Which Types of Gutter Guards Work & Which Ones Don’t?

Even the biggest, best, newest  gutter can't do its job if it's not kept clean. Pine needles, leaves, seeds, and other types of debris can and will clog your gutter system. Leaky basements, rotten wood, frozen walkways, and annoying gutter drips are only a few of the problems you could potentially face if your gutters become clogged.

Simply put, getting your gutters cleaned is a much easier solutions. At the very minimum, you should have your gutters professionally cleaned at least two times a year. Those that live in wooded areas with mature trees typically need to clean out their gutters more often.

The better solution for some homeowners is to install the types of gutter guards or gutter protection that best suits their needs. When they work as advertised, gutter guards offer several benefits, such as significantly reducing the number of required gutter cleanings and providing a superior peace of mind.

However, it's important to understand, not all types of gutter guards work the same way and not all gutter protection is equally effective. Continue reading to learn which types of gutter guards work and which ones don't.

Gutter Screens Are Proven to Work

One of the most popular types of gutter guards are gutter screens. These types of gutter guards have been around for a very long time. In addition to milled gutter screens, there are several different types of gutter screens for different types of gutter systems. Even so, milled gutter screens and plastic gutter screens are two of the most common types.

Milled Gutter Screens

Milled aluminum gutter screens are the easiest to install and the least expensive of all other gutter guards. And at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island, we offer economy and premium  milled screen gutter guards that have been tested and proven to work as advertised.  In general, homes with economy screens will continue to require 1 or 2 cleanings per year, while the premium version can reduce cleanings to once every year or every other year.

Gutter Covers Can Keep Leaves and Debris Out

Another commonly used type of gutter protection is the gutter cover, which looks similar to a solid aluminum cover or cap that conveniently fits over your gutters. Most gutter covers also include a trough or slot along the front cover of the edge.

When water flows off your roof and over the top of the gutter cover, surface tension (aka surface adhesion) causes the water to flow on the curve of the cover and into the slot. The slot then directs water directly into the gutter — a unique path that leaves, pine needles, and debris unable to follow.

LeaFree Gutter Protection

At Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island, we also offer a premium gutter cover called LeaFree. This sturdy aluminum gutter cover is uniquely engineered to protect your gutters from leaves and pine needles like a pro, so it stays clog-free.

Foam Gutter Filters Can Get Clogged

While gutter screens and gutter covers are proven to work, foam gutter filters are less effective. They work on the principle of filling your gutters with a foam insert that is water-permeable. Although foam inserts are popular, we've seen instances where foam filters and foam inserts have resulted in the complete clogging of the gutter system — resulting in serious gutter repair or replacement. This has caused massive interior flooding, which completely negates the purpose of having gutters on your home.  

Why Choose the Best Type of Gutter Guard for Your Home?

When you choose one of the proven types of gutter guard systems — economy or premium milled screens or LeaFree — you can protect your gutters and home. In addition, the most effective types of gutter guards also offer the following benefits: