The 4-inch gutter guard is a very popular size for homeowners. Most of the best companies in the gutter guard space will make a 4-inch option in a variety of materials. Gutter guards help to ensure that your gutters do not become clogged with debris that will stop the water flow and cause issues for the foundation of your home.
275-micron stainless steel mesh design
Lifetime installation warranty
Offers new gutter installation services
Manufactured to match your home
One-piece system includes a guard and gutter
Guaranteed not to clog
Sturdy aluminum frame and steel screens
Offers 0% financing
Provides gutter repair & installation
Choosing a gutter guard goes beyond just the size. There are choices to make about materials, warranty, and longevity. Let’s take a look at the best gutter guard options for your home and how you can cross gutter cleaning off of your list of things to do around your home.
Our Top Seven 4-Inch Gutter Guards
At Today’s Homeowner, we have done extensive testing on all different types of gutter guards to find the best on the market. After testing dozens of different gutter guards, we came up with seven that stood out from the others on the market. Each of these gutter guards has a unique selling point and a reason you may want to consider purchasing them for your home. Here are the top seven 4-inch gutter guards on the market:
Compare the Best 4-Inch Gutter Guards
The following table below compares information for the best 4-inch gutter guard brands and more. Continue reading after the table for in-depth reviews of each company.
| Company | Logo | Product Image | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Link |
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A+ |
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B |
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A |
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NR |
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A+ |
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F |
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NR |
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LeafFilter
4.1
Our Rating
LeafFilter Gutter Guards are the best 4-inch gutter guards on the market. The LeafFilter Gutter Guards are stainless steel mesh gutter guards with impressive reviews, professional installation, and a lifetime transferrable warranty. LeafFilter has been on the market for more than 15 years, and they have locations all over the United States. Homeowners have found that during heavy rain and even rough winter conditions, the LeafFilter gutter guards do a great job of keeping debris out of the gutters.
LeafFilter has an A+ rating with the BBB, and part of it is the quality of the material they use in their gutter guard. With this 275-micron steel mesh, the gutter guards will not fall apart or deteriorate through the years. The small holes only allow the water to penetrate into the gutters. Even things like roof shingle grit are kept out when the LeafFilter guards are on. Although standard in the 4-inch size, LeafFilter also offers custom gutter guards for those having a hard time finding a match.
- Micro-mesh technology
- Customizable for many gutter sizes
- Guards are rustproof
- Professional installation with a lifetime warranty
- A+ rating from BBB
One of the first things to look for when you choose a gutter guard is the BBB rating. The BBB rating for LeafFilter is an A+, and this should help give customers confidence in this company as one of the best brands for your gutter guards. In addition, Trustpilot has had more than 86,000 people test and review the gutter guards from LeafFilter, and the star rating remains 4.4 out of 5. This higher volume of customer feedback and has a higher rating than most other guards for rain gutters.
When looking at the reviews of the LeafFilter gutter guards, you will quickly see that the functionality is rarely questioned. Most customers feel as though the LeafFilter guards are the best overall option on the market and are well worth the expense incurred. The only real complaints that you will see deal with the installers.
The installation process is handled by local contractors, and sometimes there are miscommunications or issues with the timing of an appointment. When you speak to your LeafFilter representative, simply mention you want everything to go well with the setup and initial install, and they will work things out for you. Long term, the customer service for the warranty is easy to work with and understand.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
4.4
Our Rating
HomeCraft Gutter Protection is the best gutter guard design for 4-inch gutter guards. The design of this particular guard will keep small debris out and ensure that you never have to clean your gutters again. HomeCraft Gutter Protection has been on the market for close to six years, and they have a strong reputation. In addition, regardless of the type of roof you have, the HomeCraft Gutter Protection system will work for you. The raised mesh helps ensure that the debris will not block any water from falling into these screen gutter guards.
One of the problems with many gutter guards is that the flat surface on the top of the guard will collect debris. However, HomeCraft Gutter Protection has addressed this with its raised mesh design. These gutter guards are made with materials that will last for years to come, and the professional installation is handled with ease. Overall if you are trying to keep pine needles, leaves, sticks, or any other type of debris from your gutters, HomeCraft Gutter Protection is a company to consider.
- Durable 275-micron steel mesh,
- Patented system to help improve water flow
- 304 marine-grade stainless steel
- Lifetime transferable warranty
- Unique design, unlike other gutter covers
HomeCraft Gutter Protection has a smaller coverage area than other gutter guard providers on the market. Over time, we hope to see more than just 15 states that this gutter guard provider will cover. The BBB rating for HomeCraft Gutter Protection is 4.7 out of 5 stars. This is very high, and even though the total ranking is a B, there are plenty of positive reviews to see what this company is capable of.
Overall the micro mesh design of this leaf guard gutter protection system is very effective. Customers notice there is less debris buildup than other gutter guards they have owned in the past. In addition, the debris tends to fall over the edge of the gutter as opposed to sitting directly on top. In addition, many customers noted that HomeCraft Gutter Protection guards are priced well for the quality of the stainless steel micro-mesh. Some homeowners complained that the coloring of the guards was a bit different in person and should be considered when ordering.
All American Gutter Protection
4.1
Our Rating
All American Gutter Protection is the most customizable 4-inch gutter guard. With All American Gutter Protection, you can customize the gutter to work for your specific home. The great thing about All American Gutter Protection is that they have been in the market for 7 years. Homeowners have found that the All American Gutter Protection gutters do a tremendous job of keeping debris out of their gutters and ensuring that things like ice dams, clogging, and foundation damage are things of the past.
With All American Gutter Protection, you will find that there is an A+ rating from the BBB. The micro-mesh panel on the gutter guards helps these gutter guards to be extremely effective and keep out debris of all sizes. The top of the gutter guard is a stainless steel material that will never rust or corrode; the sides are quality aluminum gutter guard material keeping this lightweight and easy to maneuver. All American Gutter Guards must be professionally installed, and the scheduling for your new gutters should not take long.
- High-quality stainless steel metal gutters
- Lifetime warranty when professionally installed
- Gutter guards are rust-proof
- Over 30 color options for customers to choose
- Aluminum frame material for longevity
With 7 years in the industry, All American Gutter Protection must have been doing something right. However, when you look at their BBB rating, you can quickly confirm that this company has a strong reputation in the industry. All American Gutter Protection has an A+ rating from the BBB and maintains 4.5 out of 5 stars. Any issues or complaints that have come up through the years have been handled and managed with care. All American Gutter Guard stands behind their gutter guard for the lifetime of the product.
One of the things that stands out as a major positive for All American Gutter Protection is the functionality of the actual gutters. The mesh screens will block out any of the debris that you are tired of pulling out of your gutters. In addition, the availability of more than 30 different colors will help improve the aesthetics of the home. The only complaints customers had were with some installers not showing up on time or taking longer than expected to complete the project. Overall All American Gutter Protection is a highly rated gutter guard provider.
MasterShield
4.5
Our Rating
The MasterShield Gutter Guard is the most environmentally friendly 4-inch gutter guard on the market. With the MasterShield Gutter Guard, you will be getting a product made from environmentally friendly recycled material. With the MasterShield gutter guards having a lifetime warranty, this is a very sustainable way to use a recycled medal product on your home. In addition to eliminating waste and creating sustainable products, MasterShiled has also designed a unique angled design that helps keep debris moving off the roof of your home.
These MasterShield Gutter Guards are installed to match the pitch of your roof. When the gutter guards are installed this way, debris will not pile up, and there is even less cleaning for you to do. MasteriShield gutter guards must be professionally installed because of their unique design. However, if you are in the market for a stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard that also helps to keep debris moving off the roof of your home, this is a great option to consider.
Castle Windows is the best choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive, long-term warranty protection for their replacement windows. The company provides lifetime guarantees on windows and workmanship, giving customers some of the best buyer protection in the industry.
Castle’s protection applies to window units, glass, and labor, as long as the windows remain in their original openings. Even if you sell your home, its Castle Windows will retain non-prorated protection with transferable lifetime warranty coverage.
Castle provides customers with additional support in its troubleshooting and service guides. The troubleshooting guide provides extensive window maintenance and repair information, and the service guide video tutorials visually demonstrate how to care for your Castle Windows products.
- Pitched design to push debris off
- Lifetime warranty
- Various color options
- Made from recycled materials
- Helps prevent a blockage in the downspout
Overall, MasterShield Gutter Guard is not a large gutter guard provider. Homeowners will find that trying to get more in-depth reviews on the MasterShield provider is a bit more difficult. However, the BBB does show 3 out of 5 stars. MasterShield is not accredited with the BBB, and you can see some overall mixed reviews. Some homeowners find that these sloped gutter guards work well for their homes, and others will struggle with how much of the guard is visible when standing on the ground.
MasterShield gutter guards will work with your current gutter K style gutters, whether they are new or old. There were very complaints about the overall effectiveness of these gutters or getting them to fit on your gutters; the only real complaint is the fact that if the color doesn’t match, the gutter guards are pretty visible. Talk to your MasterShield representative about the color options to ensure you get something that works for your home.
Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
2.6
Our Rating
The Raptor Gutter Guards are the best DIY mesh 4-inch gutter guards on the market. Mesh is the most premium gutter guard type and will typically cost more. However, if you can install these gutter guards yourself, you will save quite a bit of money. The Raptor Gutter Guards are one of our top picks and come with self-tapping screws that help the guards to stay in place. In addition, the installation process is quick, and you can do it with the help of a friend.
Raptor Gutter Guards come with a 25-year warranty, which is considerably longer than most gutter guard providers, especially those that allow for a DIY install. Always make sure that you measure the number of linear feet that you need carefully. Once you have that in place, simply order the correct amount and get your Raptor Gutter Guards in place. This is a perfect mix of value and functionality in a gutter guard.
- 25-year warranty
- Rustproof gutter guards with lots of availability
- Several sizes available
- Stainless steel material
- Any homeowner can install without professional help
The Raptor Gutter Guards are sold on Amazon and can be purchased in any state. The fasteners needed to install these gutter guards will come with the product, making it very easy to install and set things up. Amazon has more than 4000 reviews for the Raptor Gutter Guards, and the average rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars. This is quite high, especially considering this is a DIY type of product.
Most of the reviews for the Raptor Gutter Guards are really strong. Customers find there are no issues with corrosion, and the gutter guard blends in with the look of current gutters just fine. One of the issues that you see is that during a heavy rainstorm, there are some problems with water flowing over the front lip of the gutter and not transferring down into the gutter guard. This happens with several other types of gutter guards on the market because of the hole size in the mesh.
Amerimax Home Products
4.0
Our Rating
The Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard is the easiest to install 4-inch, gutter guard. Just as the product name suggests, the Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guards simply slide under the first row of shingles and then lock into your gutter. This locking makes it a simple process, and the gutter guards can easily be cut to fit the exact size you need. The Amerimax gutter guards come in several different colors to ensure that your gutter guard system matches your house.
Homeowners that are new to home improvement type projects will enjoy how quickly this process of installing the Amerimax gutter guard is. The fact that this is a powder-coated steel material also means that it will last for years to come with very few issues. For a very affordable and DIY type solution, the Amerimax Home Products are a perfect solution to consider.
Castle Windows is the best choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive, long-term warranty protection for their replacement windows. The company provides lifetime guarantees on windows and workmanship, giving customers some of the best buyer protection in the industry.
Castle’s protection applies to window units, glass, and labor, as long as the windows remain in their original openings. Even if you sell your home, its Castle Windows will retain non-prorated protection with transferable lifetime warranty coverage.
Castle provides customers with additional support in its troubleshooting and service guides. The troubleshooting guide provides extensive window maintenance and repair information, and the service guide video tutorials visually demonstrate how to care for your Castle Windows products.
- Made of powder-coated steel
- 4, 5, and 6-inch options
- Available in packs of 1-25
- 10-year warranty
- Rustproof
Amerimax Gutter Guards can be purchased on Amazon, with more than 1200 customer reviews. The total rating for the Amerimax Gutter Guards is 4.5 out of 5 stars which is very high for a DIY install type product. The company does not have a BBB rating, but the Amazon reviews are a great way to read more about customers’ real experiences with Amerimax.
Of course, there are always downsides, and with the Amerimax Gutter Guard, it is the warranty time and the impact on your roof warranty. Sometimes when a gutter guard is a DIY install gutter guard, there are issues with a roof warranty. To ensure this does not happen to you, always check with your provider before installing this type of gutter guard. In addition, it’s important to remember that the Amerimax Gutter Guards only have a 10-year warranty, so keep this in mind as well.
GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guards
2.5
Our Rating
GutterStuff Foam Gutter guards are the best foam 4-inch gutter guards. This company has been on the market for more than 15 years, and they are known for easy installation and a DIY product that works for almost any 4-inch gutter. Unlike brush gutter guards, where debris can get stuck in the bristles of the guard, the foam gutter guards keep all debris on the top of the gutter. Water will penetrate the foam and soak into the gutter. Sometimes the top of your foam gutters will need to be cleaned, but the process is considerably easier than cleaning a gutter.
When installing the GutterStuff gutter guards, it is simple to cut the guards into the perfect shape, and there is no need to have a professional help you with this process. GutterStuff foam gutter guards come with a 5-year warranty should you have any issues with the functionality of the product.
- 15 years of proven performance
- Easy installation
- 5-year warranty
- 4, 5, or 6-inch width options
- 32, 96, 144, or 192-foot length options.
We know that the GutterStuff Foam Gutter insert is the fastest installation and one of the best DIY gutter guards out there. However, with more than 100 reviews on Amazon, the product still has a 4.4 out of 5-star review. This says quite a bit about what actual customers think when using the GutterStuff Foam gutter guards. Most customers are satisfied with the water flow and the ability of the gutters to handle large amounts of water.
The only complaint that we saw consistently come up is the way that debris will pile up on top of the gutter guards. When the large debris piles off, you will need to get up there with a blower or your hand and remove these larger chunks of debris. It should only take a few minutes to do so, but it can be time-consuming, and it is a common complaint with foam gutter guards. If you live in a home that has quite a bit of tree coverage, it may be best to choose a different type of gutter guard for your home.
Buying Guide for 4-Inch Gutter Guards
Now that you have more specific details about the best 4-inch gutter guards, it’s time to narrow down which of these could be the right fit for your home. With many different features to distinguish between, let’s look at a few of the things that can help you narrow down the best overall choice.
Quality
The highest quality gutter guards on the market are the stainless steel micro-mesh. With these higher-quality gutter guards, expect that you will have very few leaves, acorns, and small sticks drop through the gutter guard and into the gutter. Metal gutter guards are designed to last a lifetime, unlike brush or foam gutter guards. Of course, there is some extra expense to consider with these higher-quality guards.
Cost
The cost of a gutter guard will depend on the material you choose, the size of your home, and whether or not you install the gutter guard yourself. The DIY-friendly gutter guards are the most cost-effective, but you must be sure you are comfortable with the installation process. The higher priced gutter guards should also come with a more extended warranty. Luckily, the 4-inch gutter guards are a bit smaller than standard, which is sometimes helpful with overall pricing.
Installation
The installation of gutter guards is typically done professionally. However, there are options for foam gutter guards, brush gutter guards, and even snap-in mesh gutter guards that can be installed without the help of a professional. Installation of your gutter guard system should not take more than a day or two, especially if your gutters are in good condition. Most of the time, the highest priced gutter guards require professional installation to ensure that the warranty remains strong for years to come.
Appearance
The overall appearance of a gutter guard must be one that matches the current aesthetics of the home. If you have white gutters, finding something that will match the gutters or be as clean looking as possible is quite important. If you are overly concerned with appearance, there are gutter guard providers that will allow you to see color samples prior to having the guards installed at your home.
Size Options
Most gutter guard manufacturers make a four-inch gutter guard as a standard option. However, if your gutters are a custom size, LeafFIlter can make you a custom gutter cover that will ensure your gutter guard system works exactly as it is stated. The size options for the gutters are standard at 4, 5, and 6 inches.
Warranty
The best 4-inch gutter guards on the market will come with a warranty of at least 25 years. Some will have a lifetime transferrable warranty, which is also a tremendous benefit. This allows homeowners to make a one-time investment into their gutters and then have them covered for the rest of their lives. Warranties for DIY-type products are typically less than 25 years and more in the 5 to 10-year range. Always enquire about the gutter guard warranty before investing.
275-micron stainless steel mesh design
Lifetime installation warranty
Offers new gutter installation services
Manufactured to match your home
One-piece system includes a guard and gutter
Guaranteed not to clog
Sturdy aluminum frame and steel screens
Offers 0% financing
Provides gutter repair & installation
Final Thoughts
We hope you now feel as though you can purchase 4-inch gutter guards with complete confidence. Each option on our list has something unique to offer homeowners, but the LeafFilter gutter guards stand out as the best overall choice. With LeafFilter, you can get tremendous protection for your gutters, a great warranty, and the ability to never have to clean your gutters again.
As always, when purchasing any type of home product, it is important to consider your options and get more than one quote. Several quotes will ensure that you end up with a product that works for your needs and will also be an excellent deal for your budget.
4-Inch Gutter Guard FAQs
Which gutter protector is the best?
The LeafFilter gutter guards are the best option on the market and stand out as being the most durable and effective. LeafFilter has been on the market for more than 15 years, and this has helped it to stand out from other choices on the market.
Is there a gutter guard that works?
There are several gutter guards that work well, and these are typically the stainless steel mesh type gutter guards. Stainless steel mesh will not corrode or rust, and it will keep out all debris and only let water flow into the gutters. In addition, with the stainless steel mesh, you rarely see the debris pile up on top of the gutters.
Is there a downside to gutter guards?
Some gutter guards can void a roof warranty that you have in place. If you are worried about this, simply determine the specifications of the roof warranty before installation. The LeafFilter Gutter Guards are often not going to void the warranty as they are professionally installed by a reliable and well-known manufacturer.
How much does a gutter guard cost?
Gutter guards can cost anywhere from $.50 a linear foot to more than $10 per linear foot. The type of gutter guard you chose, the size of your home, and the person installing the gutter guards will all impact total costs. For those on a budget, the brush and foam gutter guards are going to be the best overall value.
What is the best type of gutter guard?
The best type of gutter guard is a stainless steel mesh gutter guard. These guards will help keep water flow strong even in a downpour, and they ensure that your gutters are completely clear of all debris.
How we Ranked, Reviewed, and Tested the Best Gutter Guards
Here, we’ve broken down our rating methodology for gutter guards. You should know that we’ve taken the utmost care to provide the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you make the best choice for your budgetary and home maintenance needs.
Why Trust Today's Homeowner? Our Gutter Ranking Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 gutter guards so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each gutter guard and gutter guard provider company according to our gutter ranking methodology.
We also dug into the details of each gutter guard to ensure that you could make the best decisions for your home and keep your gutters debris-free for years to come.
To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best gutter guards based on the following criteria:
- Material: Material durability was the single most important factor that went into our rating methodology for gutter guards. Whether they were stainless steel micro-mesh or plastic screening, we gave an in-depth rating for this criteria.
- Debris Resistance: Our testing served as the primary evaluator for this factor. We curated a rating based on customer testimonials and our own in-house testing here.
- Ease of Installation: Most of the gutter guard options listed have some DIY component involved. For this reason, guards that required the fewest specialty tools got the highest rating here.
- Cost: How reasonable are prices in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
- Warranty terms: We looked into the warranty of lifetime warranty terms if it is offered by the provider.
- Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
- Buying process: if the gutter guard is a DIY installation, how easy is the buying process? We looked for shipping costs and shipping time, as well as where the product can be bought from.
