Comparison of Best-Selling Gutter Guards: Is Getting Gutter Guards Worth It? 

Are you looking for guidance on choosing the right gutter guard for you after seeing how many options are out there? Do you want to know how which types of gutter guards work best in different scenarios?

At RoofSmart, we install and replace hundreds of gutters and gutter guards every year. We have seen firsthand on hundreds of different roofs which gutter guards do or do not hold up well in different scenarios.

We prioritize having honest conversations with our customers about which gutter guards would work best for them, even if it is something that we do not sell and can only be installed by the manufacturer.

It is important to ensure that your gutters are working properly because gutters that get clogged can overflow and cause water damage to the roof (or other areas of your home), leading to deterioration, mold, and other issues that can be expensive to fix.

This article will present 4 different gutter guard scenarios and discuss how each gutter guard brand would perform and why. A winner will be identified for each scenario. Here are the scenarios we’ve chosen and why we think they’re important:

1. Least amount of maintenance required: The whole point of a gutter guard is to reduce the amount of times that you have to clean out your gutters. The ideal gutter guard is designed to ensure that you do the least amount of work possible.
2. Does not grow algae: Aside from being an eyesore, algae is bad for gutter guards because it can easily clog certain styles. In a perfect world, you would not have to pressure wash your gutter guard, which is an extra step in your maintenance routine.
3. The gutter guard design is not prone to clogging: It goes without saying that if you’re going to spend several thousand dollars on gutter guards, you want them to work. A good gutter guard is designed to prevent clogging.
4. Keeps out pine needles and other small debris: Not all gutter guards can do this. Homeowners in the Greater Seattle area can struggle with keeping pine needles, fir needles, and other small debris. A good gutter guard can keep out both large and small debris.

The gutter guard brands we will be assessing are:

• MasterShield
• Leaf Guard
• Leaf Relief
• LeafFilter
• K Guard
• Gutter Helmet

Though Mastershield appears as a frequent winner, this article is not meant to say that you have to buy it or that it is the only good product out there. It might not even be the right product for you. We encourage you to continue your research beyond this article to help you decide which gutter guard is best for you.

This article will also include insights on what homeowners just like you think about gutter guards and if they are worth getting.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide which gutter guards work best for you and if getting gutter guards is worth it for you.

Here are the gutter guard scenarios:

1.) Least amount of maintenance required

Winner- MasterShield

Unfortunately, no gutter guard is completely maintenance-free. Even the best options need to be cleaned off every once in a while. Gutter guards are meant to reduce the amount of times you have to clean your gutters.

But, if you’re looking for a gutter guard that will reduce the number of times you have to clear debris off the most, then MasterShield is the product for you. It is designed to be installed sloping downwards from the roof line so that debris can easily slide right off.

Hood gutter guards like LeafGuard, Gutter Helmet, and K-Guard can occasionally be helpful for clearing off debris. Their design is meant to help leaves fall off the roof, following the curve of the hood, while the water flows underneath and into the gutter. Some leaves fall off, but the top of the hood is flat enough that debris can still easily collect on top.

However, hood gutter guards also collect a lot of pine needles and other small debris, which gets in the gutter and can become a maintenance nightmare.

Flat gutter guards, like LeafFilter and Leaf Relief easily collect debris and need to be cleaned off more often.

2.) Does not grow algae

Winner- MasterShield

MasterShield has copper woven into the micro-mesh top layer, which makes it a superior product for breaking down and preventing algae.

Algae can grow on screen gutter guards like Leaf Relief, but the holes are big enough that it does not plug the gutter guard and cause a need for extra maintenance.

Hood gutter guards like LeafGuard, Gutter Helmet, and K-Guard also grow algae, but it is not enough to clog the guard either. However, they do stick out of the gutter and can look gross with algae build-up, which can affect the curb appeal of your home.

LeafFilter, which is a micro-mesh gutter guard, has a design that is by far the most susceptible to growing and getting clogged by algae. It must be cleaned off, especially when debris also collects on top of it, otherwise this can lead to water overflowing or leaking and causing damage to your roof.

3.) Keeps out pine needles and other small debris

Tie- MasterShield and LeafFilter

Due to their micro-mesh top layer and filter, MasterShield and LeafFilter gutter guards are good at catching debris of any size before it reaches the gutter.

Leaf Relief, being a screen, is okay at keeping out small debris. The holes are bigger than on a mesh gutter guard, so sometimes they can get through.

Hood gutter guards are not good options for keeping out pine needles or other small debris. So, on products like LeafGuard, Gutter Helmet, and K-Guard they flow right along with the water down the curve and into the gutter.

4.) The gutter guard design is not prone to clogging

Tie- MasterShield, Leaf Guard, and Leaf Relief

MasterShield prevents clogging due to its slanted design that helps debris slide right off the roof and the copper that is woven in, which prevents clogs from algae.

As part of the installation process, LeafGuard has you replace your gutters and get a wider downspout, which helps prevent clogging from smaller debris that gets in.

Leaf Relief, being a screen guard, does not have issues with clogging from algae (so long as you remember to clean off debris regularly).

Gutter Helmet can be susceptible to clogging because it is easy for pine needles and other debris to get in and clog the gutter.

K-Guard is designed with two points of entry on the front and back. The back entrance, which is right up against the roof, is prone to clogging with large and small debris and can potentially cause water damage to the roof.

LeafFilter is another gutter guard that can easily get clogged because it grows algae and accumulates large and small debris on top. It needs to be cleared off and pressure-washed to avoid clogging.

What do real people think about getting gutter guards?

While doing all of this research, you might be asking yourself if gutter guards are even worth it. Gutter guards have both pros and cons, so it’s important to do plenty of research and read reviews before making your final decision.

When considering getting gutter guards, we recommend hearing from both the experts and fellow homeowners. These best-selling gutter guards can be helpful in many different situations, but that doesn’t mean that they’re right for you.

So what are real people just like you saying about gutter guards? Do they think it’s worth it? We’ll link a Reddit thread below where people discuss their experiences, but there is a lot of mixed feedback.

Are "Gutter Guards" actually helpful?
byu/nanodime inhomeowners

It is ultimately up to you to decide if gutter guards are right for you and which ones will work best for your unique situation. Hearing about all kinds of experiences that homeowners have had can help you make this decision.

Next Steps: How to Decide on the Right Gutter Guard

After comparing several popular gutter guard options across key performance areas, you’ve seen that no one product fits every need. MasterShield emerged as a strong contender, performing well in most categories, including algae prevention and keeping out small debris. However, each gutter guard comes with its unique strengths and limitations, from maintenance needs to clogging tendencies, so the best choice ultimately depends on your home’s unique requirements and location.

If you’re still on the fence about which gutter guard is right for you, remember to factor in your maintenance expectations, curb appeal preferences, and budget. And, for even more insight, don’t hesitate to consult reviews from other homeowners.

After reading this article, you might still be wondering if gutter guards are right for you. To help you avoid any unwanted surprises and make the best decision for you, check out our article “Gutter Guard Problems Revealed: 4 Myths to Know Before Purchasing”.

Want to know more about different types and styles of gutter guards? Check out our article “How to Choose the Best Gutter Guard for Your Home” to find a gutter guard that meets your needs.