Best Gutter Guards of 2021

There are dozens of gutter guard companies on the market. Choosing the right one for your home can be overwhelming. However, the importance of a great gutter guard is clear. If you want to keep your home gutter system functioning correctly, gutter guards are a must. In our best gutter guards of 2021 guide, we will show you: 

• The best gutter guards of 2021
• How to choose the best gutter guards
• What to look for in a gutter guard 
• How gutter guards can help your home 
• And much more . . .

A gutter guard is essentially a cap that goes on top of your existing gutter system to keep debris out. Gutter guards can help protect against animals, large debris, and small debris. With a gutter guard in place, water can properly flow from the roof into the gutter system. Overall, gutters help protect the foundation of a home, and they keep you from having to be on a ladder cleaning each day. 

Our Top 7 Gutter Guards of 2021

There are hundreds of gutter guard choices for homeowners. When reviewing these choices, we looked at everything from cost, to quality of the product, to gutter type, to installation, and much more. Here is how the top 7 gutter guards ranked in 2021. 

1. LeafFilter Gutter Guards: Best Professional Installation 
2. HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Design
3. All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable 
4. MasterShield Gutter Guard: Most Environmentally Friendly
5. Raptor Gutter Guards:  Best DIY Mesh Gutter Guards 
6. Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guard: Easiest To Install 
7. Gutter Stuff Foam Gutter Guards: Best Foam Gutter Guards 

Types of Gutter Guards

Screen

The screen gutter guards are known for blocking out a great deal of debris and leaving it to sit directly on top of the gutter itself. Screen gutter guards allow for excellent water flow but sometimes let small particles into the gutters. 

Screen gutter guards are best for homeowners that deal with minimal debris but very heavy rainfall. The size of the water collection holes in the screen is larger than they are for other options on the market. 

Mesh

Mesh gutter guards take the idea of a screen concept and make it just a bit better. Where screens have large holes that are relatively well-spaced apart, a mesh gutter guard has a more condensed pattern allowing for even more blockage of debris. 

The mesh gutter guards are typically stainless steel material that will not rust, bend or warp over time. Most of the top gutter guard providers in 2021 will offer some type of mesh or micro-mesh gutter guard. 

Micro-Mesh

Micro-mesh is typically considered to be the best gutter guard option on the market. The micro-mesh keeps out almost all debris but still allows for proper water flow off the roof. The micro-mesh materials are very durable and often have channels to allow the water to pool up on the guard and eventually seep in. 

Some micro-mesh gutter guards are known to be able to keep particles as small as shingle dust from entering into the guard itself. Micro-mesh gutter guards typically come at the highest price, but they have the most functionality.  

Reverse Curve/Surface Tension

Reverse curve gutter guards are installed at the same pitch as the roof, yet they have a unique pattern that tries to grab water before it slides off the roof. The reverse curve or surface tension gutter guards use gravity to collect as much water as possible while letting debris fall off naturally. 

The only problem with the reverse curve gutter guards is that they can sometimes need an installation that requires lifting a row of shingles. This is something that a professional needs to do to ensure there are no additional issues. 

Foam

The foam gutter guard is essentially a piece of foam that sticks in your gutters. The foam has a flat top, and it will keep debris from entering the gutter. The foam material allows water to flow into the gutter. 

The foam gutter guards are very easy to install, and they do a great job of collecting debris on top of the gutter instead of letting it fall in. The issue we see with foam gutter guards is that they tend to deteriorate faster than a micro-mesh material. 

Brush

A brush gutter guard looks like a bristle-type brush that sits in a gutter. The brushes work to keep large debris out while still allowing for water flow. Overall the brush design is effective when there is heavy rain, but it does require you to clean your gutters much more often. 

Most of the brush designs on the market will be DIY friendly and something that you can do with just an afternoon of time. Brush gutter guards also tend to be a bit more affordable because of the simplicity of the overall design. 

Compare the Top Gutter Guards

1. LeafFilter Gutter Guards – Best Professional Installation 

LeafFilter Gutter Guards are the most well-known and trusted gutter guards in the industry. LeafFilter has been on the market for more than 16 years and has an A+ rating with the BBB. In addition, the LeafFilter Gutter Guards are available in 43 states across the country. 

The guard itself is a 275-micron steel mesh. The mesh material allows the LeafFilter gutter guards to keep out all debris and improve water flow. The material is so well designed that LeafFilter felt comfortable providing a lifetime transferable warranty with the product. 

All LeafFilter Gutter Guards are installed professionally. Local LeafFilter organizations across the country will come to your home to quote, assess any current gutter issues, and then install your new system within days. You can get pricing from the LeafFilter website or learn more about cost on our cost breakdown page. The process of getting your gutter guards on your home is quite simple when dealing with LeafFilter. For those ready to have a quality gutter guard experience, LeafFilter should be one of your top options to consider. 

Key features of this gutter guard: With a durable 275-micron steel mesh, there is no way that any typical debris from trees or animals will make it past your LeafFilter guards. In addition, the steel mesh is a patented system to help improve water flow and allow for a lifetime transferable warranty. 

Who should buy it: One of the great things about LeafFilter Gutter Guards is that they work for all types of homes and homeowners. It does not matter if you are looking for functionality, durability, or excellent installation; LeafFilter has it all. 

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.

2. HomeCraft Gutter Protection – Best Design   

HomeCraft Gutter Protection offers the best designed gutter guards on the market. The HomeCraft gutter guards will work on anything from a shingle roof to a metal roof. Many metal roofs are incompatible with gutter guards, but HomeCraft has a system that will work. 

The HomeCraft Gutter Protection company has been around for about five years, and they are still growing and expanding. At the current time, you will have access to their product across five different states. These mesh gutter guards are great at keeping out all debris and ensuring there is no corrosion or rust on the guard itself. 

The HomeCraft gutter guards come with a lifetime transferable warranty. The raised mesh design allows debris to sit up a little on the top of the guard while the water can flow through. For best results, you should keep your HomeCraft Gutter guards as clear as possible to ensure proper water flow. 

Key features of this gutter guard: The impressive design from HomeCraft gutter guards features a high-quality mesh material that comes with a lifetime warranty. HomeCraft is also able to install gutters if your home should lack that technology. 

Who should buy it: When looking into gutter guards, the first step should be availability. With these gutter guards only being offered in ten states, some people will be eliminated from choosing HomeCraft. However, if you live in the service area and want to ensure that your guards will work with any roof style or gutter style, this is a great company to call. 

To get a free quote from HomeCraft Gutter Protection, visit its website.

Read our HomeCraft Gutter Guards review to learn more.

3. All American Gutter Protection – Most Customizable 

The All American Gutter Protection company makes some of the most customizable gutter guards on the market. This company offers professional installation, and they will make sure that the gutter guards they install will match the needs of your home exactly. With more than 20 years in the industry and a BBB rating of A+, the All American Gutter Protection Gutter Guards have become one of the top sellers. 

The All American Gutter Protection Guards feature an aluminum frame combined with a stainless steel micro-mesh. The aluminum material is lightweight, yet it helps to support and increase the strength of your current gutter system. With the micro-mesh on top of the aluminum design, all debris, both large and small, are kept out of the way. 

Another thing that helps All American Gutter Protection stand out is the lifetime warranty that comes with the product. In addition, for the military and seniors, there are often sales and promotions. All American Gutter Protection could be a great fit if you want fair pricing but a high-quality product.  

Key features of this gutter guard: The All American Gutter Protection Guards feature a durable aluminum frame and a micro-mesh material. These gutter guards are guaranteed not to bend, break or warp and have a lifetime warranty. 

Who should buy it: If you are specific about the color, look and fit of your gutter guards, look to All American Gutter Protection for help. The qualified installation team knows what will work on your home, what looks good, what doesn’t, and how they can help. 

To get a free quote from All American Gutter Protection, fill out this form.

Read our All American Gutter Guards review to learn more.

4. MasterShield Gutter Guard – Best Design 

The MasterShield Gutter Guard is the best design on the market. The founder and inventor of the MasterShield Gutter Guard is the same person that invented the micro-mesh design years ago. With some improvements on this original design and increased technology, the MasterShield gutter guard has come a long way. 

The first thing that will stand out about the MasterShield gutter guard is the slope of the guard. This gutter guard is not installed directly on top of the gutter and is instead installed at an angle, the same as the roof’s pitch. The MasterShield Gutter Guard allows water to collect in the gutter, but it does not keep debris sitting on top of the guard. 

If you really want to ensure very little time is spent cleaning your gutters or roof, the MasterShield is a smart option to consider. There are more than 30 colors available with the MasterShield guard to ensure that the look will match your home. In addition, there is a filter installed in the mesh that helps to encourage even the smallest shingle debris to drain from your roof properly. 

Key features of this gutter guard: The impressive design of the MasterShield gutter guards allows for the proper flow of water while not allowing debris to collect. The product is eco-friendly and made from recycled materials.  

Who should buy it: If you are really concerned with getting up on a ladder and want to ensure that your gutter cleaning days are over, the MasterShield gutter guards are a perfect choice. Make sure to choose a color that works for your home, as these are highly visible gutter guards. 

To get a free quote from MasterShield Gutter Guards, fill out this form.

Read our MasterShield Gutter Guards review to learn more.

5. Raptor Gutter Guards – Best Mesh DIY Gutter Guards

Most gutter guards on the market that have a mesh material are installed by professionals. This is because some mesh gutter guard installations can be a bit more complicated; however, the Raptor Gutter Guards can give homeowners that professional installation quality while allowing them to save quite a bit of money on the install of the product. 

The Raptor Gutter guards have a very impressive filtering ability. You can purchase these guards in a few different sizes so that they will match with your current gutters. The heavy-duty materials are relatively easy to work with, and they will last for a very long time. 

One of the things to be aware of when installing your own gutter guards is the presence of a warranty. Some companies will void all warranties if the installation is done by anyone but a professional. However, with the Raptor Guards, you get a 25-year warranty, and they even give you the self-tapping screws necessary to put this gutter guard to work. 

Key features of this gutter guard: The Raptor Gutter Guards are a DIY gutter guard company that provides high-quality micro-mesh gutters for its customers. Most homeowners find the installation to be relatively easy, and the overall durability of these guards is impressive. 

Who should buy it: Those that want to install their own gutter guards yet still want to keep the impressive features that a professional installation would have, will enjoy the Raptor Gutter Guards. 

To see the current pricing of this Raptor gutter guard, look on Amazon.

6. Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guard – Easiest To Install

The Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guard is the easiest to install. This is a mesh gutter guard with durable powder-coated steel. If you are a new homeowner looking for a quick and affordable way to have your gutter system work effectively, then the Amerimax Lock-In could be a perfect installation option. 

The lock-in part of the gutter guard is very easy to learn, and you can make quick work once you see how the system works. The guard will slide under the first row of shingles without lifting them up, and then it will lock into the gutters themselves. The Amerimax is compatible with the 4, 5, or 6 inch K Style Gutters. 

Although you will have to be in charge of installing the AmeriMax Lock-In Gutter Guards, the 10-year limited warranty on this product is a nice feature. Most DIY gutter guards have little or no warranty. However, Amerimax knows this will be a relatively easy project to install, and they are comfortable offering a strong warranty. 

Key features of this gutter guard: The Amerimax Gutter Guards are high quality and durable powder-coated steel material. They will blend in quite easily with the roof and help keep large debris from entering the gutter system. 

Who should buy it: The Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guards is an excellent choice for ensuring proper water flow, even during heavy downpours. The larger openings on this guard help water flow through at a faster rate. 

To see the current orcing of Amerimax Lock In Gutter Guards, look on Amazon.

7. Gutter Stuff Foam Gutter Guards – Best Foam Gutter Guards 

The GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guards are the best foam gutter guards on the market. The foam material will allow debris to sit on top and water to flow through. One of the great things about the foam gutter guards is that they are very easy to work with and install. This is an option that you won’t need a professional for. 

The GutterStuff Gutter Guards allow you to cut the gutter guards into pieces and put them in the gutter where necessary. The sizing and measuring of this project is straightforward. The concept here is that when the foam gutter guard is in the gutter, only water will be able to pass through the foam and into the gutter; all other debris stays on top. 

It should be noted that foam gutters typically don’t last as long as micro-mesh gutter guards simply because of the material type. The GutterStuff Foam Gutters do come with a UV Protectant to help decrease deterioration over time. 

Key features of this gutter guard: GutterStuff gutter guards have more than 15 years of proven performance on the market, and their foam gutter guard helps protect any size debris. Nothing but water will be able to penetrate the gutter guard.  

Who should buy it: If you are ready to install a gutter guard system yourself but don’t want to deal with tools and a significant project, the GutterStuff guards are the perfect solution. Since these guards will simply fit inside your gutters, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to cutting or retrofitting the gutters to accept the guards. 

To see pricing for GutterStuff Foam Gutter Guards, look on Amazon.

What to Consider For When Buying Gutter Guards

Quality of the guard

The quality of the gutter guard is probably the most critical factor to consider when purchasing gutter guards for your home. The idea is to choose an option that is going to last for many years. In fact, some of the best gutter guards on the market have a lifetime warranty. 

Gutter guards will be exposed to rain, water, snow, and even sunlight that can eventually lead to them breaking down or deteriorating. Ensure that the material, design, and overall type of gutter guard are of the highest quality possible within your budget. 

Price Point

The pricing of gutter guards is typically calculated based on the linear footage of gutters that are necessary to wrap around the entire home. The micro-mesh gutter guards tend to be the most expensive as they are also the most effective. 

If you are having a professional installation of gutter guards, expect that the price is going to vary depending on where you are located, the height of your roof, and the number of gutters that you already have installed on your home. 

Installation difficulty

As you have seen from our list of the best gutter guards of 2021, DIY options and professional installation options are available to homeowners. The DIY options typically require the use of a hammer, ladder, and basic tools. 

For the DIY options, make sure that you have some experience with DIY projects in the past. It takes time to master the concept of being on a ladder and using your hands to install a product. If you are not entirely comfortable with this, get a quote for professional installation. The overall process when it comes to professional installation is quite fast. 

Visual appeal

Most gutter guards are designed so that you cannot see them from the ground. However, there are some pitched or very visible slope options. If you install a gutter guard that does not match your roof or your home, it will be very noticeable. 

Look for companies that have different color options to ensure a match with your home. Overall the visual appeal of gutters and gutter guards should have an impact on the decision that you make. 

Gutter Coverage

When determining the necessary gutter coverage, accurate measurements of the linear footage of gutters need to be considered. Customers need to consider the different size options that gutter guards come in as well as the number of feet needed to protect the entire home. 

It is best to have an in-person estimate to ensure that you have an accurate idea of how much gutter coverage you will need. If you are not good at measuring gutters, you can have a professional come out and see which of these gutter coverage choices could be best for you. 

Warranty Options

Warranty options for gutter guards vary widely. Some will come with no warranty at all, and others will have a lifetime transferable warranty. Transferring a warranty to a new home buyer offers some great value and allows homeowners to feel as though they got their money’s worth when purchasing the gutter. 

Warranties are typically going to cover the cost of replacement if your gutter guard starts to deteriorate, rust, or corrode. 

Material

The material of your gutter guards is going to make a difference as well. As you have probably noticed the stainless steel materials are quite popular because of their longevity. However, there are other options and choices on the market. 

• Stainless steel – stainless steel gutter guards are one of the most durable materials that gutter guards come in. Gutter guards that come with lifetime warranties are often going to have a lifetime warranty. 
• Copper – copper materials can have a higher quality look, and they are great for holding up in all weather conditions. The copper material is usually priced very high, and not all gutter installation companies will offer this. 
• Aluminum – many of the stainless steel gutter guards have a combination of aluminum and stainless steel. The aluminum materials are known to not bend, warp or break through the years. 
• Plastics – in years past, gutter guards were often made with plastic materials; however, more companies have moved towards stainless steel. Plastics tend to crack after very long exposure. 
• Foam – Foam gutter guards are typically easy to work with from an installation standpoint but not as durable long term. Foam gutter guards usually come with some kind of UV Protection to ensure they don’t deteriorate from the sun.

Advantages of Using Gutter Guards

Keeping large debris 

Anything from pine cones to pine needles to large leaves can get stuck in your gutters. When these items get stuck in your gutter system, not only do they block water flow, they also start to deteriorate and cause more long-term issues inside the gutter.

Deterring rodents and insects

If you are not careful, rodents and insects can turn your gutter system into a home. When your gutters have debris in them, they may also have standing water. This standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects. Gutter guards will help prevent this from happening. 

Better drainage

Gutter guards allow for the proper water drainage from the roof. If your gutters are clogged, water will flow over the gutters and pool around the home’s foundation. The problem with this is that the foundation can eventually deteriorate and experience issues over time. 

Less gutter maintenance/cleaning

Getting up on a ladder and cleaning your gutter is a chore that no one enjoys. In addition, the process of cleaning and maintaining gutters can be hazardous. There are many injuries each year from homeowners that fall from a ladder during this process. 

Recommendations & Final Thoughts

Although out of all of the gutter guard options on our list, the LeafFilter gutter guards stand out as the best overall option. The LeafFilter Gutter Guards have been on the market for more than 15 years, and they have a very strong warranty that comes along with the product. In addition to having an A+ rating with the BBB, the quality of the LeafFilter product is excellent. 

LeafFilter gutter guards feature a mesh material that helps to keep all debris from entering into the gutter. The more you can keep out of the gutters, the better the water flow will be. LeafFilter is very responsive to your request for a quote and will have the installation completed in just a few days.

Hopefully, you now feel as though you can choose a gutter guard for your home and feel like you made the right decision. We know that it can be confusing to sort through all of these different options and come up with the best choice, but in the end, you will be glad you did the initial research. Choosing a high-quality and long-lasting gutter guard will help keep you safe and ensure that your home stays in great shape. 

Although the LeafFilter Gutter Guards sit at the top of our list, getting quotes from several companies makes sense. Comparing pricing and availability in your area will help give you some options, and in the end, you will be able to work out the best deal for your gutter guards. The best gutter guards in 2021 all offer excellent longevity and durability and are a great addition to any home. 

Gutter Guard Company Ranking and Review Methodology

At House Method, 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 companies according to our 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:

• National coverage – If applicable, How many states does the company cover? We found the number of states covered by each company.
• Customer service: How is the customer experience when calling the providers? Based on our phone calls, we were able to judge each company’s customer service.
• Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
• Unique perks: Does the company offer discounts or cover special items? We looked for perks offered by each company that sets them apart from the competition.
• Warranty terms – We looked into the warranty of lifetime warranty terms if it is offered by the provider. 
• Construction materials – What is the gutter guard made out of? What are the extra parts needed? We found what each company’s guards are made from and how they are installed.
• Installation process – Does the company do in-person estimates? What are customer experiences when professionals install the gutter guards? We looked into how the installation process works for each provider.
• Cost – How reasonable are prices in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
• 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.