Gutter guards come in different shapes and sizes. Find out which is the best for your home as we discuss the five common types of gutter guards available in the market.
Gutter guards have become a staple of home improvement projects over the years. But before you install one, it is essential to know that not all A1-Gutter-Guards are created equal. When it comes to keeping leaves and roof debris from entering the gutter system and reducing gutter maintenance, there are many options available on the market today. To make your decision easier, we will discuss and break down each type of gutter guard below:
Bottlebrush Gutter Guard
Bottlebrush gutter guards are among the most inexpensive line of gutter guards. They’re typically made of soft and flexible bristles that are placed inside the gutter. The bristles are supposed to stop debris from getting inside your gutters. However, despite this statement, users of this product claim that leaves still accumulate onto their gutters. So there’s a reason why bottlebrush gutter guards are inexpensive, after all.
Foam Gutter Guards
As the name implies, this type of gutter guard is made from a porous polyurethane material — otherwise, foam. Like bottle brush guards, foam gutter guards are inserted into the gutters. What’s different about this type of gutter guard is that they are intended to allow water, and only water, through them.
The downside of foam gutter guards is that they tend to deteriorate easily. The foam also allows small granules to pass through them, which may then accumulate on your roof. So if you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution, foam gutter guards may not be for you.
Perforated Metal Gutter Guards
Unlike the previous two options, perforated metal gutter guards sit on top of your gutters. They fit on your shingles, covering the gutter system. Since it covers your entire gutter system, this gutter guard provides superb protection against leaves and other debris.
However, it’s not effective for small granules like seeds, pods, and small, needle-like twigs. As you may already expect, these small granules can accumulate and clog your gutter in the long run. Fortunately, this can be prevented with regular maintenance — at least twice a year.
Curve Gutter Guards
Curve gutter guards also sit on top of your gutters. They have a “curved” shape, hence the name. Instead of accumulating the debris on top of the gutter, this type of gutter guard let debris drop down to the ground. So if you hate climbing up your roof to clean your gutters, curve A1-Gutter-Guards might be the solution you are looking for.
Unfortunately, this type of gutter guard tends to break and lift your shingles, which could potentially void your roof warranty. In addition, small insects like bees can enter the small opening, creating a pest problem in the process.
Mesh Gutter Guard
Finally, we have the most common type of gutter guard that many homeowners opt for. This type of gutter guard features a woven mesh that is installed over the gutters. The mesh prevents debris from building up in your gutter and clogging it, saving you both time and resources on gutter maintenance.
Made of stainless steel, mesh gutter guards trap the debris on top of it while letting water flow. The mesh gutter guard is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a low-maintenance and cost-effective way to maintain your gutter guard. In fact, consumer reports even claim it is the best available gutter guard in the market.
