The Best Gutter Guards for 2022
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Best Gutter Guards
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As a home and tree owner, it means that I have to deal with one of my least favorite annual chores, cleaning gutters. However, it must be done to avoid water potentially running toward the house and causing foundation and other problems. I also found out that many insurance companies demand that your gutters must be kept clean at all times or you run the risk of having your homeowners insurance canceled.
Climbing onto your roof or hanging off a ladder is certainly not the safest or most enjoyable way to spend your weekend. However, one way to reduce or even eliminate this task is by installing gutter guards.
UPDATED: February 18, 2022.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best gutter guards currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Raptor Gutter Guard because it features a stainless steel micro-mesh that resists corrosion and rust in addition to stopping large and small debris.
What are gutter guards?
Gutter guards come in a variety of forms but they all are designed to reduce the need for regular cleaning of leaves, branches, pine needles, and other obstructions. This is achieved by placing a cover or insert into the gutter that allows water to flow through while stopping debris. Instead, these potential blockages either wash over the edge or are blown off of the surface by the wind.
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Types of Gutter Guards
There are several different types of guards and each has its pros and cons as described below.
Brush Guards - Looks like a bottle brush with bristles wrapped around a wire core.
Pros: Affordable. Easy to install. Stops large debris.
Cons: Won’t stop small debris. Less attractive if seen from a room above.
Foam Guards - Simple foam profile that is placed within the gutter.
Pros: Affordable. Easy to install.
Cons: Does not stop plant or algae growth.
Screen Guards - Metal (typically aluminum) top cap punched with drain holes. Note that with the name “screen” I am referring to a metal sheet with holes, not a mesh.
Pros: Easily snaps or fastens in place. Adds rigidity and a clean look to the gutter.
Cons: More expensive than other solutions. Can create a “home” for pests. Hard to cut.
Mesh Guards - Comes in a range of materials and mesh densities.
Pros: Affordable. Easier to cut than a metal screen.
Cons: Less rigid than screen options so can fail under heavy debris.
Micro-Mesh Guards - Very fine mesh density.
Pros: Typically mounted in a frame, so are less flimsy. Blocks both large and small debris.
Cons: Can clog with small granular debris. More expensive than some other options.
Gutter Dimensions
The most important dimension you need to get from your gutters is the width. This is necessary to determine which guard size you require. To get the width, measure from the back of the gutter where it meets the facia, across the top to the front edge. The most common gutter width is 5 inches so this is the typical guard dimension. Less common gutter widths include 4, 6, and 7 inches.
Measuring a standard 5” gutter.
Gutter Styles
Square and half-round profiles can be found but the most common profile shape in the United States is known as the K-Style gutter. Historically there were twelve different gutter styles, “K” was the 11th letter designation and how it got the name.
The key component of this gutter profile is the front lip that helps to hold the gutter guard in place once installed. This lip design is also what made the K-Style such a popular choice because it creates a subtle crown molding appearance that works well with most residential facades.
In addition, the K-Style profile provides a rigid structure that can endure impacts and debris, making it ideal for a range of gutter materials. In addition, the shape can hold more water than a rounded gutter of the same width.
K-Style Gutter
Installation
There are two main methods of how these guards are held in place, either with tension or fasteners.
As the name implies, the tension style simply means placing the guard within the opening of the gutter and using the flexibility of the metal, mesh, or foam to hold it in place. The guards held in with tension don’t require any tools to install and are easier to remove for occasional cleaning. However, they are not mechanically fastened so a severe wind, excessive tree debris, or an angry raccoon could potentially dislodge one.
The other option is to fasten the guard by screwing through it and into the edge of the gutter. This method has the advantage of being securely fixed, however, it takes longer to install. In addition, if you need to clean out under the screen it requires a more involved removal.
Roof Warranty
It is important to note that some guards can be slid under the roof shingles if there is not enough space to mount them to the facia. Placing the edge of guards under the shingles should always be avoided because it can void roof warranties.
Check out this brief video for an overview of how to properly clean and prepare the gutters before installing the guards:
Now, on to the individual products. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the top models available. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Gutter Guards for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Raptor Gutter Guard
The Raptor Gutter Guard is made from type 304 stainless steel to provide rust and corrosion resistance.
Equipped with a micro-mesh that allows the water to flow through and debris to pass over.
Features a V-Bend mesh profile that helps to add rigidity and avoid sagging.
Prevents small obstructions from entering the gutter with 900 holes per square inch.
Designed to fit a standard 5” gutter.
NOTE: depending on the roof configuration it can be installed under the edge of the existing shingles, which I don’t recommend. See their installation guide for alternative mounting methods, such as fixing it to the facia board.
Runner-up: FlexxPoint Gutter Guard
The FlexxPoint Gutter Guard features a three-point design that slows the flow of water over the guard surface giving it time to fully drain into the gutter.
Features a profile that allows airflow underneath any leaves or debris sitting on the surface to prevent sticking.
Includes steel fasteners to mount directly to the gutter lip and fascia board.
Comes in four-foot sections in either matte aluminum, white, or black.
Made in the USA.
Best Brush Option: GutterBrush Gutter Guard
The GutterBrush Gutter Guard features a quick installation that does not require any tools.
Features a unique design consisting of bristles that reduces debris blockages.
Comes in three-foot sections that do not require fasteners.
Reduces the potential housing for pests as can happen with other guard designs.
Prevents the build-up of snow and ice.
Construction consists of a galvanized steel wire core with UV-protected polypropylene bristles.
Best Premium Option: A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard
The A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard features an all-aluminum construction with a curved profile that reduces obstructions and allows water to flow
Features a design that allows for airflow to reduce the risk of debris sticking to the surface.
Includes 384 holes per foot in heavy gauge aluminum that won’t rust.
Works on either hidden hangers or spike and farrow styles.
Cannot be seen from below for minimal visual impact.
Designed for standard 5” wide gutters.
Best No-Fastner Option: E-Z-GUTTER Gutter Guard
The E-Z-GUTTER Guards are designed to simply snap onto the existing gutter profile so no fasteners are required.
Constructed from aluminum mesh for long-lasting rust resistance.
Features a curved profile that is held in by tension which makes it easy to snap in and snap out.
Offers a mesh design that allows water to flow through while blocking debris.
Includes a 3/4” notch at the end of each section to overlap and create a continuous surface.
Designed to fit a 5" gutter.
Best Value: LeafTek Gutter Guard
The LeafTek Gutter Guard features a raised vented ridge design that allows for air to pass through to reduce the incidence of wet leaves staying in place.
Comes in four-foot sections.
Includes 1/2" tabs at the end of each section to create a continuously covered installation.
Features 404 holes per square foot.
Reduces the build-up of shingle particles with 1/8” diameter drain holes.
Available for 5” or 6” gutters.
Best for a Quick Install: Amerimax Home Products Gutter Guard
The Amerimax Home Products Gutter Guard is constructed from powder-coated steel mesh to provide a rust-resistant design.
Features a notch at the end of each section to allow for overlapping.
Equipped with a profiled edge that locks into the edge of the gutter.
Comes in three-foot sections (25 pack).
Compatible with 4", 5", and 6" gutters.
Made in the USA.
NOTE: it may require installing this under the edge of the existing shingles depending on the roof and gutter design, which can void a roof warranty. If this is a concern, it is best to select an alternate product.
Best Foam Option: GutterStuff Gutter Guard
The GutterStuff Guard features a simple installation that does not require any special tools.
Features a foam material that allows for the flow of water and blocks the build-up of debris.
Designed to work on the common K-Style gutter profile.
Comes in a pack of eight, four-foot sections for up to 32 feet of coverage.
Installation consists of pushing each section into the gutter, butting each section end to end, and trimming to length.
Best Budget Aluminum Option: Smart Screen Gutter Guard
The Smart Screen Gutter Guard features all-aluminum construction for long-lasting durability and rust resistance.
Features a design profile that provides additional gutter rigidity.
Comes in four-foot lengths for easy handling and installation.
Fits standard 5" wide gutters.
Includes mounting screws.
Best Budget Option: Home Intuition Gutter Guard
The Home Intuition Guard is a basic plastic mesh roll that installs on any standard gutter.
Affordable solution to quickly prevent gutter blockages.
Plastic material eliminates the problem of rust or corrosion.
Simply cut to size with a pair of scissors.
Each roll measures 6 inches wide by 20 feet long.
I hope this list of the best gutter guards was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
