Gutter cleaning is a dirty but essential job to keep your home’s drainage system functioning properly. Installing the best gutter guards makes this job easier. These add-ons block debris from entering your gutters, preventing clogs and reducing how often you need to clean them.
While professional gutter guard providers install gutter guards for you, do-it-yourself gutter guards offer a more cost-effective option. DIY gutter guards protect your gutters at a fraction of the price of professionally installed systems. However, buying DIY guards can be a gamble, as some are made from low-quality materials.
We’ve researched every major brand on the market to help you avoid these poorly produced products and find the best DIY gutter guard for your home. In addition to reading product specs, user reviews and warranties, we purchased, installed and tested DIY guards firsthand. Below, we’ll review our findings to help you determine whether gutter guards are worth your investment.
What are the different kinds of DIY gutter guards?
While some gutter guard designs are inherently better-performing than others, each type has its own noteworthy attributes. Here’s a breakdown of the gutter guard types that are widely available:
- Brush gutter guards: These guards resemble large pipe cleaners with thick plastic bristles. They are inexpensive and easy to install but are difficult to clean and prone to clogging.
- Foam gutter guards: Foam guards are inserts that block debris from entering your gutters but still allow water to pass through. These guards block debris but degrade quickly and are prone to mold and algae growth.
- Screen gutter guards: Screen guards are flat sheets of metal and plastic perforated with holes. They filter out medium- and large-size debris, have strong connectors and are easy to clean, but they won’t block small materials, such as pine needles.
- Reverse-curve gutter guards: Also called gutter helmets or surface tension guards, these products use the scientific principles of liquid adhesion to self-clean. They block most debris but can’t handle extremely heavy rainfall and are very bulky.
- Mesh gutter guards: Sometimes called snap-in guards, these products feature interwoven strands of metal or plastic and are commonly sold in home improvement stores. They keep out most medium- and large-size debris and promote efficient water passage but fail to block small materials, such as seedpods or pine needles.
- Micro-mesh gutter guards: These guards are similar to mesh but with a much more tightly woven filter. Micro-mesh guards are considered the best in the industry. They block the most debris and are often the product used by professional installation companies.
What are the best DIY gutter guards?
After researching major brands available online, reading customer reviews, and installing and testing each product firsthand, here are our picks for the best DIY gutter guard brands.
Raptor by GutterGlove
Raptor is our pick for the best DIY gutter guard. It is one of the few DIY guards that uses a micro-mesh screen, making its filtration method one of the most effective. It features high material quality and is set into an aluminum frame. Its instruction booklet is accurate, concise and easy to follow.
After installing and testing Raptor on a model roof and gutter system, we found that it blocked the vast majority of debris. Standard tree leaves, pine needles, seedpods, twigs and shingle grit didn’t penetrate or build up on its screen. It passed our water flow test, overflowing only in very heavy downpours.
The length of its frame was the only downside we encountered during installation; it was slightly too long, requiring us to use tin snips to trim it flush with the screen. According to Raptor’s Amazon reviews, its screen may freeze over and cause ice dams.
We recommend these guards if you’re dealing with pine needles and don’t mind in-depth installations. Note that the product may be difficult to install if you have nontraditional gutters or roofing, such as half-round gutters or a metal roof. Raptor’s website features guides on how to alter its product to suit most roof and gutter types. We recommend using heat tape to counteract ice dams if you live in a climate with cold winters.
A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard
A-M offers a range of gutter guards, but its aluminum gutter screen is its highest-rated product and the one we tested. We found its performance impressive — it blocked most debris, was made from durable materials, featured the most secure connection of any guard we tested, and was easy to clean.
During our testing, these guards only allowed small debris, such as seedpods and pine needles, to pass through, which means A-M is best suited for your home if it’s surrounded by deciduous trees. The flat metal filter allowed us to push debris onto the ground easily. Its most impressive feature was its durability; during our stress test of the system, the gutter began to bend under the guard before the guard itself bent or warped.
This gutter guard collects a fair amount of debris, and we noted that the front lip of the guard caught materials. It’s an excellent guard if you have deciduous trees on your property but is not effective against pine needles. Its sturdy design is well-suited for high-wind areas and gutter systems that face impacts from tree limbs or hail.
Amerimax snap-in gutter guard
Amerimax is a general roofing system manufacturer that supplies home improvement stores with a wide range of products. If you have a vinyl gutter system, there’s a good chance it’s produced by Amerimax. After testing about a half dozen Amerimax guards, we found its snap-in wire mesh guard to be its best product.
This guard is made from powder-coated steel designed to slot into a gutter and snap into place without needing additional attachments. We found the guard’s connection to be relatively strong, but we recommend using a few screws to attach each section more securely. This guard stands up well to medium- and large-size debris but can’t block debris smaller than seedpods. This guard excels at handling heavy rainfall. It scored the highest out of any guard in our water passage test and was able to filter the equivalent of heavy rain without overflowing.
This guard tends to clog due to the large gaps its screen creates. Debris snags on the open, sharp holes and builds up. This problem is compounded by the guard’s effective water passage properties; because the guard allows water to flow directly into the gutter, it can’t self-clean like other models. However, cleaning this guard only required moderate brushing to remove built-up debris. We recommend this guard if you experience extremely heavy rainfall and don’t have nearby pine trees.
GutterBrush
GutterBrush offers the archetypal brush gutter guards. They’re composed of a single, long, wound metal chord covered in thick plastic bristles. They slide into your gutter system and use their bristles to catch debris before it enters your gutters.
GutterBrush keeps out most debris. During testing, it only failed to stop pine needles and shingle grit. GutterBrush was the easiest to install out of the products we tested. It only took us a few seconds to slide each guard section into our gutter model.
These guards are designed to catch debris, which results in clogs and necessitates frequent cleaning. Cleaning them wasn’t difficult but required more elbow grease than other models. We couldn’t remove any materials with water and instead had to use a hard bristle brush with some force to dislodge the snagged leaves. We recommend this guard if you’re looking for quick and easy installation.
GutterFoam
GutterFoam, as its name suggests, is a large foam wedge that fits inside your gutters. The foam’s material is made from a coarse, spongy substance that blocks all debris but allows water through. We were surprised at how much debris it blocked during testing. It was the only DIY guard besides Raptor that blocked shingle grit.
However, this guard isn’t built to last. The foam material breaks down when exposed to UV rays, meaning it has the shortest life span of any gutter guard on this list at only a few years. GutterFoam doesn’t self-clean, so you’ll need to brush off debris.
We recommend this guard in two unique situations. These gutter guards offer effective short-term gutter protection. They are a good option if you’re waiting to invest in higher-end gutter guards but want something that will keep your gutters clean in the short term.
GutterFoam is also a good choice for spot treatments. Your gutter system may only clog in certain areas, such as where a tree overhangs your roofline. Investing in an entire system is not cost-efficient in this case. Instead, you can buy foam guards, install them and replace that section every few years.
How did we pick these gutter guards?
We picked each guard on this list by thoroughly researching the top brands on the market and comparing them to our ratings and review standards. Our standards assess brands based on factors that customers find most important, such as product design, filter and frame material, communication, warranty, customer reviews and cost. We also purchased each product and installed and tested them firsthand.
Product research
When researching a product, we analyze its design, materials, warranty, performance and customer reviews. We also assess the company that produces the product by checking its ratings and business history on third-party review sites such as Better Business Bureau.
Firsthand installation of each product
As part of our product review and research, our team purchased and installed each DIY gutter guard. We obtained each product through Amazon or a home improvement store.
We installed each product on a roof and gutter system model, following the instruction materials as closely as possible; if a product has any additional information or directions on its website or purchase page, we read this beforehand. Our model was outfitted with the most common gutter type found on homes: standard 5-inch K-style gutters.
Thorough testing and product review
After a product was installed, we began our testing process. The tests we conducted varied depending on the type of guard but generally included the following:
- Debris filtration test: We applied an assortment of debris to the guard, including deciduous tree leaves, pine needles, seedpods, twigs, pine cones and shingle grit. We added water and checked which materials made it through the guard into the gutters.
- Material inspection: We assessed the construction of the guard, looking for any areas of weakness and inspecting its overall quality. If any part of the guard appeared flimsy, we applied stress tests to see if it bent, broke, warped or disconnected.
- Overflow test: We applied water again, this time at varying intensities and speeds to simulate different levels of rainfall. We noted how often and at what intensities overflows occurred.
- Cleanability test: We applied more debris to the guard and shingles. We then added water and checked to see how much debris was naturally pushed off the guard. Any remaining materials were cleaned off with a gloved hand, hose or brush.
How do you pick the right gutter guard?
Every roof and gutter system is unique, and assessing the best gutter guards without the help of a professional isn’t easy, especially if you’re new to the DIY space. We recommend looking at a guard’s materials, life span, design, cost, size and warranty. Each of these qualities directly affects its performance and quality.
Material and life span
A guard’s material impacts its longevity and overall performance. Materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plastic are the least expensive but won’t last long or withstand harsh weather conditions. Aluminum is corrosion-resistant and lightweight but fragile and prone to denting, bending and warping.
Stainless steel is the strongest gutter guard material. It has the same life span and corrosion resistance as aluminum and is even more durable. Plastic guards last between 5 and 10 years, whereas metal guards last 15 to 20 years.
Design
The design of a gutter guard largely determines its overall performance. While each type of guard has its own niche uses, the most effective guards typically use micro-mesh filters. These guards can be used in most climates and block the most debris. The exception is micro-mesh guards that are made from low-quality materials, such as plastic. During testing, we found that plastic micro-mesh guards overflow easily and should be avoided.
Cost
The cost of a DIY gutter guard system is largely determined by the total amount of material you need. Some guards may appear low-cost initially but become expensive when purchasing them in large numbers. For example, a 5-inch-by-4-foot piece of GutterFoam costs $5.88 at Lowe’s. To cover a 200-foot gutter system, you’ll pay a total of $235.
Size
Always check a gutter guard’s product specifications to ensure it will fit your gutters. Most gutter guards are designed for 5-inch K-style gutters. If your gutters are wider than 6 inches, you’ll need specially sized guards. Most gutter guards won’t fit nonstandard gutters (such as box or half-round gutters). In this case, we recommend contacting your gutter installer to ask what gutter guard products they carry or recommend for your system.
Warranty
Warranties provide a level of financial protection, and they also give subtle insight into how companies perceive their products. A product with a long-lasting, forgiving warranty implies the company believes in that product. Most DIY gutter guards only carry manufacturer’s warranties. The length of these warranties typically reflects the life span of the guard, but higher-end products have longer warranties.
How much do DIY gutter guards cost?
You can expect to pay between $200 and $700 to protect a 200-linear-foot gutter system with DIY guards. In the following table, we’ll break down the prices of each guard featured in this article. The prices were taken directly from each product’s Amazon page at the time of writing, except GutterFoam, which was taken from its Lowe’s product page.
Note that you may need to purchase excess material to completely cover your gutter system. For example, at 48 feet per unit, you would need to purchase five units of Raptor to cover a 200-foot system. I calculated the cost per 200 feet by factoring in this excess.
| Gutter Guard Brand | Cost per Unit | Cost per Linear Foot | Cost per 200 Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor | $124.99 (48 feet) | $2.60 | $624.95 |
| A-M aluminum | $264.99 (200 feet) | $1.32 | $264.99 |
| Amerimax snap-in mesh | $69.88 (75 feet) | $0.93 | $209.64 |
| GutterBrush | $349 (105 feet) | $3.32 | $698 |
| GutterFoam | $5.88 (5 feet) | $1.17 | $235 |
What are the advantages of DIY gutter guards?
DIY guards are lower cost and easier to install than professional products. The main advantages of DIY guards include the following:
- They’re a fraction of the cost of professional installations: Even the most expensive DIY guard costs less than the cheapest professional installation. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 for professional gutter guard installation, according to our survey of 1,500 customers of major gutter guard installers. By contrast, GutterBrush costs just $698 to outfit a 200-foot gutter system.
- They’re easy to install: As long as you’re comfortable working on a ladder, many DIY guards can be installed in an afternoon and require few tools and little expertise.
- They’re easy to replace: DIY guards are sold on Amazon or in major home improvement stores, so it’s easy to buy and install replacements. Working with an installer requires scheduling an appointment for an inspection and another appointment for the technician to repair or replace your gutter guards.
What are the most common problems with DIY gutter guards?
Even the best DIY gutter guards have a number of problems that you should be aware of, including the following:
- Difficult installations: Installing DIY guards requires more work than hiring a pro. Some guards are trickier to install than others. Micro-mesh, mesh and screen guards are more difficult to install, often requiring alterations to the guard for the best results.
- Low-quality materials: DIY products are often made from lower-quality materials, especially compared to professionally installed guards.
- Mold and algae growth: Some guards, specifically brush and foam, are prone to growing algae and mold. This problem is more pronounced in climates with heavy rainfall, such as coastal states.
- Serious injury: There is always a risk of serious injury when working on a roof or gutter system. Mesh, micro-mesh and screen guards are more difficult to install, increasing the risk of injury when working on a ladder. During gutter testing, we learned that installing brush and foam guards on gutters with hidden hangers is difficult.
What’s next?
You should only install DIY gutter guards if you’re comfortable working on a ladder, have the right tools, and are experienced with general home maintenance. However, even experienced DIYers should consider contacting a professional installer in the following situations:
- The terrain surrounding your home is difficult to manage.
- Your fascia is damaged, bowed or in a state of disrepair.
- Your gutter system is wider than 6 inches, has a nonstandard design or is in disrepair.
- Your roof is at a steep pitch, made from nonstandard materials or in a state of disrepair.
Our research and testing indicate that DIY gutter covers with a stainless steel micro-mesh screen are the most effective. They keep out the most debris and are comparable to guards installed by professional companies. However, other gutter guard designs may work depending on your home’s needs. If your gutter or roof system is damaged or you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, we recommend contacting professional gutter guard installation providers and requesting quotes.
Our rating methodology for gutter companies
The Homefront team incorporates our carefully developed methodology to rate professional gutter guard providers and do-it-yourself (DIY) products. We research and test gutter guards, interview industry experts and speak with company representatives to provide the information you need to make an informed decision before investing in gutter guards.
We assess professional gutter guard installation companies on construction materials and appearance, services and installation methods, cost, communication and customer service. We rate DIY gutter guard products on similar factors while emphasizing our product testing results.
We synthesize this information into review standards focusing on key aspects of the gutter guard buying experience and scoring each company out of 100. This score translates to the 5-star rating you see in our reviews.
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Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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