Comparing the Pros & Cons of Gutter Guards

Some homeowners are unaware of what gutter guards are and their benefits. In this blog, we are going to compare and contrast the different types of gutter guards below. That way, you can have a better understanding of what gutter guards are and help you decide which is best for your home or commercial building. Some of the benefits of a gutter guard that performs well are:

• Less time and money on maintaining the gutters
• Can prevent animal infestation
• Prolong the life of your gutters by preventing debris from filling the gutters
• Some gutter guards will strengthen the gutter system
• Prevent risk of injury when climbing a ladder to clean your gutters
• Help prevent damage to the fascia, soffit, siding, and foundation by keeping the gutters free of clogs that cause rain water to spill over

Now, we are going to discuss the materials that make up each gutter guard, with pros and cons of each type. 

Stainless Steel Pros

• More durable and longer lasting than other materials 
• Resistant to corrosion and rust 
• Able to withstand high temperature and low temperature climates

Stainless Steel Cons

• Cost more than most materials 

Copper Pros

• More durable and longer lasting than other materials 
• Has a more decorative look
• Resistant to corrosion and rust

Copper Cons

• Highest material cost 
• Only certain manufacturers produce them, making them a rarity 
• Must only use with copper gutters to prevent corrosion due to mixing metals

Aluminium Pros

• More durable and longer lasting than other materials 
• Resistant to corrosion and rust
• Available in a wide array of paint colors

Aluminium Cons

• Cost more than most materials

Powder Coated Steel Pros

• Material last longer than your typical coat of spray paint
• Lower material cost
• Resist rust and corrosion better then painted steel
• Easier to install compared to other materials

Powder Coated Steel Cons

• Will not last as long as other materials
• Usually only available in black

Steel Pros

• Lower material cost
• Easier to install compared to other materials

Steel Cons

• Usually only available in black
• Will not last as long as other materials
• Susceptible to rust and corrosion

Plastic Pros

• Lower material cost
• Easier to install compared to other materials

Plastic Cons

• Not as durable as other materials
• Will not last as long as other materials
• Plastic can warp or crack when exposed to hot and cold temperatures 
• Can become brittle over time from UV sunlight exposure 

Foam Pros

• Lowest material cost
• Easier to install compared to other materials

Foam Cons

• Not as durable as other materials
• Will not last as long as other materials
• Has one of the shortest lifespans of any material 

Now that you have a better understanding of the different gutter guard materials, we are now going to discuss the pros and cons of different types of gutter guards.

Micromesh Stainless Steel Screen Pros 

• Helps keep small debris out of the gutters, such as pine needles and roof granules
• Helps keep away insects, mosquitoes, and rodents
• Not as visible from the ground due to the thinner appearance 
• Available in 5 inch and 6 inch sizes
• Enables effective water flow
• Rated as a good value
• Adds strength to the gutter system

Micromesh Stainless Steel Screen Cons

• Mid to higher price range
• Smaller holes can become blocked by wet leaves and debris
• Requires fasteners, making for a more difficult installation
• If the gutters need to be cleaned, it is more difficult to remove these panels if necessary 

Steel Screen Pros

• Lower price range
• Easier to install compared to other types
• Available in 5 inch, 6 inch, and 7 inch sizes
• Not as visible from the ground due to the thinner appearance 

Steel Screen Cons

• Due to having larger holes, they are not effective in keeping smaller debris out, such as pine needles and roof granules 
• Requires more upkeep and maintenance compared to other types
• Some screen gutter guards are installed underneath the first layer of roofing shingles, which can damage the roof and void the shingle warranty 

Plastic Screen Pros

• Lower price range 
• Available in 5 inch, 6 inch, and 7 inch sizes
• Easy to install compared to other materials
• Effective in keeping smaller debris out of the gutters

Plastic Screen Cons

• Strong wind can move them out of place
• Some screen gutter guards are installed underneath the first layer of roofing shingles, which can damage the roof and void the shingle warranty
• Can be easily damaged from large twigs or tree limbs 

Perforated Aluminum Pros 

• Mid price range 
• Rated as a good value
• Adds strength to the gutter system
• Effective in keeping most debris out due to the design of smaller holes
• Not as visible from the ground due to the thinner appearance 

Perforated Aluminum Cons

• Requires fasteners, making for a more difficult installation
• If the gutters need to be cleaned, it is more difficult to remove these panels if necessary
• Smaller holes can become blocked by wet leaves and debris 

Solid Metal Pros

• Effective in keeping all debris out of the gutters
• Adds strength to the gutter system
• Available in a wide array of paint colors

Solid Metal Cons

• Requires fasteners, making for a more difficult installation
• Higher price range
• Can overflow in a heavy down pour due to the curved edge design
• If the gutters need to be cleaned, it is more difficult to remove these panels if necessary 

Foam Pros 

• Lower price range
• Easy to install compared to other materials

Foam Cons

• The foam can become blocked, allowing water to overflow
• Requires removal of the foam every year to clean
• Algae and moss can grow on the foam 
• Can attract mosquitos

Brush Pros 

• Lower price range
• Easy to install compared to other materials

Brush Cons

• Not effective in keeping the debris out
• The bristles collect seeds and pine needles, which can cause plants to sprout in the gutters
• Requires removal of the brushes every year to clean

After reading this blog, we hope you have a better understanding of not only the materials of gutter guards, but also the different types of gutter guards as well. If you are looking for a professional gutter guard company in Central or North Alabama, contact us today to experience the USA Way!