Leaves in gutters are a hassle that can cause problems for homeowners, from water damage to pest damage. Knowing how to keep leaves out of gutters is essential to being a good homeowner.
Installing a gutter guard is the most sustainable way to keep leaves out of gutters because of gutter guards’ effectiveness, durability, and low maintenance. You can also manually clean your gutters regularly, prune nearby trees, and hire a professional to do it for you.
This article will explore popular types of gutter guards, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. We’ll equip homeowners with the knowledge to efficiently keep leaves out of gutters.
Table of Gutter Guard Types
| Vinyl Surface Tension Guard | Stainless Micro Mesh Guard | Plastic Mesh Foam Filter | Brush Gutter Guard | 3-inch Snap-In Gutter Guard | |
| Installation | Typically Professional | Typically Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY or Professional | DIY or Professional |
| Cost of Installation | Costly | Costly | Inexpensive | Affordable | Affordable |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Durability | Durable | Long-lasting | Less durable | Less Durable | Durable |
| Water volume capacity | Low | High | Low | Low | High |
| Prime Functionality | Catches leaves, twigs, etc. | Catches leaves, twigs, etc., and smaller particles | Catches leaves, twigs, etc., and smaller particles | Catches leaves, twigs, etc., and smaller particles | Catches leaves, twigs, etc., and some smaller particles |
| Clogging rate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | Low |
| Visibility from the ground | Less visible | Less visible | Invisible | Visible | Less visible |
What’s a Suitable Gutter Guard For You?
Each type of gutter guard has different advantages and disadvantages depending on various factors. The type of debris, amount of rainfall, type of gutter system, and personal preferences determine a gutter guard’s suitability.
1 – DIY and Cost-Saving
For homeowners who prefer DIY installation and saving money, Plastic Mesh Foam Filter, Brush Gutter Guard, and 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard are recommended because they’re easy to install and don’t need specialized tools.
Plastic Mesh Foam Filter and Brush Gutter Guard are simply inserted into the gutter and can be trimmed to fit. A 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard snaps into place over the top of the gutter.
2 – Durability and Maintenance
If durability and low maintenance is what you’re looking for, Stainless Micro Mesh Guard and 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard are the best options because of their design and type of material.
They have a perforated surface that allows rainwater to flow freely while blocking various types of debris—from leaves and twigs to seeds and pollen. Their stainless steel material makes them durable, eliminating the need for repair or replacement.
3 – Water Volume Capacity
Installing a Stainless Micro Mesh Guard or a 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard is an intelligent choice in places with frequent heavy rain because of its high water volume capacity.
Stainless Micro Mesh Guard has ultra-fine mesh, which effectively filters out even the tiniest debris while allowing rainwater to pass through easily.
In contrast, the 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard has a streamlined design that promotes water flow.
Both gutter guards have a bigger surface area than others, enabling them to handle more water.
4 – Prime Functionality
Stainless Micro Mesh Guard is the best choice for homeowners who prioritize the primary function of a gutter guard.
Plastic Mesh Foam Filter and Brush Gutter Guard also do a decent job.
But the mesh made of stainless steel and the strength of the Stainless Micro Mesh Guard, enabling it to maintain its shape, makes it the most effective type of gutter guard.
5 – Clogging Rate
For houses surrounded by trees or where there’s much debris, it’s best to avoid Brush Gutter Guard because it has a higher clogging rate than other gutter guards. The bristles in the brush trap debris, such as leaves, twigs, and seeds, accumulating over time and creating a blockage.
Stainless Micro Mesh Guard and 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard are suitable for places with much debris because of their low clogging rate.
These gutter guard types promote self-cleaning and prevent debris from accumulating on the surface because they’re usually installed at an angle.
6 – Visibility From the Ground
You might wonder why a gutter guard’s visibility from the ground is one of the criteria of a good gutter guard.
Many homeowners just care about the performance of their gutter guard, but some value aesthetics and want to maintain their houses’ beautiful appearance.
A prominent gutter guard can be an eyesore or at least diminishes the house’s overall look. Installing a gutter guard that’s less visible from the ground becomes sensible, and the best type of gutter guard for that is Plastic Mesh Foam Filter.
Should You Install Your Gutter Guard DIY or Professionally?
Choosing whether to install a gutter guard via DIY or professionally is more complex than it first seems. Both installation methods have advantages and disadvantages.
To help you decide which method of gutter guard installation is best for your situation, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of DIY and Professional Installation.
DIY Installation
It’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure you have all the tools.
Your goal is to ensure the gutter guard fits correctly and is installed securely to prevent it from coming loose during heavy rain and wind.
It’s advisable to avoid installing your gutter guard during bad weather conditions. When working on a ladder, ensure it’s placed on a stable surface and have somebody hold it for added safety.
Here are the advantages of DIY installation:
- You can save money by installing the gutter guard by yourself.
- DIY Installation allows you to work on your schedule at your own pace.
- It can be a great learning experience for homeowners with or without DIY experience.
- Installing your gutter guard on your own can be a great source of satisfaction.
The disadvantages of DIY installation:
- Putting up the gutter guard by yourself can be time-consuming.
- It can be a challenge if you fear heights or have no DIY experience.
- Installation via DIY can result in injury or low-quality work.
Professional Installation
It’s essential to choose a reputable and licensed company. It’s wise to check for references and get multiple quotes before deciding.
Here are the advantages of professional installation:
- Hiring a professional saves you much time and helps you avoid potential problems.
- Professional installers provide a warranty.
- Professional installation secures your safety.
The disadvantages of professional installation:
- It’s costly; you might spend more on the installation than the gutter itself.
- It can be inconvenient because you must schedule the installation.
Other Ways to Keep Leaves Out of Gutters
There are alternative methods to prevent leaves from accumulating in your gutters.
Regular Maintenance
It’s advisable to clean your gutters at least twice annually, more if you live in an area with many trees. You need a ladder and other tools such as gutter scoops, leaf blower, trowel, and gloves.
Pruning Nearby Trees
Trimming overhanging branches around the house regularly helps reduce the number of leaves and other debris which fall into gutters.
Hiring a Professional
Many gutter cleaning companies offer services specifically for cleaning gutters. They have the expertise and equipment to clean your gutters efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Various types of gutter guards are available for homeowners to keep leaves out of their gutters. Factors such as type of debris, amount of rainfall, and personal preferences determine which kinds of gutter guards are appropriate.
Plastic Mesh Foam Filter, Brush Gutter Guard, and 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard are recommended for homeowners who prefer DIY installation and cost-saving.
Stainless Micro Mesh Guard and 3-inch Snap-in Gutter Guard are suitable for homeowners who prioritize functionality, durability, and low maintenance.
For homeowners looking for other ways to keep leaves out of their gutters; regular gutter maintenance, pruning nearby trees, and hiring a professional are viable options.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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