

While these foam inserts can last up to 10 years, they won’t last nearly as long in wet or sunny climates.

Additionally, algae and fungus can grow on the foam, making it unsightly and smelly, so you’ll have to remove the foam and wash it from time to time.

Unfortunately, even polyurethane breaks down over time, sending microplastics into the runoff and groundwater. These polyurethane foam wedges are porous enough to allow water to flow through the gutter and down the spout, but leaves and other debris stay on top of the foam and slide off. While screens and mesh guards sit on top of a gutter to prevent debris from falling in, foam gutter guards sit inside the gutter, making them one of the easiest types of gutter guards to install. Make sure you purchase a powder-coated metal guard, as this will repel rust, and avoid the type of steel guard that fastens by tucking under the first layer of shingles, which will expose your roof deck to rain and could void your roof’s warranty. However, not all steel screen guards are created the same. On average, steel guards last between seven and 10 years. Steel screen gutter guards are great for blocking leaves and pine needles and are relatively easy to clean-simply wait until the collected debris is dry and brush it away. They’re just as easy to install as plastic guards, though you’ll need to use tin snips to fit the gutter guard in your gutter. Steel mesh gutter guards are similar to plastic guards, but they’re more durable and robust. However, when seeds or other small debris get inside your gutters, you’ll find these guards are difficult to remove for cleaning. You’ll need a hacksaw, tin snips, and gloves for maneuvering the guard safely around the sharp edges of your gutter.Īluminum gutter guards block most debris and don’t rust. This guard is also relatively easy to install and fastens onto your gutters either with included fasteners or by bending the edges to fit around the gutter. Perforated AluminumĪnother affordable gutter guard material is aluminum sheeting perforated with small holes. On average, plastic guards only last for three to six years. Additionally, the plastic can become brittle or warp under extreme temperatures. These gutter guards stand up reasonably well against leaves and pine needles, but unfortunately, they can be easily blown away or knocked out of place. This makes for a fairly easy DIY project, since you simply lay the screen on top of the gutter and tuck the edges under the eave. Typically, you’ll purchase the material in rolls that are the approximate width of your gutter and cut them before installation. The least expensive gutter guards are made out of PVC plastic, and the quality is reflected in the price.
