If you are tired of having to continually clean your gutters and ensure that they are free of leaves and debris, steel gutter guards are the way to go. The great thing about steel gutter guards is that there is no chance of rust or corrosion, and they often come with a lifetime warranty.
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
Steel micro-mesh screen gutters are the best on the market. Homeowners that find the right gutter guards will greatly benefit from less time spent cleaning, a lower chance of damage to the foundation of the home, and much more. Let’s take a look at the best gutter guard for your home and how you can start eliminating the time that you spend cleaning your gutters and start enjoying your home.
Our Top 6 Steel Gutter Guards
At Today’s Homeowner, we have researched and tested dozens of different steel gutter guards. We looked for things like warranty, type of gutter guard material, reputation in the industry, pricing, and much more. Here is how the top 6 steel gutter guards ranked.
Compare the Best Steel Gutter Guards
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LeafFilter
4.1
Our Rating
LeafFilter Gutter Guards are the best overall steel gutter guards on the market. With LeafFilter Gutter Guards, you can expect tremendous functionality, as this brand has been in the industry for more than 15 years. LeafFilter Gutter Guards are created with a 275-micron steel mesh that ensures only water will penetrate the guard. This gutter filter is incredibly durable and has no problem handling heavy rain storms.
The LeafFilter gutter guards need to be professionally installed as the process can be a bit involved. Even with the slightly higher pricing and mandatory professional installation, LeafFilter stands out among the other gutter guards on the market. In addition, the BBB rating from LeafFilter is an A+ and has remained this way for years. If you are interested in quality that lasts, with a strong warranty to back it up, LeafFilter is an excellent option to consider.
- Steel gutter guard with micro-mesh technology
- Customizable sizing for any gutter
- Guards are rustproof
- Professional installation with a lifetime warranty
- A+ rating from BBB
You won’t need to look long to find a LeafFilter Gutter Guard positive review. This gutter guard provider has a strong history in the industry, and it is apparent in how they treat customers and handle any of the issues that come up. The A+ rating with the BBB should come as no surprise. In addition, LeafFilter was given 3.75 out of 5 stars as their overall rating with the BBB. Trustpilot has also managed to collect a great deal of reviews on LeafFilter, with a total rating of 4.4 out of 5. With a total of 86,000 reviews, this star rating is pretty impressive.
When you read through the reviews from LeafFilter customers, it is easy to see that the functionality of the gutter guard for K style gutters is quite impressive. Homeowners will find that these screen gutter guards do a tremendous job of helping to prevent clogging. In addition, the availability of custom gutter sizes stands out as a great benefit. The only real issue that we saw with the LeafFilter Gutter Guards deals with the installation process. Those that are installing gutter guards must ensure that the installers are well informed and scheduled at the right days and times. LeafFilter will contract with local installers in your area, and you may have to check their reviews as well.
To get a free quote from LeafFilter Gutter Guards, type in your zip code on its website.
Read our LeafFilter Gutter Guards review to learn more.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
4.4
Our Rating
HomeCraft Gutter Protection is the best steel gutter guard design on the market. The HomeCraft Gutter Protection guards are stainless steel micro-mesh, and they will work on any roof type. For those with metal roofs that are struggling to find a gutter guard that will work, the HomeCraft Gutter Protection will work. The raised mesh design is another great feature of HomeCraft Gutter Protection. With the raised design, the debris that gets stuck on top of the gutter guard will stay up higher and let water penetrate underneath and collect in the gutter.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection must be installed by a home improvement professional. This process is not difficult to schedule or complete as HomeCraft Gutter Protection is a smaller company with more personalized service. The current number of states that HomeCraft Gutter Protection services are 12, but they seem to be growing and expanding over the last six years. HomeCraft Gutter Protection does a great job with pine needles, small debris, and large debris buildup. WIth a lifetime transferrable warranty, this is an excellent choice if you live within the service area of HomeCraft Gutter Protection.
- 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 gutter guards currently have a BBB rating of a B. With the smaller company size and limited availability, this BBB rating is about standard. In addition to being BBB accredited, TrustPilot has more than 125 customer reviews from HomeCraft Gutter Protection. The HomeCraft Gutter Protection gutter guards do a great job of keeping your gutters clean while also lasting for years to come.
Most customers found the raised mesh steel designs to work quite well. In addition, the lifetime transferrable warranty was well received, and the customer service was quite impressive. One of the main issues that we saw from the reviews of HomeCraft Gutter Protection gutter guards was the colors of the gutter guards did not match the samples. Talk to your representative about the color that is going to work best for you.
To get a free quote from HomeCraft Gutter Protection, visit its website.
Read our HomeCraft Gutter Guards review to learn more.
All American Gutter Protection
4.1
Our Rating
All American Gutter Protection is the most customizable steel gutter guard in the industry. With a long history in the business and micro-mesh gutter guards that are high quality, have impressive reviews, and have more than 30 different color options, it is not surprising that All American Gutter Protection grabs a spot on the top of this list. The micro-mesh material used on the All American Gutter Protection is a stainless steel material that will hold up for years to come.
The sides of the All American Gutter Protection guards are made with an aluminum material that makes the gutter guards easier to hang and lighter for your gutters to have to hold up. Overall the All American Gutter Protection gutter guards have an A+ rating from the BBB, so they are well respected across the industry. All American Gutter Guards are installed by professionals only, and they are known for their quick and effortless installation process. Whether you have owned your home for three years or thirty years, chances are the All American Gutter Protection manufacturer will have an option to fulfill your needs.
- 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
All American Gutter Protection has an A+ Rating on the BBB, helping it stand out as one of the best overall providers in the industry. The star rating from All American Gutter Protection is 4.5 out of 5, which says a lot about how All American handles customer complaints. The All American Gutter Protection gutter guards are also highly rated when it comes to the number of colors that they offer homeowners. If you want something that is a perfect match for your home, All American Gutter Protection can do the trick.
All American Gutter Protection Gutter Guards will need a professional installation. This is not a product you can snap-in on your own, a qualified representative will come to your home, measure and quote, and then a team will come back to install. One of the complaints that we saw about All American Gutter Protection gutter guards was the fact that installers were late or took longer than expected to install. Make sure you confirm how the installation process will go, and you may experience no issues at all.
To get a free quote from All American Gutter Protection, fill out this form.
Read our All American Gutter Guards review to learn more.
MasterShield
4.5
Our Rating
The MasterShield Gutter Guard is the most environmentally friendly steel gutter guard on the market. MasterShield used recycled metal to create their gutter guards in an effort to help lessen pollution while simultaneously making your gutters more effective. With the MasterShield Gutter Guards coming with a lifetime warranty, this is a great place to use recycled steel. One of the things that helps the MasterShield Gutter Guard stand out is the use of the slope design to make the gutter guards more effective.
MasterShield Gutter Guards are professionally installed on a slope that will match the pitch of your current roof shingles. The great thing about this is the debris will slide off the house, as opposed to sitting on top of the gutters. Gutter cleaning will not be a concern because the debris will slide off the roof and land on the ground.
- Lifetime warranty
- Over 14 color options
- Made from recycled materials
- Helps prevent a blockage in the downspout
MasterShield Gutter Guards is not accredited with the BBB. There were a few reviews to take a look at on the BBB website, and the total star rating from those reviewers was 3 out of 5 stars. These are heavy-duty gutter guards that need to be professionally installed. Customers seemed to like the color options as well as the fact the leaf guard was made with recycled material. There were, however, a few complaints.
The major complaint that homeowners had was with the filter placed inside the gutter guard. The filter is a great thing for reducing issues with mold and bacteria as well as helping to keep colder water from freezing. However, the filter does get clogged at times. The clogged filter can easily be cleaned, but it’s just another thing to add to your to-do list.
Read our MasterShield Gutter Guards review to learn more.
Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
2.6
Our Rating
The Raptor Gutter Guards are the best DIY steel mesh gutter guards on the market. There is no need to worry about availability with the Raptor Gutter Guards; Amazon will ship these guards to all 50 states.
Homeowners can take the stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard and install it themselves or hire a local professional to do the installation. The great thing about the Raptor Gutter Guards is that they come with self-tapping screws to make this process considerably easier. The installation can be done with you and a friend, and it should not take more than a few hours.
One of the more impressive features of the Raptor Gutter Guards is that they come with a 25-year warranty. The warranty is an important thing to consider, as most DIY type gutter guards do not have a warranty associated with them. If you are comfortable on a ladder and are looking for clean gutters for a fair price, the Raptor Gutter Guards are a great solution.
- 25-year warranty
- Rustproof gutter guards with lots of availability
- Three sizes available (5, 6, or 7 inches)
- Stainless steel material
- Any homeowner can install without professional help
Raptor Gutter Guards have great availability, and this has helped them become an excellent choice for many homeowners. Amazon currently has more than 4000 reviews for the Raptor Gutter Guards and a star rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. The Raptor Gutter Guards are a strong choice for steel gutter guards, especially if you want to save some money on your gutter guard system.
We assumed some of the complaints on these Raptor Gutter Guards would be based on the installation process. However, the easy installation was one of the top compliments this company got. One of the major issues deals with heavy rain. When rain starts coming down, the Raptor Gutter Guards have a hard time keeping up. This is common for many stainless steel micro-mesh guards but something that should only happen in really heavy rain.
To see the current pricing of this Raptor gutter guard, look on Amazon.
Amerimax Home Products
4.0
Our Rating
The Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard is the easiest to install steel gutter guard on the market. This product comes with a 10-year warranty, and it is an affordable and simple solution to the issues you may be having with your gutters. The Lock-In System means that you can simply slide your gutter guards into place, and they lock into your existing gutters. The Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guards is also very fairly priced, making them a popular choice for many new homeowners.
When installing the Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guards, you will be able to cut the gutter guard to the size you need to keep installation moving along quickly. Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guards are an excellent choice for those looking for rust-proof, steel gutter guards that won’t break the bank and won’t require professional installation.
- Made of powder-coated steel
- 4, 5, and 6-inch options
- Available in packs of 1-25
- 10-year warranty
- Rustproof
Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard is sold on Amazon, making it easy to read reviews and customer feedback. You will notice that there are more than 1200 total reviews, and the total rating is around 4.5 out of 5 stars. Homeowners essentially were really happy with this product. One of the most important compliments the Amerimax Home Products gutter guards got was the ease of installation.
Of course, having a gutter guard that requires no fasteners or tools to install is a really great option. However, there were some homeowners that felt this gutter guard did not do quite enough during a heavy rain storm. Some felt as though rain was pouring over the side of the gutter, or at times the gutter guard almost snapped out of the position it was in. Keep this in mind if you live in an area where heavy rain could become an issue.
To see the current pricing of Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guards, look on Amazon.
Buying Guide for Steel Gutter Guards
Now that we have given you all the best information on the steel gutter guards that could work for your home, it’s time to break down the top choice. One thing we know already is that steel gutter guards are going to hold up longer than brush gutter guards, foam gutter guards, and even an aluminum gutter guard. By choosing steel, whether professionally installed or DIY gutter guards, you are setting yourself up for a long-term solution to your gutter cleaning problems.
Quality
The highest quality gutter guards on the market are steel micro mesh gutter guards. These gutter guards work considerably better than surface tension guards to keep debris out of the gutters and let water flow through. The steel mesh gutter guards are available in several different styles, and some will attach to gutters and others to the roof. One of the best signs of quality in a gutter guard is a lifetime transferrable warranty. Always be sure to read a company’s FAQs so that you understand the conditions of any warranty.
Cost
The cost of steel gutter guards can vary a bit, and it is a little higher than other types of gutter guards. The cost will vary depending on if you have 4, 5, or 6-inch gutters. In addition, if your rain gutters are a unique color and you need the steel to match, you may pay extra for a custom color. Widths, color, and the overall size of your home are big factors when looking at the total costs of a gutter guard. In addition, professional installation will increase the total costs. Professional installation is unavoidable with some gutter guards, like a top pick LeafFilter.
Installation
The installation process for gutter guards will be similar to how it is for new gutters. Some companies will allow you to install your gutter guards on your own using fasteners and hangers provided. Others will require professional installation. Installation can void your roof warranty if it is not done properly, and this is something that should be discussed with the installers of your product.
Appearance
Gutter guards can come in a wide range of colors and styles. Some gutter guards will attach to the roof, and you will see the sloped design flowing over and into the gutters. Other gutter guards will sit directly on top of the current gutters, and they will not be visible. The color is important to ensure that the gutter guard blends in with the style of your home. However, changes to the appearance of the guard can sometimes lead to higher pricing.
Size Options
The standard widths for gutter guards are 4, 5, and 6 inches. There are some companies that will make custom-sized gutter guards and others that have a standard 7-inch for larger gutters. However, the larger the width of the gutter guard, the more you can expect to pay for the product. Always make sure you have an accurate number of linear feet measured when ordering your new gutter guard.
Warranty
The best warranty in the industry is the lifetime transferrable warranty that a few of the top gutter guard providers will offer. This lifetime transferrable warranty will allow you to make this gutter guard purchase just once and get to enjoy the benefits of it for years to come. The warranty for many DIY products is typically between 5 and 25 years. Raptor Gutter Guards offers a 25-year warranty on a DIY install, and that is the best in the industry.
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
Compare the Best Steel Gutter Guards
| Provider | Website/link | Cost* | States Covered | Unique features |
| LeafFilter Gutter Guards | Visit Site | Contact For Quote | 43 States (Not Including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota) | Professional installation, number one gutter guard company, quick installation |
| HomeCraft Gutter Protection | Visit Site | Contact For Quote | Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas | It has a lifetime transferable warranty, can be used with metal roofs, micro-mesh material for superior filtration |
| All American Gutter Protection | Visit Site | Contact For Quote | 15 States Including( Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) | Has impressive BBB ratings, strengthens the gutters on the home |
| MasterShield Gutter Guard | Visit Site | Contact For Quote | Contact Company for Complete and Updated List | Created by inventor of Micro Mesh Gutter guards, lifetime warranty, premium technology, and functionality |
| Raptor Gutter Guards | Visit Site | $458 | All of US | Micro-mesh, 25-year warranty, includes self-tapping screws |
| Amerimax Lock-In Gutter Guard | Visit Site | $250 | All of US | Works with several gutter sizes, is very easy to install, comes with a Limited ten-year warranty |
Final Thoughts
We hope you now feel as though you can choose the best steel gutter guards for your home with complete confidence. Steel is a great material for a gutter guard, and that part of your decision is great. Finding the perfect gutter guard can take a bit of time and research, but LeafFilter stands out as the best overall choice on the market. The LeafFilter Gutter Guards have impressive functionality, a long warranty, and more than 15 years of industry experience.
As with other home improvement type products, it is important to get more than one quote. Sometimes having several quotes will help you get a great deal and ensure that you are satisfied with the product you have purchased.
FAQs About Steel Gutter Guards
What is the best material for a gutter guard?
The best material for a gutter guard is a stainless steel micro-mesh. These gutter guards will hold up over time, have tremendous warranties associated with them and help keep you satisfied with the products you have purchased. In addition, the steel gutter guards keep out both large and small debris.
What is the #1 gutter guard?
The number one gutter guard on the market is the LeafFilter gutter guard. LeafFilter does a tremendous job of protecting your gutters from both large and small debris, ensuring you don’t have to clean your gutters and keeping the foundation of your home protected. LeafFilter has been in the industry for more than 15 years, helping it to stand out from other gutter guard providers.
Is there a downside to gutter guards?
Sometimes gutter guards can collect debris on the top. Depending on the type of gutter guard you purchased, this debris can be easy to remove with a blower or by hand. However, there are some cheaper gutter guards that will grab the debris and almost have it stick; this is time consuming to remove things like pine needles.
Are gutter guards worth the investment?
Gutter guards are worth the investment as they not only protect you from having to be on a ladder cleaning your gutters, but they also encourage a stronger foundation long term. When gutter guards are in place, water damage around the base of your home is much less likely. In addition, animals are going to have a very hard time creating a home in your gutter.
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.
