Snow and ice can do damage to both gutters and gutter guards. If you live in an area of the country that has some rough weather conditions, it is important to look for gutter guards that will hold up with snow and ice. Luckily there are several great options on the market that can help. You can also check out our informative guide on ice dam prevention for your roof.
275-micron stainless steel mesh design
Lifetime installation warranty
Offers new gutter installation services
Manufactured to match your home
One-piece system includes a guard and gutter
Guaranteed not to clog
Sturdy aluminum frame and steel screens
Offers 0% financing
Provides gutter repair & installation
The gutter guard can help to encourage a better flow of water through your gutter guards and ensure that ice does not create issues for your gutters. Let’s look at the best gutter guard for your home and how you can ensure that snow and ice gutter damage don’t cause you major troubles this winter.
Our Top 6 Best Gutter Guards For Snow and Ice
At Today’s Homeowner, we have tested and compared dozens of gutter guards to help find the option that will be best for snow and ice. We looked at everything from types of gutters to materials of the gutter guard system to gutter cleaning and professional installation to help determine the best gutter guards for preventing your gutters from overflowing with snow and ice. Here is how the top 6 gutter guards ranked.
Compare Top-Rated Gutter Guards For Snow and Ice
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LeafFilter
4.1
Our Rating
LeafFilter Gutter Guards are the best gutter guards on the market for snow and ice. The thing that helps LeafFilter gutter guards stand out from others on the market is their strength and durability. The stainless steel micro-mesh will hold up in various climates and can attach to your existing gutter. All LeafFilter gutter guards are protected by a lifetime transferrable warranty.
With LeafFilter Gutter Guards having more than 15 years of industry experience certainly helps when it comes to issues with icicles and water damage in the winter months. LeafFtiler has a BBB rating of A+ and is available in 46 states. If your gutter size is not standard or you need something custom, LeafFilter has the facilities to make you a custom gutter solution. LeafFilter is without a doubt a premium and well-known provider for gutter guards, and you will have to have these installed professionally.
- Micro-mesh technology
- Customizable for many gutter sizes
- Guards are rustproof
- Professional installation with a lifetime warranty
- A+ rating from BBB
Purchasing LeafFilter Gutters Guards is something that you will only need to do one time. With the impressive warranty, these gutter guards will never need to be replaced, and that has certainly helped with some positive reviews. Thrust-proofing for LeafFilter is an A+, and almost all complaints have been addressed or resolved. Trustpilot has reviews from 86,000 customers that have purchased the LeafFilter gutter guards. The average rating is 4.4 out of 5, making this one of the more highly rated gutter guards in the industry.
There are almost no complaints about LeafFilter handling heavy rain or holding up over time. The only issue you may come across is with the gutter installation. Different areas of the country will have various workmanship qualities when it comes to gutter guard installation. LeafFilter works with those in your general area to schedule an installation, and sometimes there are communication issues that cause a delay in installation.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
4.4
Our Rating
HomeCraft Gutter Protection is the best gutter guard design for snow and ice. One of the things that makes it difficult for snow and ice to accumulate is the fact that this is a raised mesh design. The raised mesh makes it harder for ice to form across the top of your new gutters because the surface is uneven, and heat will be uneven. HomeCraft Gutter Protection has 7 different color options to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection comes with a lifetime transferrable warranty. In addition, these gutter guards are not attached to your roof; they will fasten directly on the gutters. This will help to ensure that your roof warranty is not voided. Whether it is pine needles, acorns, leaves, or sticks that are getting into your gutters, these screen gutter guards can help.
- Durable 275-micron steel mesh,
- Patented system to help improve water flow
- 304 marine-grade stainless steel
- Lifetime transferable warranty
- Unique design, unlike other gutter covers
HomeCraft Gutter Protection is a smaller company which typically means impressive customer service but a limited coverage area. There are only twelve states that HomeCraft gutter protection currently serves, but you will notice that these states are in areas where snow and ice is a possibility. The BBB rating for HomeCraft is a B, with 4.7 out of 5 stars. Overall this is considered a highly rated gutter guard company.
Of course, there are always some negative reviews, and one of the negatives we have seen with HomeCraft is the fact that during heavy rains, you can see issues with water flowing over the top of the gutter. This is frustrating and typically has to do with the size of the holes in the gutter guard; for most rain storms, HomeCraft Gutter Protection guards can do a great job.
LeafGuard
3.5
Our Rating
The LeafGuard Gutter Guards are attached to the gutters as they are made. This is a seamless solution that has more strength and durability than other two or three-piece models on the market. With the LeafGuard gutters and gutter guards in the industry for more than 25 years, you can expect some impressive features and functionality of their particular guard. The only thing that homeowners need to be aware of here is that your gutters need to be replaced at the time you install these guards. Since this is a one-piece solution, the only way to do it is to take care of everything at once.
Snow and ice on the roof can create a great deal of runoff. If you don’t have high-quality gutters and guards capable of handling heavy amounts of rain, you may experience issues with the gutters falling off the house. With LeafGuard, that won’t be a concern. This custom-made solution is seamless and is even painted with a durable finish to match your home and resist rusting through the years. LeafGuard is available in 36 states, and the representatives are well-trained in how to handle any of your snow and ice-related issues.
- Manufactured and installed at your home
- A complete one-piece system with a guard and gutter included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Guaranteed not to clog
- Oversized downspouts and aluminum that is 20% thicker than competitors
LeafGuard Gutter has 1 out of 5 stars and an A+ rating with the BBB. Although the 1 out of 5 stars is not an excellent rating, the A+ certainly shows there is some trust in this brand. LeafGuard is active on BBB and responds quickly to customer complaints and concerns. Trustpilot gives LeafGuard 2.5 stars with a total of 14 reviews. Most homeowners were impressed with the overall pricing and how the product can work for customizable solutions to a home.
Some homeowners struggled with the salesperson being a bit pushy, but others spoke highly of the sales professionals. The key is to have a general idea as to how these work and whether they are the right solution for your home before you even deal with the salesperson. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for discounts and incentives as those were offered to some homeowners.
All American Gutter Protection
4.1
Our Rating
All American Gutter Protection is the most customizable gutter guard for snow and ice. With a customizable gutter guard like this, you will be able to find the perfect color and look for your home. All American Gutter Protection has been in the industry for 7 years, making it one of the most well-known providers in the industry. During this time, the stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard has improved in quality and functionality.
The All American Gutter Protection gutter guards will fit on your rain gutters, and they will never rust or corrode. The sides of the All American Gutter Protection guards are made with an aluminum material that is lightweight and easy to work with. This is a model that needs to be installed by All American Gutter Protection, and it is not DIY-friendly. However, the fine mesh does a tremendous job of keeping debris out of your gutters, even in the winter months.
- High-quality stainless steel metal gutters
- Lifetime warranty when professionally installed
- Gutter guards are rust-proof
- Over 30 color options for customers to choose
- Aluminum frame material for longevity
The 30 color options that are available from All American Gutter Protection have helped to greatly increase overall satisfaction with the product. The BBB gives All American Gutter Protection an A+ rating and 4.5 out of 5 stars. When looking at the complaints, you can see that All American Gutter Protection is very responsive in handling the needs of customers. Customers did not complain about any issues regarding the lifetime warranty of the All American Gutter Protection gutters.
When it comes to complaints, there were no major issues with clogs or with roof shingles being rust-proof In addition, the fine mesh seems to do an excellent job of keeping both large and small debris out. The only major issues we saw were again with the installation of the product. This is a quality gutter guard, and installation should be handled professionally, be sure to contact All American Gutter Guard if you feel that this is an issue. In addition, when rain does come down hard, the small holes in this gutter guard may take a few minutes to catch up.
MasterShield
4.5
Our Rating
The MasterShield Gutter Guard is the most environmentally friendly gutter guard for snow and ice. In addition, there is a heat cable that some homeowners will have installed to their MasterShield Gutter Guard to make this a heated leaf guard. If debris buildup is not your only concern in the snow and ice and you want some heated protection, MasterShield is a great choice. These gutter guards are installed so that they are the same pitch as the roof, and this will also move more ice and snow from the roof to the ground.
MasterShield Gutter Guards are designed with environmentally friendly materials, so this is a product that is also good for the environment. The guard must be professionally installed so that it will be at the correct pitch and encourage the proper runoff. When you are comparing products and looking at foam gutter guards, brush gutter guards, or aluminum gutter guards, the MasterShield gutter guard will stand out as the better option.
Castle Windows is the best choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive, long-term warranty protection for their replacement windows. The company provides lifetime guarantees on windows and workmanship, giving customers some of the best buyer protection in the industry.
Castle’s protection applies to window units, glass, and labor, as long as the windows remain in their original openings. Even if you sell your home, its Castle Windows will retain non-prorated protection with transferable lifetime warranty coverage.
Castle provides customers with additional support in its troubleshooting and service guides. The troubleshooting guide provides extensive window maintenance and repair information, and the service guide video tutorials visually demonstrate how to care for your Castle Windows products.
- Pitched design to push debris off
- Lifetime warranty
- Over 14 color options
- Made from recycled materials
- Helps prevent a blockage in the downspout
There are not as many in-depth reviews about the MasterShield Gutter Guard as this is a smaller company with a slightly limited coverage area. However, the BBB does give MasterShield Gutter Guard 3 out of 5 stars. This is about average for a gutter guard provider and something you may want to consider before purchasing. The overall ability to push snow and ice off of the roof and have it run down to the ground is well-liked by customers.
One of the complaints you may find with the MasterShield Gutter Guard is the overall look of the product. Since this is different than other gutter guards that sit right on the gutters themselves. When standing on the ground, you will see the MasterShield Gutter Guard and that comes as a surprise to some homeowners; just choose an option that will work well for the design and style of your home.
Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
2.6
Our Rating
The Raptor Gutter Guards are the best DIY mesh gutter guards for snow and ice. It can be hard to find DIY gutter guards that are good in the snow and ice. Many of the options are brush or foam, and they tend to freeze up and cause issues in the gutter itself. Raptor Gutter Guards are mesh style, and they come with fasteners to get the gutter guard installed quickly and correctly. Homeowners that are not all that skilled with DIY-type projects can choose the Raptor Gutter Guards and still have this project complete with ease.
One of the most impressive features of Raptor Gutter Guards is the fact that they come with a 25-year warranty. A warranty like this is typically only found on a professionally installed gutter guard. Luckily Raptor Gutter Guards gives homeowners a great mix of technology for the price. Since Raptor Gutter Guards are sold on Amazon, the availability of this product is quite impressive.
- 25-year warranty
- Rustproof gutter guards with lots of availability
- Three sizes available (5, 6, or 7 inches)
- Stainless steel material
- Any homeowner can install without professional help
Raptor Gutter Guards are very highly rated. Since this is a product that you purchase on Amazon and install yourself, it is easy to see customer feedback on this particular product. There have been more than 4000 reviews of the Raptor Gutter Guards, and the average rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars. The fact that this DIY Product has these impressive ratings says quite a bit about the overall effectiveness of the product and the ease of installation.
For the most part, customers had no trouble with installing the gutter guards. Directions were clear, and all pieces were included to make the installation process even easier. The issue that was most commonly reported with the Raptor Gutter Guard is water falling over the edge of the gutter. In addition, you will have to measure the amount of product you need by the linear foot, and this is a challenge for some homeowners. There are always issues with taking on DIY-type projects, but in the end, you can save quite a bit of money.
Tips for Buying the Best Gutter Guards For Snow and Ice
Hopefully, you now have a better idea as to what type of gutter guard and the benefits of a gutter guard that you would be looking for. With the top six options on the market, you will likely want to narrow things down by availability first and then, from there, focus on other features. Here are a few of the things to consider when choosing a gutter guard for your home.
Quality
The better the quality of your gutter guard, the easier it is to make this purchase decision. High-quality surface tension gutter guards, reverse curve gutter guards, and micro mesh gutter guards should come with a strong warranty, great reviews, and friendly and helpful customer service. The highest quality gutter guards on the market right now are the stainless steel mesh gutter guards.
Cost
The cost of gutter guards will change depending on where you live, what type of gutter guard you choose, and the size of your home. Some homes only need gutter guards in certain areas, and others will have them around the entire home. If you want to save some money on your gutter guard purchase, be sure to choose a DIY installation, or don’t opt for the heated gutter guards.
Installation
Installation can be either professional or DIY. Professional installation can help ensure that your gutter guards have a long warranty and will continue to hold up for years to come. DIY installation is best for those who are comfortable using a ladder or who have help from a friend or family member to complete the project. Installation is a major part of the total cost of gutter guards, and if you want something that holds up well in snow and ice, it is worth paying for professional installation.
Appearance
Most gutter guards are difficult to see. However, some guards are installed directly on the top of the gutter, while others will slide under the first row of shingles. The gutter guards that are attached to the roof are a bit more visible, and this is something homeowners should consider. Luckily companies will have several different color guards for homeowners to choose between, making the overall style of the home a bit more appealing.
Size Options
Gutter guards come in several different sizes; the standard sizes are typically 4, 5, and 6 inches. There are some gutter guards that come in a 7-inch size. The width of the gutter guard is very important as it will help determine the effectiveness of the product. Be careful when measuring your house for gutter guards that you are properly accounting for all areas. In addition, if you have a professional installation, there is no need to measure; a qualified professional will come and do it for you.
Warranty
Almost all high-quality gutter guards come with some type of warranty. This warranty can range anywhere from 5 years to a lifetime warranty. The lifetime warranty from LeafFilter is transferrable and known to be one of the best in the industry. If you only want to purchase gutter guards one time, this is the option to consider.
Final Thoughts on the Top Gutter Guards for Snow and Ice
We hope you now feel more confident in your ability to choose the best gutter guards for snow and ice. Snow and ice are difficult for any gutter and gutter guard system to have to deal with. The best thing to do is purchase quality so you are not disappointed with the results. Areas with light rain and mild climate may get away with cheap alternatives, but this is not the case with heavy snow and ice. If your area gets a lot of downpours, take a look at some of the best gutter guards for heavy rains.
Even though LeafFilter gutter guards are not heated, they tend to have the best long-term performance for snow and ice. These gutter guards stand out because of their high-quality materials, professional installation, and impressive warranty. Remember that it makes sense to get several quotes for gutter guards to ensure you are choosing a project that is a great deal.
275-micron stainless steel mesh design
Lifetime installation warranty
Offers new gutter installation services
Manufactured to match your home
One-piece system includes a guard and gutter
Guaranteed not to clog
Sturdy aluminum frame and steel screens
Offers 0% financing
Provides gutter repair & installation
Snow and Ice Gutter Guards FAQs
Do gutter guards freeze in winter?
There is a chance that your gutter guards will freeze in the winter. All homeowners should be aware of this and work to ensure that this does not happen. One way to ensure water can flow easier and does not get stuck is to keep the tops of your gutter guards clear of debris. In addition, options for heated gutter guards can work in areas where this becomes a major problem.
Do gutter guards cause ice buildup?
Gutter guards can actually help prevent ice dams and ice buildup. One of the ways in which the water will freeze is if there is a blockage and water is stuck in your gutter. This is where it becomes important to keep gutter guards in place and keep the top of your gutter guards free of debris.
Are gutter guards good for snow and ice?
Some gutter guards have raised micro-mesh panels or a sloped design that makes it much easier for water to flow down into the gutter and any excess chunks of snow and ice to fall off the roof. This tends to be a good situation and lowers the chance of water damage.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Gutter guards are well worth it for the following reasons:
- Less time spent cleaning gutters
- Lower chance of water damage around the foundation of the home
- Easier to keep downspouts clear and free of debris
- Better strength and functionality of current gutter guard system
How do gutter guards work?
Gutter guards are installed over the top of your current gutter system, and they will block out debris of various sizes. Whether you struggle with leaves, pine needles, roof shingle grit, or critters looking for a home, the gutter guards will keep your gutters free and allow for the flow of water through the gutter itself.
How We Ranked, Reviewed, and Tested the Best Gutter Guards
Here, we’ve broken down our rating methodology for gutter guards. You should know that we’ve taken the utmost care to provide the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you make the best choice for your budgetary and home maintenance needs.
Why Trust Today's Homeowner? Our Gutter Ranking Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 gutter guards so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each gutter guard and gutter guard provider company according to our gutter ranking methodology.
We also dug into the details of each gutter guard to ensure that you could make the best decisions for your home and keep your gutters debris-free for years to come.
To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best gutter guards based on the following criteria:
- Material: Material durability was the single most important factor that went into our rating methodology for gutter guards. Whether they were stainless steel micro-mesh or plastic screening, we gave an in-depth rating for this criteria.
- Debris Resistance: Our testing served as the primary evaluator for this factor. We curated a rating based on customer testimonials and our own in-house testing here.
- Ease of Installation: Most of the gutter guard options listed have some DIY component involved. For this reason, guards that required the fewest specialty tools got the highest rating here.
- Cost: How reasonable are prices in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
- Warranty terms: We looked into the warranty of lifetime warranty terms if it is offered by the provider.
- Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
- Buying process: if the gutter guard is a DIY installation, how easy is the buying process? We looked for shipping costs and shipping time, as well as where the product can be bought from.
Disclosure: HouseMethod participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program is designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
