Best DIY Gutter Guards: Here’s what you need to know…

Installing DIY gutter guard (s) is one of the best ways to protect your home from the dangers of clogged gutters. From preventing moss, leaves, and small debris from entering your gutters to safeguarding against water damage, the best DIY gutter guard can provide lasting peace of mind (and let’s face it, us homeowners need to get this wherever we can!). I recently gave my gutters a glow-up where I completed some DIY gutter cleaning followed by installing the best DIY gutter guard I could find within my budget (thanks Amazon!). I thought I’d write a guide walk you through the installation process in case you fancy giving this home maintenance task a go.

Types of Gutter Guards

There are a few types of gutter guards available on the market. I opted for the mesh ones, so this article focuses on them, but I thought I should probably mention the others, too, for completeness.

1. Mesh gutter guards: These have small holes designed to block debris, such as seed pods and in some cases even shingle grit, making them one of the most effective types. They are particularly useful in areas with pine trees and heavy rainfall.
2. Foam gutter guards: Foam inserts are designed to sit inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through while keeping out large debris. While they are a good option for DIY enthusiasts, they may require more frequent gutter cleaning over time.
3. Brush gutter guards: These resemble large pipe cleaners (or hedgehogs to my creative brain!) and fit inside the gutters. They prevent larger debris but may struggle with finer materials like pine needles.
4. Screen gutter guards: With larger holes, these guards are a good gutter guard solution for areas with larger debris, like leaves. They are a diy route option, but high winds or heavy storms may cause them to shift.
5. Foam blocks: Similar to foam inserts, these are easy to install but not always the best gutter guard system in regions with small debris like shingle grit or seed pods.

What are the best DIY gutter guards?

If you’re searching for the best gutter guard, mesh guards are often considered the best option. Made from stainless steel mesh or strong plastic for a more affordable buy, these guards prevent most debris from entering the gutter while allowing optimal water flow. They are also durable, weather-resistant, and compatible with various roof types. 

DIY vs. Professional Installation

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go the diy route or hire a professional installer. While DIY gutter guard installation can save on labour costs, professional installation is usually a safer choice for anything above the ground floor. The gutters I was working on were accessible via a small step ladder, so presented a very low risk of injury, but I didn’t dare attempt the same process on the gutters at the top of the house!

For DIY projects, the cost of gutter guards will typically be lower especially if you buy the bargain ones I found on Amazon.

Essential Tools for DIY Installation

If you decide to take on the DIY installation, here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need:

• Measuring tape (to calculate the total length of your gutters)
• Ladder (to reach the top of your gutters safely)
• Snips or a hacksaw (to cut gutter mesh to size)
• Gloves and safety goggles (optional)
• Gutter mesh
• Gutter clips (to secure the mesh gutter guard in place) 

How to install DIY gutter guards

Measure your gutters:

Start by measuring the entire gutter system to determine how much material you’ll need. Most gutter guards come in lengths, so having the total length measurement will help when purchasing the guards.

Clean the gutters:

Before installing, make sure to clean gutters thoroughly. Remove any large debris, such as leaves and twigs. This prevents clogging after the installation. Read my tutorial on how to clean gutters here.

Cut the guards to size

Depending on the type of gutter guard you choose (like micro mesh or foam inserts), cut them to the appropriate size for your gutters.

Install the guards:

You can either lay them flat over the open gutter, or I chose to roll them longways into a tube shape and place into the gutter as the mesh I bought was quite wide and this option saved cutting the mesh longways too.

Secure the guards:

Use screws or clips to secure them to your gutters, ensuring they remain in place even during high winds or heavy rainfall. I found these brilliant gutter clips from Amazon which were super easy to install and have the added benefit that they can be used to

Inspect your gutters:

After installation, test the water flow by running water from a hose through the gutters. This ensures that your guards are properly aligned and that water flows smoothly through the gutters without spilling over the edges.

Do mesh gutter guards work?

Yes, mesh gutter guards are highly effective at keeping debris out while allowing water to flow freely through the gutters.  When installed properly, mesh gutter guards can significantly reduce the need for regular gutter cleaning and prevent clogs that lead to water damage. I’ve been so happy with how effective they’ve been in my gutters.

Is there a downside to gutter guards?

While gutter guards are highly beneficial, there are some potential downsides. One issue is that not all types of gutter guards work equally well for all environments. For example, foam gutter guards can trap dirt and may need to be replaced frequently, while brush gutter guards can allow small debris to collect in the bristles. Another downside is the initial cost, particularly for high-end guards like micro-mesh, which can be more expensive to purchase and install. In some cases, professional installation may be necessary to ensure the guards fit properly, adding to the overall cost. Finally, while gutter guards reduce the frequency of cleaning, they may still require occasional maintenance, as debris can accumulate on top of the guard itself.

How long do mesh gutter guards last?

Mesh gutter guards are known for their durability and long lifespan. Most high-quality stainless steel micro-mesh guards can last 20 years or more, and many come with lifetime warranties, ensuring long-term performance. Obviously mesh gutter guards won’t last as long if you install them incorrectly, fail to maintain them or buy poor quality materials in the first instance.

Which type of gutter guard works best?

I have found mesh gutter guards to work best and they are much easier to maintain on a long-term basis. Mesh guards are light and easy to manoeuvre even with leaves on the top, unlike the heavy brush ones that remind me of hedgehogs!

Thanks for reading, don’t forget to pop over to my Instagram to see behind the scenes on all my projects.

If you liked this one, don’t forget to check out my post on how to make DIY hanging garden storage using an old piece of wood and some Amazon hooks!