These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (2024)

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (1)

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

While trees add to your home’s curb appeal, they can also wreak havoc on your gutters, filling them with leaves, pine cones, and seed pods year-round. To prevent this debris from clogging your gutters and causing them to overflow—and reduce time spent on a ladder yourself—consider purchasing a gutter guard.

These flat covers sit on or inside your existing gutters, acting as a filter to allow water to flow through while preventing leaves and seeds from getting inside. Gutter guards aren’t 100 percent effective and still need to be cleaned periodically, but this task becomes much easier than the alternative of scooping out stagnant wet sludge from the gutter itself.

The Best Gutter Guards

What to Consider

Before selecting a gutter guard, consider the weather in your area and the debris that your gutters generally deal with. If you don’t experience much rain or lack any substantial trees on your property, you can probably get away with a lighter-duty PVC option. Heavy rainfall and large amounts of weighty debris like pine cones or leaf piles require a heavy-duty guard that won’t bend or snap under a heavy or fast-falling load.

You should also take into account the installation of the guard you’re considering. Heavy-duty guards must be screwed into the gutter itself, so make sure you’re either comfortable working with power tools on top of a ladder or have the budget to hire a professional to handle it for you. Snap-on guards fit into the front lip of the gutter, making them the easiest option to install. Some gutter guards are only compatible with certain gutters, so double-check to ensure they fit your specific gutter shape.

If you decide to install it yourself, make sure to always observe ladder safety protocols while working.

How We Selected

The original writer of this story, Alex Rennie, selected these models using his personal experience working with gutter guards. For the models he didn’t get his hands on, he researched products and vetted specs to ensure none of the guards had excessive quality control, structural, or installation issues. He considered each gutter guard’s material, prioritizing weather-resistant all-steel construction, gutter size, overall length, and ease of installation. He also included options to suit DIYers with a range of experience and those who plan to hire out the job.

1

Best Overall

Raptor Gutter Guard Contractor-Grade Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (3)

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (4)

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (5)Durable steel construction
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (6)Includes screws and hex driver bit
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (7)Tight mesh filters even the smallest debris
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (8)Standard size is for 5-inch gutters or smaller

Constructed of stainless steel mesh with an aluminum frame, these guards are built to last. If they don’t, the company’s 25-year warranty has you covered. They come with screws that are durable and easy to install with a self-tapping design. A magnetic hex screwdriver bit is also included.

The stainless steel mesh gives your gutters a professional look, even if the project is 100 percent DIY. The mesh is tight enough to prevent fine debris, like shingle grit, from entering the gutter and the versatile size is suitable for use on gutters 5 inches or smaller.

Key Specs

Gutter Size5 in. or smaller
Length48 feet
MaterialStainless steel, aluminum
Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (10)Many colors available
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (11)Very durable
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (12)Filters debris while also directing water
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (13)Not as easy to install as other options

These durable guards are designed to fit the majority of five-inch residential and commercial gutters, and the micro-mesh cover protects against super-fine debris like pollen, seeds, and pine needles. Small channels on the underlying side direct water away and avoid any pooling on top.

In short, it’s the most comprehensive coverage of any options we recommend. They’re available in a many different colors too, making it easy to customize them to your home’s paint or roof color. The included zip-screws are color-matched for a professional-quality look.

Key Specs

Gutter Size5 in.
Length5 feet per section
MaterialAluminum, stainless steel

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

Best Heavy-Duty

A-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Gutter Guard

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (14)

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (15)Made with heavy-duty aluminum
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (16)Easy to connect together
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (17)Great for heavy rain
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (18)Screws are not included

These guards are extremely strong, and thanks to their industrial-grade aluminum, won’t rust or corrode over time—plus they come with a lifetime warranty. They feature 380 ⅛-inch diameter holes every linear foot, making them well-suited to handle heavy downpours.

They also work with a wide range of gutter types, and the relatively flat design is practically invisible from the ground—unlike some bulkier options. The only caveat is that screws aren’t included. Make sure to buy at least one half-inch #8 zip screw per foot for proper installation.

Key Specs

Gutter Size5 in.
LengthApproximately 4 feet per section
MaterialAluminum

4

Best for Heavy Rain

Amerimax Hoover Dam Gutter Guard (10-Count)

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (19)

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (20)Powder coated steel for durability
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (21)Directs water into gutter
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (22)15-year limited warranty
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (23)Only fits K-style gutters

This guard has a stepped shape that directs flowing water down into the gutter, but is still flat enough to encourage leaves to slide or blow away. The grates are also small enough to block out smaller debris and seed pods, preventing overflows that would otherwise get into your walls or under the shingles.

The powder-coated steel construction prevents rust, and Amerimax’s 15-year limited warranty has you covered if any issues arise. These guards are only designed to fit K-style gutters (their profile resembles the letter “K” if you’re not sure about your own), so they may not be compatible with some homes.

Key Specs

Gutter Size4–6 in.
Length 3 feet per section
Material Aluminum, alloy steel

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best PVC

Amerimax Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard (25-Count)

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (24)

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (25)No hardware needed for installation
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (26)3-foot sections are easy to work with
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (27)Won’t stand up to pinecones

With no screws or fasteners to deal with, these Amerimax guards are a great choice for those who want hassle-free installation. You slide them into your gutter and the flexible PVC construction snaps them into place.

While they likely aren’t durable enough for areas that get a lot of heavy debris, like pine cones and leaves, the low cost and easy installation still make them a useful option for homeowners without a lot of trees around. These are only available in white, so make sure they match your home’s color scheme.

Key Specs

Gutter Sizes4–6 in.
Length3 feet per section
MaterialPVC

6

Best Color Variety

Flexxpoint FlowGuard Premium 50-Year Gutter Cover System

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (28)

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (29)Available in four colors
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (30)Strong enough to withstand heavy loads
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (31)50-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (32)Permanent installation may not be convenient for some

These aluminum gutter guards are available in black, brown, matte aluminum, and white, so you can match them to your home’s existing paint scheme. Three raised ridges along the length of the guard elevate leaves and debris that end up on top, promoting airflow and increasing their ability to dry up and blow away.

We were especially impressed with Flexxpoint’s 50-year limited manufacturer warranty. Interlocking ends make it easy to connect them together during installation, and the necessary stainless steel zip screws are included.

Key Specs

Gutter Size5 in.
Length4 feet per section
MaterialAluminum

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Easy Install

E-Z-Gutter Guard EZ-ZipTight-10 Gutter Guard

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (33)

Pros
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (34)Installs without any hardware
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (35)Rugged and strong construction
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (36)Easy to remove for maintenance
Cons
  • These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (37)Holes aren’t small enough for tiny debris

These E-Z Gutter guards are simple to install: You simply slide the back side under the roof and push the front down until it locks into the gutter—that’s it. This design is also easy to snap back out when you need to remove them for cleaning.

Their steel construction is durable enough to maintain its shape and fit over time, and won’t bend or buckle like lighter-duty options. They fit into 5-inch residential gutters and come with a limited lifetime warranty. The mesh holes are somewhat large though, and may not be suitable for homes with trees that produce smaller seeds or pollen tassels.

Key Specs

Gutter Size5 in.
Length4 feet per section
MaterialSteel

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (38)

Alex Rennie

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (39)

Danny Perez

Commerce Editor

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

These Editor-Approved Gutter Guards Prevent Clogs Before They Happen (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 5902

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.