However, we found the stainless steel material to be very difficult to cut, even with a good pair of snips-although that no doubt speaks to its durability. The Raptor system proved itself to be a good option for installing DIY gutter guards, and we appreciated that it offers different installation methods, including installing directly across the gutter as well as under the roof shingles, depending on the situation. The screws and the nut-driver socket needed to install the strips are included. The Raptor gutter cover fits standard 5-inch gutters and comes in easy-to-handle 5-foot strips with a total length of 48 feet. Raptor’s V-Bend technology boosts filtering power and adds rigidity to the mesh, enabling it to withstand debris without sagging. Its durable micro-mesh cover can slip under the lower row of roof shingles while the outer edge attaches to the gutter with screws for extra security. This stainless steel leaf guard by Raptor boasts a fine yet durable mesh that keeps even the smallest windblown seeds out of gutters. Check out our choices for new gutters while also keeping the top considerations in mind. We installed each product and put it through its paces with hands-on testing that proved it to be a top performer. Put an end to semiannual gutter cleaning with one of the following options, each a high-quality gutter guard in its category. Finally, we cleaned these leaf guards for gutters to evaluate how easy it was to remove any clinging debris. We removed the gutter guards to access the gutters and determine how well the guards kept out debris. Then, after hosing the roof down, we could accurately assess how well the gutters caught the debris. We used mulch to simulate twigs, tree dirt, and other debris, scooping it onto the roof above the gutters. We then left the gutter guards to collect debris, but since things had been relatively calm in our area at that time and there wasn’t a lot of debris coming down naturally, we took matters into our own hands. We observed the gutter guards from the ground to determine visibility. In most cases, professional installation is not required and can be done by the average DIYer. We assessed the flexibility of installation (no two sets of gutters are the same) as well as the quality of the hardware and how difficult each was to install. We wanted to suggest only the best gutter guards available, so our hands-on testers installed, considered performance, and removed each product to ensure we knew exactly how each worked.įirst, we installed one section of each gutter guard according to the directions, cutting for brackets when necessary.

Photo: Tom Scalisi How We Tested the Best Gutter Guards EASIEST TO INSTALL: Amerimax Metal Lock-In Gutter Guard.LEAST NOTICEABLE: A-M 5-Inch Aluminum Gutter Guard.BEST HEAVY-DUTY: FlexxPoint 5-Inch Residential Gutter Cover System.BEST BRUSH: GutterBrush 5-Inch, 6-Foot Gutter Guard.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Frost King Plastic Mesh Gutter Guard.

BEST OVERALL: Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard.Keep reading to learn more about leaf filter gutter protection and our hands-on-tested recommendations for some of the best leaf gutter guards on the market. We tested a host of these products in different categories to judge performance on a variety of levels. Decomposing leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris can create blockages in the gutter system, potentially causing damage to foundation plantings and the foundation itself.įortunately, easy-to-install rain-gutter guards prevent debris from clogging up an existing gutter system. Cleaning the gutters along the roof of a house is a messy chore, but it’s vital to keep this stormwater drainage system free of clogs.

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