If you’re tired of climbing ladders to clean leaves and debris out of your gutters, gutter guards sound like a dream solution. But do they actually work? The answer depends on the type you choose, how well they’re maintained, and who you trust to install them. Let’s break down the options and their effectiveness to determine the best gutter guard fit for you!
Types of Gutter Guards
Gutter Brush:
Gutter brushes look like an oversized pipe cleaner and fit directly in your gutters, trapping debris on top while letting water to fall through.
- Pros: Easy to install, budget-friendly
- Cons: Clog easily with small leaves and debris, require more frequent cleaning, can be visible from the ground
Foam Gutter Guard:
Like gutter brushes, foam gutter guards sit snugly inside your gutters to block debris and allow water to flow into the gutter.
- Pros: Easy DIY installation, inexpensive, low profile
- Cons: Clog easily with small debris, absorb water and overflow in moderate to heavy rainfall, deteriorate quickly
Gutter Screen:
Gutter screens, like our E-Z Flow system, cover the gutter with a perforated metal or plastic screen that prevents larger debris from entering gutters.
- Pros: Affordable, effective at blocking debris, widely available, low profile
- Cons: Small particles can accumulate on top of the screen and require occasional cleaning
- E-Z Flow Highlights: Custom-cut aluminum sections to fit you gutters, low profile keeps it hidden from view, promotes airflow
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard:
These ultra-fine mesh screens, such as our Hydro Flo system, are made of stainless steel or aluminum and keep out even the smallest debris.
- Pros: Highly effective at blocking debris, long-lasting, can handle heavy rainfall
- Cons: Higher cost, require professional installation and occasional cleaning
- Hydro Flo Highlights: Low-profile stainless steel construction, handles record rainfall amounts, promotes airflow, water flows through even when covered by debris
Reverse-Curve Gutter Covers:
Reverse-curve gutter covers similar to our seamless Leafaway Gutter Protection System use liquid adhesion to guide rainwater into the gutter while deflecting debris.
- Pros: Durable, extremely effective at blocking debris and preventing clogs, minimal maintenance and cleaning required
- Cons: Higher cost, require professional installation
- Leafaway Highlights: No roof attachments, seamless one-piece design prevents leaks, can handle 24 inches of rain per hour, custom manufactured to fit your home perfectly, maintained by simply running a hose along the edge once a year
Do They Work?
Yes—with a catch. Most gutter guards require some form of maintenance to stay in top shape. While they reduce the frequency of cleaning, occasional checks and maintenance are still needed to prevent buildup and ensure proper drainage. At All New Gutter, we offer several gutter protection systems that minimize maintenance needs and prevent clogs. With our E-Z Flow, Hydro Flo, or Leafaway systems, you can protect your gutters and your home with confidence!
Contact All New Gutter Today!
If you are seeking the perfect option for your home, our experts at All New Gutter are happy to help. Call us today at 701-280-9261 or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on all the latest!
