Which Gutter Guards?

So your tired of cleaning your gutters and you are undecided on which guard to choose from. Never fear, after you read this post you just might narrow it down.

I have used the power of google to compile a list of gutter guards to choose from. You will not find every gutter guard available but this list at least covers the major different styles. My opinion of each style is based off of 20 years of gutter cleaning and gutter guard installations.

I was surprised to see the hardware store drop in gutter guard above. I do not know what area they are installing these in, but around here in Michigan i have removed these countless times due to debris getting through the screening. Most of the time this type of guard is installed by a homeowner and they neglect to put the zip screws in like the author of the video states. Just try sliding this screen under the shingle as he does in this video so easily.. That typically will not happen. When installed similar products i remember it was nearly impossible to get them under dimensional shingles without a pry bar - Most shingles have a tar line that keeps them secure to the starter shingles. You will likely find that your shingles extend further past the fascia than in this video, and that will dictate how far you need to shove this screen in there without tearing up your roof and voiding the warranty if there is one. I advise to buy a piece and try it in multiple places to ensure this will work for you.

Pro's

1. Inexpensive

Con's

1. Holes to big, debris will get through
2. Interferes with roofing components
3. Have to remove to clean gutters
4. Can be a pain to install

First off, i have never installed this product. I like that it comes with a brush to clean it off though. This is another product that you will find yourself taking back to the store as it will be a chore getting it under the first row of shingles. Good luck bending this to the desired angle without using a break - the 2x4 home made deal will take awhile if you have a lot to bend, you would be better off renting a brake if you do not own one. This product will also lift your shingles up and cause water to sit on the first row of shingles - especially on a low slope roof. It does look like it could be your best option from a hardware store, but the installation would have to be the perfect scenario.

Pro's

1. Can possibly go buy it right now from home depot
2. No debris in gutters

Con's

1. Slow installation
2. Interferes with roofing components
3. When dirty they will stop working

This is probably the worst leaf guard. Anything made of plastic will deteriorate in the sun and become brittle. Sure this is a very cheap and somewhat easy to install product. Once installed the debris will find its way up between the fascia and the screening then its all over for this product. I have seen the remains of this screening after a few years and its not pretty.

Pro's

1. Inexpensive
2. Fairly easy to install
3. Can buy it right now from hardware store

Con's

1. Short life span
2. Debris goes through screening
3. They tend to blow away in the wind
4. Debris cannot blow away once trapped throughout screen

This video shows a foam type gutter guard. This is a popular choice by homeowners in my area as it is easy to install. As you can see it fails rather quickly. I have seen this guard in far worse shape than what his is in. Usually the entire foam is clogged from top to bottom.

Pro's

1. You can go get it right now from hardware store
2. Easy to install
3. Easy to remove

Con's

1. Foam clogs then they are unusable
2. They are Flat, debris latches to foam
3. Lowers the water volume of your gutters

This is what happens to every plastic gutter guard i have encountered. They just don't last.

Pro's

1. You can go get it right now from hardware store

Con's

1. Cracks, bends, sags
2. Holes are to big
3. Interferes with roofing components
4. A pain to install
5. A pain to remove

This micro mesh is a decent product, but as you can see once it clogs its useless. This guy may have sprayed something on it or who knows what. The fact is, that its so fine any amount of dirt, scum, remains of leafs, seedlings, shingle granules, or anything else can likely clog this. Not a bad gutter guard but high maintenance could be needed and cleaning off this type of mesh could take awhile to get everything out of the fine material.

Pro's

1. No debris in gutters

Con's

1. Hard to clean mesh
2. Can interfere with roofing components
3. Expensive

I used this video because i have seen this exact problem. All i need to say is stay away from any product with the reverse curve on it. They are a roofers worst nightmare and can cause more harm than good.

Pro's

1. You can say you have one of the most expensive gutter guards
2. They usually are aluminum

Con's

1. Leafs will roll down the reverse curve with the water right into the gutter.
2. Hard to clean gutters out
3. Long installation process
4. Can destroy roofing components
5. Expensive
6. Icicles may form and hit someone in the head
7. High price to remove

This is the product that i currently recommend for most situations. I am not saying its the best gutter guard - there could be a better solution out there. My favorite part about this gutter guard is it's by far the easiest to maintain. No grooves for things to get stuck in, no mesh to spray out, its flat aluminum. You could sweep it off with a broom or blow it off with a leaf blower 20x faster than cleaning messy dirty gutters out. You could even get yourself one of those cool reverse brushes and sweep it off from the ground probably easier than the other product that supplies the brush. Another factor to think about is you will know when its time for maintenance as you will see the leafs up there. If for some reason they need to be cleaned your gutter cleaner will thank you with very few visits and lower pricing.

Pro's

1. Easy to install
2. No need to manipulate the size
3. Does not interfere with roofing components
4. Inexpensive
5. Aluminum, wont crack, bend, or sag
6. Holes just the right size
7. Cleans off Easily
8. Can be used to reinforce existing gutters
9. No debris in gutters

Con's

1. Its flat, debris could collect on top