What Are Gutter Guards & Are They Worth It?

Let’s face it — finding the right gutter guard for your home can be overwhelming. With dozens of types, materials, and marketing claims, it’s tough to know what truly works and what’s just hype.

Many products look appealing due to their low cost or DIY convenience, but not all gutter guards are built to last. And when it comes to protecting your home from water damage, durability should always come first.

After 15+ years in the industry, we’ve tested just about every option out there — and we’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise, share what we’ve learned, and recommend a gutter guard system that consistently performs for Midwest homes like yours.

What You’ll Learn in This Post:

• The most common types of gutter guards (and which to avoid)
• Pros and cons of each style, from mesh to foam to reverse curve
• The one brand we trust and install on our clients’ homes
• DIY options vs. professional solutions
• Tips to prevent water damage if gutter guards aren’t right for you

Need quick advice? Contact our team for a free gutter inspection and personalized recommendation.

💧 What Do Gutter Guards Actually Do?

Gutter guards are protective covers or inserts that block debris from entering your gutter system while allowing water to flow through. Their main purpose is to:

• Prevent clogs that lead to overflow and water damage
• Reduce the need for frequent cleanings
• Extend the life of your gutter system

They come in various forms — mesh screens, brushes, foam inserts, and reverse-curve systems — each with its own pros and cons.

7 Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards on Your Home

Investing in gutter guards does more than just keep leaves out — it helps protect your entire home. Here are some of the most important benefits:

1. Prevent Costly Water Damage

Clogged gutters often lead to water overflow, which can damage your roof, soffit, fascia, siding, and even the foundation. Gutter guards keep water flowing where it should — away from your home.

2. Reduce Gutter Cleaning Frequency

No more climbing a ladder every season. Gutter guards reduce the amount of debris buildup, meaning you’ll spend less time (and money) on cleaning.

3. Prevent Ice Dams in Winter

In cold climates like Wisconsin, gutter clogs can lead to freezing water and ice dams. Guards improve water flow, reducing winter damage risks.

4. Improve Home Safety

By cutting down on ladder use, gutter guards lower the risk of falls and injuries — especially helpful for older homeowners or those who prefer not to climb.

5. Extend the Life of Your Gutters

Trapped debris causes rust, sagging, and wear. Gutter guards minimize buildup, helping your gutter system last longer and work more efficiently.

6. Keep Pests Out

Birds, squirrels, and insects often nest in unprotected gutters. Some guards form a barrier that helps keep unwanted critters away.

7. Maintain Curb Appeal

Overflowing gutters can stain your siding and damage landscaping. Gutter guards help preserve the look — and integrity — of your home’s exterior.

Types Of Gutter Guards: Pros And Cons

There are several different styles of gutter guards that achieve similar results. Much like comparing roofing materials, your gutter guard materials play a large role in your home’s exterior’s functionality and durability. Unfortunately, determining which type is best requires some knowledge of how gutter guards work. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ll break down the main types of gutter guards below:

1. Mesh Screen Gutter Guards

Overview: Mesh screen guards are lightweight covers that slide under your shingles, allowing water to pass through while keeping leaves and larger debris out. They’re among the most affordable options but may shift or bend in harsh weather.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Keeps out most leaves and twigs

Cons:

• May void roof warranty if installed under shingles
• Can be dislodged in high winds or heavy storms
• Plastic versions can become brittle over time

2. Fine Mesh Gutter Guards

Overview: Fine mesh guards offer enhanced filtration, blocking even small particles like shingle grit or pine needles. Higher-end versions are made of stainless steel and can be mounted to the fascia for extra durability.

Pros:

• Captures very fine debris
• Available in materials ranging from plastic to stainless steel
• Easy to clean with water spray

Cons:

• Cheaper versions are prone to damage from branches or ice
• May require occasional brushing to remove seeds or dirt
• Not all options are DIY-friendly

3. Gutter Belts (Flat Surface Guards)

Overview: Gutter belts are rigid, flat-surfaced guards with small perforated holes that sit over your gutters. They’re designed to block even tricky debris like whirligigs (helicopter seeds), but require professional installation.
Pros:

• Blocks fine and large debris
• Maintains consistent water flow
• Great for high-debris environments

Cons:

• Installation is invasive and not DIY-friendly. It may be in your best interest to hire a professional.
• Typically more expensive due to labor costs

4. Foam Gutter Guards

Overview: Foam inserts are triangular pieces that fit inside the gutter, allowing water to flow through while trapping debris on top. They’re inexpensive and simple to install but tend to clog over time.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy for homeowners to install

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan
• Can become saturated and block water flow
• Require frequent cleaning or replacement

5. Filter Brush Gutter Guards

Overview: Brush-style guards resemble large bottle brushes that sit inside your gutters, catching debris while allowing water to pass through. They’re affordable but often cause more hassle than they prevent.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Very easy to install

Cons:

• Unsightly
• Debris often gets tangled in bristles
• Can clog easily and are difficult to clean

6. Surface Tension Guards

Overview: These guards use curved edges to leverage water’s surface tension, guiding rain into the gutter while shedding leaves over the edge. They must be installed at the same angle as your roof to be effective.

Pros:

• Highly effective at blocking large debris
• Low-maintenance once properly installed
• Ideal for homes with heavy foliage

Cons:

• Often require adjusting or replacing gutters for proper slope
• More visible than mesh guards
• Not suitable for all rooflines

7. Reverse Curve Guards

Overview: Reverse curve guards create a small gap under a curved cover that allows water in while leaves slide off. They’re highly effective but typically require professional installation and can be one of the more expensive options.

Pros:

• Keeps out nearly all debris
• Great for high-rainfall areas
• Very low maintenance

Cons:

• More expensive
• Not DIY-friendly
• May be visible from the ground

🌲 When Are Gutter Guards Worth the Investment?

Gutter guards aren’t necessary for every home. However, they can be highly effective if:

• You live near mature trees (especially pine or maple)
• You’ve experienced ice dams or overflow issues
• You want to minimize ladder use and improve safety
• You want to protect your foundation or basement from water damage

On the flip side, if your home has minimal tree cover, you may only need seasonal cleanings.

What If Gutter Guards Aren’t the Right Fit?

While gutter guards offer long-term convenience and protection, they’re not always the right solution for every home or homeowner. Whether it’s due to budget, roofing design, or personal preference, there are still effective ways to manage your gutter system and prevent water damage.

Regular Gutter Cleaning

The most straightforward — but labor-intensive — alternative is to manually clean your gutters on a regular basis. Removing leaves, sticks, and roof debris ensures proper water flow and prevents backups. However, this method can be time-consuming, physically demanding, and potentially hazardous, especially on multi-story homes.

Add Downspouts and Extensions

Even if you don’t use gutter guards, you can dramatically improve drainage by adding more downspouts or extending the ones you have. Downspout extensions guide rainwater several feet away from your foundation, reducing the risk of:

• Basement leaks
• Soil erosion
• Foundation cracks
• Damage to siding and landscaping

In fact, many homeowners choose to combine this strategy with gutter guards for maximum protection.

Pro Tip: If you notice water pooling around your home or overflowing gutters during storms, adding a downspout or redirecting water flow is a cost-effective way to improve drainage.

Gutter Guard Trial and Error: What We’ve Learned

Over the years, we’ve received countless calls from frustrated homeowners who had gutter guards installed — only to find they still had clogs, overflows, or water pouring off one side of their house. It became clear that while many gutter guard products promise protection, not all of them deliver consistent, long-term performance.

With hundreds of brands and styles on the market, choosing the right gutter guard can be overwhelming. Some homeowners prioritize appearance over functionality — similar to what we see with roof intake vents — but when it comes to drainage and protection, performance should always come first.

At First American Roofing, we’ve tested dozens of the best gutter guard systems over the years. After seeing which products caused the most callbacks — and which ones actually worked — we narrowed it down to one solution that consistently delivers.

For the past 4–5 years, we’ve exclusively recommended and installed Raindrop Gutter Guards. Since then, we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in service calls related to clogged or overflowing gutters.

Let’s take a closer look at why Raindrop stands out as the best option for homeowners in our region.

Why We Recommend Raindrop Gutter Guards

Raindrop Gutter Guards are our go-to solution for Midwest homes — and here’s why:

• Handles Heavy Rain & Snow: Built for high water flow and freezing conditions.
• Durable Materials: Made from UV-stabilized polypropylene that won’t warp or crack.
• Low Maintenance: Debris slides off easily — no constant cleaning.
• Long-Term Reliability: We’ve installed them for years with minimal callbacks.
• Great for Complex Rooflines: Works well with various pitches and gutter types.

Bottom line: Raindrop guards are tough, effective, and built for Wisconsin weather.

First American Roofing Would Love To Help With Your Gutter Guards!

At First American Roofing, we only want to give our customers the best, and since adopting the Raindrop Gutter Guards, we have yet to get a call back about an issue with the gutter guards. Not only that, but they are a fellow Wisconsin company located in Milwaukee, and we’re always happy to support our fellow Wisconsinite businesses! We stand by this brand, and we’re so glad that they changed how we do business and how we can leave our customers satisfied.

If your gutters are constantly clogging, overflowing, or causing water damage, it might be time to reassess your gutter system. Whether you’re exploring gutter guards for the first time or just want a second opinion, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a gutter assessment — we’ll make sure your system is built to protect.