Different Types of Gutter Guards Explained

Gutter guards are designed to prevent the accumulation of twigs, leaves and other materials in the gutter. You need a clean gutter so rainwater or melted snow can freely run through it. There are different types of gutter guards. Here are the most popular ones.

1. Gutter Brush

A gutter brush, also known as bottle brush, is one of the easiest to install and most inexpensive types of gutter guard. It looks like a big upright bristle brush inserted inside the gutter that works by preventing leaves and other debris from accumulating. As a result, water from rain and thawed snow flows freely inside the gutter and away from your home. Lightweight debris, such as leaves, that are trapped atop the gutter brush will be easily blown away by wind or eventually washed away without clogging the gutter.

2. Foam

Foam-filler gutter guards are made from porous polyurethane substance and they fit perfectly into the gutter. They work by blocking all materials, except liquids, from entering and collecting in the gutter. This type of guard also helps minimize the development of mildew, fungus, and molds in the gutter.

3. Screen or Mesh

Screen or mesh guards are usually fitted under the roofing shingles. The super fine mesh or screen is made of stainless steel and attached to an aluminum frame for easy installation and durability. Screen or mesh guards are designed to prevent almost all types of debris, including small grains of sand, from getting into the gutter. This is ideal for homeowners who use and collect rainwater. But even if this type of gutter guard is designed to minimize the need of cleaning the gutter, it is still a good idea to regularly check and clean the screen or mesh to prevent clogging.

4. Nylon

Nylon gutter guards are designed to slip easily into your gutters without the need of attaching them onto the roofing shingles. This type of guard works well in stopping the entry and accumulation of snow and ice in the gutter. Since nylon guards are not attached to the shingles, there will be more space in the gutter for water to enter and flow through. This is an ideal type of gutter guard for the winter season.

5. Reverse Curve

The reverse curve is a type of gutter guard that has a solid cover and side slots. The design does not only prevent leaves from collecting in the gutter, but it also allows debris to freely fall to the ground. The reverse curve guard, which follows the roof’s natural slope, also enables water to flow unobstructed.

6. Non-gutter Cover

Non-gutter covers, also known as louvered gutter guards, replace gutters with thin aluminum louvers that can effectively channel or direct water away from the roof. This particular type of guard looks very much like a window blind. Every time there is rain, the water that hits the slightly angled louvers will be deflected away from your house. This gutter guard is ideal for homeowners who do not want to have visible downspouts and gutters on their home exterior.