Gutter guards are a protective system that goes over the gutters, which helps keep debris out of them. These products also can reduce the amount of leaves or debris in the gutter. However, they are not 100 percent foolproof. Since various gutter guards are available, one must explore all the options before committing. Here are the different types that one can look at and some popular brands to explore.

Types of gutter guards
Six main types of gutter guards are popular, and each of them has a unique design that helps keep the debris out of the gutters and their effectiveness.

Screen
This type of gutter guard has big holes to allow the water to pass through without any problem and leaves out the rest of the big debris or leaves. To imagine the style, just imagine how a screen was placed in front of windows and doors, allowing some ventilation. These screen gutter guards are easy to install, so you can either do it yourself or even hire a professional to do the job for you. They are also affordable, making them an easy choice for most homemakers. They are made in a way that they simply sit on top of the gutters, so there is no other complex fitting that needs to be done, making it DIY-friendly. The only drawback to this kind of gutter guard is that it needs thorough cleaning once a year to last several years.

Mesh
Suppose you’re tired of constantly cleaning your gutters due to debris and leaves. In that case, you might consider installing a screen gutter guard that effectively lets water flow while keeping unwanted elements out. These gutter guards are known for their durability and low-maintenance attributes, unlike screen gutter guards that require yearly cleaning. Moreover, they can also prevent snow and ice accumulation, making them a functional and practical choice for homeowners. However, the added benefits cost slightly more than other gutter guards.

Micro mesh
Another type of screen guard is available for gutters, similar to mesh guards but with a slight variation. These guards have tiny holes that prevent debris from passing through and provide optimal protection for gutters. They are known to be highly effective in preventing snow and ice build-up. However, it’s worth noting that these screens can be expensive compared to other options available in the market.

Foam
This unique type of gutter guard is becoming popular in home projects. As the name suggests, this guard is made of foam and placed in the gutters to help soak up all the water and prevent debris from clogging. This is also a very affordable option for many homemakers. However, the cleanup required for this type of gutter guard is immense. Large debris will collect on top of the foam, making it dirty and difficult to clean, and when left uncleaned, it can damage the material.

Brush
These gutter guards resemble large bristle brushes placed inside the gutters. This allows the rainwater to pass through but collects the debris in the bristles, not allowing it to clog the gutter pipe. While this does the job of preventing the debris from entering the pipe, the cleanup in this guard system is a hassle. The whole gutter guard needs to be taken out and cleaned thoroughly. Sometimes, the debris can get entangled with the bristles, making it challenging to get it out. If many pine needles fall on the roof anyway, removing them from the bristles is even more challenging. They are inexpensive but need a lot of work.

Reverse curve
Surface tension gutter guards are an effective solution for keeping your gutters free from debris while allowing water to flow smoothly through them. They create a small gap between the guard and the gutter, which forms a path for the water to flow through and into the gutter. This path is also narrow enough to prevent the entry of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and other unwanted materials, which can cause clogs and blockages in the gutter channel.

Popular brands for gutter guards
Here are some famous names in the market for gutter guards, which homemakers usually prefer for their homes.

LeafFilter
They offer a steel micro mesh gutter guard system, which keeps debris out of the gutters. The steel material helps keep the guard sturdy through the months and changing seasons. They also have these mesh guards in different colors, which can match your roof color or paint outside, if that matters.

LeafGuard
LeafGuard is an excellent option for homeowners looking for new gutters equipped with built-in protection against clogs. They come with the reverse curve design feature, which is known to be sturdy. It requires a professional to do the job. The material is aluminum, so it lasts longer and can withstand the changing weather outside. There are 12 or more colors available, and the material is scratch-resistant, so the guards always appear new.

Gutter Guards America
They offer a micro mesh gutter guard system for households and a transferable warranty for their gutter guard system. No plastics, vinyl, or adhesives are used to make these guards, so they are sturdy and made of steel and aluminum.