes.

Besides, gutter guards usually don’t get much attention since they are small screens near the roof that are barely visible.

Apart from mesh and screens, there are a few more gutter guards available on the market. They may not be a perfect match for most U.S. homes, but they offer a few other benefits that the first two choices don’t have.

Other Types Of Gutter Guards

There are three more types of gutter guards available on the market, reverse curve, foam, and brush. You can find the least expensive option, or pick one that’s made to handle big hail stones, high winds, and heavy snow loads.

Surface Tension Or Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

These gutter guards are installed over the top of the gutter, and they have a concave shape that creates a water-tight seal when water flows over them. A reverse curve or surface tension gutter guard is designed with an inward curve, allowing leaves and other debris to slide off. It utilizes the natural gravity of water, so the water runs along the arc and directly falls into the gutters. These gutter guards are made with sturdy materials like aluminum and vinyl that can withstand high winds, hailstones, and ice dams better than other types of gutter guards. Smaller debris like shingle granules can end up in your gutters, sliding along with the water. If your area receives heavy rainfall, there’s a possibility that some water may spill out of the troughs.

Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards work like a sponge for your rain gutters. They are a cheap and easy way to prevent leaves from clogging your gutters. While foam gutter guards can keep most debris out of your gutter, they may not be suitable for some homes. That’s because foam gutter guards need frequent removal and cleaning if you live in a windy area and your home is surrounded by lots of trees. Moreover, they are not designed for heavy rain, ice buildup, snow, or hail. Over time, the foam also tends to lose its shape, so you’ll likely end up putting in more money and effort over time to keep them maintained.

Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards are made of flexible plastic that’s shaped like a brush. The bristles are stiff enough to keep debris from falling into the gutter but soft enough not to damage the gutter panels. However, this type of gutter guard has many downsides. Brush guards get easily blocked by tiny leaves, gravel, and pine needles. They need more frequent cleaning than any other gutter guard, and the brushes usually don’t perform well in areas with high wind. Another concern with brush gutter guards is that the bristles are not fire-resistant, and are visible from the ground.

Overall, you need to find a gutter guard that’s worth it, but there’s no one-size-fits-all. Our top picks may be helpful, but make sure you choose one that fits your budget and consult a gutter contractor before purchasing anything. Here are some experts tips to ensure you are making the right choice.

Are You Doing It Right?

What’s the sole reason for getting gutter guards? To maintain a proper gutter system and protect your home from water damage, there are a few more things to consider before you go ahead and buy one.

Make Sure Your Existing Gutter Panels And Downspouts Are Repaired And Efficient

If you live in a rainy area, make sure the size of your gutters and downspouts is adequate. For those who are ready to get new gutters and guards installed, we suggest upsizing the gutters to 6″ and downspouts to 3″x4″, which are ideal for catching every drop of rainwater falling from the roof. Most brands offer gutter guards that are compatible with 6-inch gutters. Along with that, consider protecting the downspouts as well. Installing downspout screens will prevent debris and pests from sliding into the downspout mouth, and they cost as little as $5 per piece. Large gutter outlets and diverters are also a huge help.

Check The Condition Of Your Soffit And Fascia Boards

Gutters are installed on the fascia board via hangers or brackets. If the fascia board is damaged, it’s only practical to install gutters and guards after it’s repaired. Broken, rotting, and old fascia boards could come off anytime under the weight of gutters and guards. To ensure they’re secure, make sure you get everything inspected by a professional first.

If you want to install gutter guards or understand your gutter system better, we can help you.

Talk To Our Experts For More Advice And An Estimate

At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we have the most reliable and skilled team in New Jersey. Our team has over 30 years of experience installing seamless gutters and top-quality gutter guards. To learn more about different gutter guards, you can talk to our experts. Give us a call at (609) 342-9829 for a free consultation and inspection. We will be happy to guide you, and our gutter inspector will also provide you with an estimate.

We hope we were able to better inform you, and look forward to helping you choose the proper gutter guards for your home.