Here Are the Best Gutter Guards to Avoid Debris Buildup in Your Gutters

Best Overall

Raptor Gutter Guard Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh

4.7

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These gutter guards are made of high-quality stainless steel micro-mesh, which is durable, and effective at keeping out large and small debris. They are easy to install and fit any type of gutter under five inches wide. Considering that you need to get a ladder and climb up to attach any gutter guard, knowing that it fits before bringing all of your materials up the ladder is a big load off your mind.

Also, if you use your gutters to collect rainwater for future use, these are the best gutter guards for you. The micro-mesh is fine enough to keep even small particles from contaminating your collected water. Not only do they keep out larger items, such as leaves and animals, but they also bar pine needles, dirt, and insects. A trough funnels even heavy rains through the gutter.

These are a bit pricey, around $2 per foot. The package holds 12 panels. But given that they work for so many situations and are durable, many people believe this is a good investment. If you are into gutter DIY and install them yourself, it can make them very affordable. Fortunately, the purchase includes self-tapping, corrosion-resistant screws, and all the tools needed to install them.

Price at time of publish: $125

Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: ‎47.5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches

Best Budget

Gutterglove Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard, 10-pack

4.9

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Leaves and pine needles are two of the most common nuisances that cause homeowners to look into gutter guards, and the Gutterglove is one of the best for these problems. They are also effective on dirt and grit from your shingles and even small insects.

Another micro-mesh gutter guard, this option from Gutterglove comes in smaller increments of 4 feet; if you only need smaller sections, this is a great option to keep costs down while still getting great protection from debris. For coverage around the entire house, it can get more expensive, however.

This is another easy-to-install option. You can use the included 3M tape to secure the gutter guard, although we recommend reinforcing it with the self-tapping screws.

Price at time of publish: $145

Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 0.375 inches

Best Screen

Superior Gutter Guards

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The raised screen on these gutter guards draws rainwater into the gutter. The guards are micro-mesh and work to keep leaves, pine needles, dirt, and insects out of the gutter. The only thing getting through is water. While you likely can’t see the design or enjoy how it looks, you can be happy knowing that it is funneling the water where it needs to go.

These are designed for DIY installation. The purchase comes with self-tapping screws and a driver bit to get them installed quickly. (It can be helpful to have extra screws on hand, however.) If you use your ladder to install them, you avoid the expense of renting a boom.

Price at time of publish: $121

Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Stainless steel︱Dimensions: 38.8 x 6.6 x 4.5 inches

Best Aluminum

A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard, 5-inch

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Many gutter guards have only aluminum lips, but the A-M aluminum gutter guard is made entirely out of aluminum. Aluminum doesn’t rust, and these are made with heavy-gauge aluminum. Better yet, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty against rust, rot, and product deterioration. Unfortunately, because they are made with thicker aluminum rather than a fine mesh, small particles, such as pine needles, can still get through the larger holes.

This product fits all 5-inch gutters and is designed for easy installation, although you need your own screws. There are also options for 6-inch gutters, as well as multiple lengths.

Another advantage is this gutter guard is not visible from the ground, a plus if your home is part of a development or community with strict rules, or if you just prefer a more streamlined look. A-Ms also complement rain chains and other home improvement items that are decorative and functional.

Price at time of publish: $265

Style: Screen | Material: Aluminum︱Dimensions: Various lengths x 5 or 6 inches

Best Plastic

Amerimax Solid Gutter Cover

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There are pros and cons to using a solid gutter cover such as this one from Amerimax made of PVC. Leaves, small insects, pine needles, and even the smallest pieces of dirt have a hard time getting into the gutters with these guards. However, water can enter the gutter via a small opening underneath the nose on the outside edge.

These are easy to install and fit gutters 4 to 6 inches wide. The main drawback is they are not as durable as the metal counterparts. Because they are solid on top, they also collect debris, which can weigh them down and ultimately cause failure. During heavy winds, they are particularly vulnerable to being blown off.

Price at time of publish: $4

Style: Reverse curve | Material: Plastic︱Dimensions: 48 x 6 x 1 inches

Best System

LeafGuard Gutter Guards

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If you want something customized for your home, consider the LeafGuard gutter system. These are expensive and require professional installation, but it’s hard to beat their guarantee. If your gutters clog at any point while you own your home, LeafGuard cleans them at no cost to you. These gutter guards are a bit larger than some other options but can hold up in heavy wind and rain.

These gutter guards use the surface adhesion principle of water: This means rainwater stays on the gutter guard and travels around the hood and into the gutter. Debris, large and small, does not travel with the water and instead falls right off the gutter guard, which is reinforced from within the gutter and very durable.

Style: Reverse curve | Material: Aluminum︱Dimensions: Custom

Best Brush

GutterBrush Gutter Guard

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The concept behind a gutter guard brush is quite simple: A stiff-bristle brush rests inside the gutter to take up space that would otherwise become clogged with leaves, pine needles, insects, and other debris that can cause problems. With the brush in place, rainwater flows freely around without being obstructed.

The nice thing about a brush is you simply set it into the gutter without needing any tools. This brush also has multiple width and length options, as well as a helpful sizing guide. A brush can accumulate leaves and debris, but you still come out ahead because less gunk accumulates in your gutter. You also may get the impression that your gutter remains clogged, even though water flows freely underneath.

Price at time of publish: $116

Material: Nylon︱Dimensions: Various︱Style: Brush

Best Foam

GutterFoam EZ 4 ft. Foam Filter Plastic Gutter Guard K-Style

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One of the most economical options is a foam gutter guard. These appear similar to pool noodles and fit right into gutters to keep debris out. The big benefit is they keep mosquitos at bay. The Gutter Foam EZ gutter guard is treated to withstand solar UV rays, and has germicide to prevent harmful viruses such as West Nile and Zika.

Unfortunately, foam gutter guards also do a decent job of keeping water out of the gutter. Light rain just filters through the foam and into the gutter fast enough to avoid buildup. Water from heavy rain, however, accumulates on top of the foam faster than it filters. It needs somewhere to go, and that somewhere may likely be your walls, damaging them. Homeowners in areas that experience frequent heavy thunderstorms should avoid this product.

Price at time of publish: $61

Style: Foam | Material: Plastic︱Dimensions: 48 x 5 x 3.5 inches

Best for Cold Climates

All Weather Armour ArmourGuard-Ice Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

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If you live in a cold climate, you need to consider steps to prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters. Ice dams occur when melting snow on the roof travels to the gutter and refreezes, causing a clog. ArmourGuard ice gutter guards are heated to keep water warm and flowing. They also work to reduce debris and dirt. The stainless steel micro-mesh prevents typical buildup, while the aluminum frame is heated to keep the gutter warm.

These require professional installation, which adds to the cost. They also need to be hooked up to a source of electricity, which may require running extra wires. You may see an increase in your electric bill as a result.

Style: Micro-mesh | Material: Aluminum and stainless steel︱Dimensions: Custom

Best Hinged

Amerimax Home Products Hinged Gutter Guard

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One of the problems with permanent gutter guards is you’re forced to remove the panels if you need to access the inside of your gutters. The Amerimax Home Hinged Gutter Guard solves this problem with its hinged design—simply flip up the guard if you need to clean out debris. Guards are made from a galvanized steel mesh that blocks large leaves and debris, with a convex design that shouldn't collapse under ice or snow. 

These hinged guards come in 36-inch panels that fit most standard K-style gutters, and they’re easy to install using the included hinges, which clip onto the front of your gutter. The product is affordable and versatile, but the downside is the mesh doesn't block fine debris such as shingle grit. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Style: Mesh | Material: Galvanized steel | Dimensions: 36 x 5.5 inches

Best for Leaves

Amerimax Hoover Dam Gutter Guard

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To keep large leaves out of your gutter, consider the Amerimax Hoover Dam Gutter Guard. This guard has a unique, dam-like design that features several ridges, helping to keep water flowing into the gutter during heavy rainfall and allowing accumulated leaves to dry up and blow away. These guards fit most 4-, 5-, and 6-inch K-style gutters. 

Each of these panels is 3 feet long and around 7 inches wide, and they’re made from powder-coated steel for longevity. You can easily install them yourself, if desired—simply slide the guard under the first row of shingles, then screw the panel to the front lip of the gutter with self-tapping screws. The guards come with a 15-year warranty, and they’re a great option for homes that get a large number of leaves.

Price at time of publish: $46

Style: Screen | Material: Powder-coated steel | Dimensions: 36 x 7 inches