Nobody likes cleaning their gutters, but failing to do so could cost you a pretty penny. Even if you replace the gutter yourself, it will likely cost you upwards of $2,000. That’s not even including anything else that’s damaged by a falling gutter.

One way you can make cleaning your gutters easier is by purchasing gutter guards. Leaf-free gutters are a lot easier to clean. You can usually brush them off after only a few minutes on top of a ladder.

Ahead we’ll take a look at some of the best options for gutter guards, as well as some of the pros and cons of each selection.

Foam Gutter Inserts

Foam gutter inserts are one of the most cost-effective options if you want leaf-free gutters. Some benefits of these gutters include:

  • They’re easy to install, so you won’t need the help of a professional.
  • Foam gutter guards are made of a porous material that allows water to pass through while catching the unwanted leaves and pine needles. You’ll still have to clean your gutters with foam gutter inserts, but you won’t have to dig around inside the gutter.
  • Everything sits on top, which allows you to brush it off if the weather is dry.

Gutter Brush

A gutter brush is another cheap, DIY-friendly option. Like the foam inserts, brushes allow water to pass through while collecting the larger pieces of debris at the top.

You can install these gutter blockers yourself, but cleaning them is a bit harder than other options. This is because some of the smaller debris, such as pine needles, can bury themselves in the bristles of the brush.

Micro-Mesh Gutter Screens

If you want to eliminate almost all debris from your gutters, the best option is probably a micro-mesh screen. These gutter guards make cleaning your gutter a breeze. Most of the debris will flow off and you’ll hardly ever have to dig-deep to clean your gutter. Some points about these:

  • If you’re handy, you could install these gutter guards yourself. Most of the time, though, they require the assistance of a professional.
  • There are some DIY options for these, but these have larger holes and require more maintenance.
  • These guards cost a little more, and sometimes the water slides off instead of entering the gutters.

Surface Tension Gutter Guards

These gutter guards work by fully covering your gutter with a curved edge. The water sticks to the top of the gutter and rolls down. All other debris rolls or bounces off the guard.

Most people won’t be able to install these gutters by themselves, but they are quite effective. They’re usually a permanent installation, which means getting in your gutter can be difficult once they’re on.

Attaining Leaf-Free Gutters

All gutter guards have pros and cons, and the best option depends on the individual. For instance, foam inserts are a better option if you want a cheap DIY gutter guard. If you don’t mind spending some extra money,  however, micro-mesh guards are extremely effective. If you collect rainwater, these are the gutter guards you want because they prevent almost any type of debris from entering.

Take a look at our blog for more information every homeowner should know. Or contact us today for a consultation!