There are six types of gutter guards on the market: micro-mesh, mesh, screen, reverse curve/surface tension, brush, and foam. The gutter guard you select for your home should depend on your visibility, installation, and cost preferences, and the amount of rainfall and debris your gutters experience. Each type of gutter guard comes in various colors, materials, and sizes.
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards are a support frame with a filtering mesh material. The mesh ranges from fine to micro mesh, which provides the best flow with minimal clogging from small debris. However, these systems are harder to install.
The micro-mesh gutter guards are often the best gutter guard type. Since these guards block the most debris and cause minor damage for a homeowner, it is easy to justify your gutter guard purchase. Also Read: Gutter Apron Vs Drip Edge
Screen Gutter Guards
Screen gutter guards have large holes that keep out leaves and other debris. You can install them by lifting the bottom row of roof shingles and sliding the edge of the screen underneath it. Screen gutter guards are affordable and easy to install on your own, but they can blow off in windy conditions and become brittle over time.
Reverse-Curve or Surface Tension
Reverse-curve or surface tension gutter guards are made from metal or plastic. Unlike other gutter guards that allow water to flow through the gutter, this type forces water to flow over the gutter and around a downward curve before dropping into the gutter beneath. Leaves and debris then slide off and onto the ground below.
Reverse-curve gutter guards are more difficult to install on your own because they must be positioned at the same angle as your roof, which can be especially tricky for steep roofs. They’re also expensive and visible from the ground. However, they come in various colors and keep out most debris, even in the toughest weather conditions.
Also Read: How Much Does a French Drain Cost