Mesh guards are among the most popular types of gutter guards for their versatility, quality, and affordability. With stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant mesh screen on your gutters, you can keep most debris out of your gutters while allowing for optimal waterflow and decreasing maintenance costs. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to reduce the amount of time you’ll spend up on a ladder cleaning your gutters and reachable roof sections.
We’ve outlined our picks for the best mesh gutter guards here. We’ve included cost information, customer impressions, and general specifications for each, as well as a general buyers’ guide for gutter guards. You should find a mesh option that will serve as the best gutter guard for your needs.
Our Top 6 Mesh Gutter Guards
- LeafFilter Gutter Guards: Best Professional Installation
- HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Design
- LeafGuard: Most Durable
- All American Gutter Protection: Best Customizable
- Raptor Gutter Guards: Best DIY Mesh Gutter Guards
- Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Gutter Guard: Most Cost-Effective DIY Option
| Provider | Superlative | Cost | Availability |
| LeafFilter Gutter Guards | Best Professional Installation | $17 – $45 per linear foot | 43 States (Not Including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota) |
| HomeCraft Gutter Protection | Best Overall Design | $4.50 – $7.75 per linear foot | 10 states (Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas) |
| LeafGuard | Most Durable | Contact for a quote | 36 States (not available in Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming) |
| All American Gutter Protection | Most Customizable | Contact for a quote | 15 States (Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) |
| Raptor Gutter Guards | Best DIY Gutter Guards | $2.60 – $3.12 per linear foot | All 50 states |
| Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Gutter Guard | Most Cost-Effective DIY Option | $0.67 per linear foot | All 50 states |
1. LeafFilter Gutter Guards
- Material: Stainless steel screen with a uPVC frame
- Visibility: Blends in with your existing gutters
- Cost: $17 – $45 per linear foot
- Size: Can be fit to any gutter system
LeafFilter is one of the most well-known gutter guard providers today and has gained our vote for the best overall mesh gutter guard. Their three-piece design helps to keep all gutters clear of debris and clogs. The following components are present in any LeafFilter Guard installation and are always custom-cut to fit your gutters:
- Structural hangers: LeafFilter’s stainless steel hangers are resistant to corrosion, and provide non-visible but sturdy support for your gutter guards. They’re mounted into your fascia board, ensuring that they’ll always remain in place.
- uPVC frame: A plastic frame with medium-sized holes sits within your gutters to provide structural integrity for the mesh screen while allowing for full waterflow.
- Stainless steel screen: The 275-micron stainless steel mesh screen prevents all debris from entering your gutters.
While LeafFilter only offers professional installation, the product they provide is known for its stability and durability over time. It comes with a lifetime warranty and reduces total maintenance costs over the lifespan of your gutters.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3-piece construction
- Installed by professional
- Quality professional installation
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Full gutter installation also an option
Cons
- No DIY option available
LeafFilter Cost
LeafFilter guards are custom-fit to your gutter system. At a cost of $17 to $45 per linear foot, you’ll be afforded some room for negotiation.
LeafFilter: General Consensus
LeafFilter’s history and large presence in the industry has provided it with a wide customer base at present. Its reviews reflect its status as a top provider, with an A+ BBB rating, and a 4.4/5 rating on Trustpilot with more than 92,000 reviews. Gloria’s experience included prompt estimates and installation, and full cleanup of the worksite after completion, which is fairly typical.
LeafFilter’s product has shown itself to be a premium option for mesh gutter guards, as it will hold up to fairly heavy debris accumulation over time. The lifetime transferable warranty offered provides an added safeguard against any equipment failures.
Get an estimate by visiting LeafFilter’s website.
Read our LeafFilter Review to find out more.
2. Homecraft Gutter Protection
- Material: Marine-grade 304 stainless steel
- Visibility: Not visible from the ground
- Cost: $4.50 – $7.75 per linear foot
- Size: Can be custom-cut to fit any gutter system
HomeCraft Gutter Protection is one of our leading options for mesh gutter guards due to its overall quality and durability. The mesh screen provides superior protection against debris, while the aluminum frame helps to guard against warping over time from accumulation or heavy rainfall.
All HomeCraft gutter guards are custom-cut on-site to fit your gutters and come with a lifetime warranty. This included warranty and professional installation mean added assurance for the quality of the product you’re buying and will transfer over if you plan on selling your home.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quality construction with sturdy materials
- Lifetime warranty
- Free estimates
- HomeCraft offers full gutter installation for those who need it
- Works for all roof types
Cons
- Professional installation required
- Only operates in ten states
HomeCraft Cost
You’ll have to get a professional from HomeCraft to come to your home and render an estimate. However, most HomeCraft price points settle between $4.50 and $7.75 per linear foot.
HomeCraft: General Consensus
HomeCraft’s 4.8/5 rating through 150 reviews on Trustpilot is indicative of the quality they’re able to provide. Not only are the gutter guards themselves excellent, but the quality of work routinely impresses as well. Professional installation means that you’ll pay higher price points, but this appears to be well worth it.
The only drawback with HomeCraft is its relatively limited availability. It only operates in 10 states but is still one of the best options if you’re in range of a service center.
Visit HomeCraft’s website to get a free estimate for your home.
Read our HomeCraft Review for more information.
3. LeafGuard
- Material: Aluminum Reverse Curve Style Gutter and Guard
- Visibility: Custom painted to match current home colors
- Cost: Contact For Pricing
- Size: Seamless gutters available in all sizes
Read our detailed LeafGuard review for more information.
LeafGuard has been in the industry for close to 29 years and is known for its complete gutter and gutter guard solution. This one piece unit will work for any size home and does not have to attach directly to your current gutters. The LeafGuard gutter guard will require a replacement of the current gutter system, but the reverse curve solution is known for efficiently managing heavy downpours.
- Structural Hangers: LeafGuard is not attached directly to the roof of your home. This allows the unit to hold up better over time and not pull at or deteriorate your roof.
- Thicker Aluminum and Large Downspouts: The gutters and gutter guards from LeafGuard are designed to handle and manage large amounts of rain in a short period of time. This is an option to consider if you live in an area with constant downpours.
- Guaranteed Not To Clog: LeafGuard states that their reverse curve design will never clog, and the time you spend cleaning gutters should be significantly reduced.
LeafGuard only offers professional installation as it is a seamless gutter made at your property. However, the gutter also comes with a lifetime warranty that applies to the gutter guard.
While LeafFilter only offers professional installation, the product they provide is known for its stability and durability over time. It comes with a lifetime warranty and reduces total maintenance costs over the lifespan of your gutters.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Manufactured and installed at your home
- A complete one piece system with guard and gutter included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Guaranteed not to clog
- Oversized downspouts
- Professional installation
Cons
- No option for just a gutter guard
- Not a mesh solution
LeafGuard Cost
LeafGuard costs will vary considerably due to the size of your home and location. The costs can be a little higher as this is a gutter and gutter guard solution all in one.
LeafGuard: General Consensus
LeafGuard has been in the industry for 25+ years. They have managed to earn and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB. Although this is not a mesh solution, the reverse curve aluminum design has quite a few benefits. If your current gutter system is not in great shape, this particular provider can be a one-stop shop for easier and better home maintenance.
Get an estimate by visiting LeafGuard’s website.
3. All American Gutter Protection
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Visibility: Blends in with your gutter’s profile
- Cost: Contact for a quote
- Size: Can fit any gutter system
All American Gutter Protection is our pick for the most customizable mesh gutter guard available today. With more than 30 colors available, and size ranges that accommodate any gutter system, All American is sure to be a viable option for your gutters.
Stainless steel screens coupled with aluminum frames mean that this gutter guard will hold up to almost any test your local weather or tree cover can throw at it. Though it’s only available across 14 states, this is a great option for any prospective buyers or clients within its service area.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers discounts for military and seniors
- Stainless steel construction with aluminum frame offers long-term care for your gutters
- Guaranteed for the life of the home
- Numerous customization options
- High BBB Ratings
- Quality professional installation provided
Cons
- No option for DIY install
- Company website does not provide a wealth of information
All American Cost
All American gutter guards provides free no-obligation quotes for all services it offers. You’ll have to call a service center or contact them via their website in order to set up a consultation.
All American: General Consensus
All American’s customization options makes it a prime choice for most homeowners. No matter your home’s exterior color or building material, you’ll be able to find a gutter guard option here that will enhance its curb appeal.
All American has an A+ rating on BBB and high individual ratings for most of its service centers throughout its operating territory. This speaks to the quality of product and labor that go into this provider’s gutter guards, as well as the versatility you’re granted when you go with All American.
Visit All American Gutter Protection’s website to sign up for a free in-person estimate.
Read our All American Gutter Protection Review to find out more information.
4. Raptor Gutter Guards
- Material: Stainless steel
- Visibility: Blends in with your existing gutter profile when viewed from the ground
- Cost: $125 to $150 for a 48-foot gutter guard kit
- Size: Fits five, six, or seven-inch gutters
Raptor Gutter Guards are our pick for the best DIY mesh gutter guards. The stainless steel mesh is semi-corrugated with v-bends at regular intervals. This allows for water to flow freely into your gutters while providing added strength if debris accumulates.
All Raptor kits come with all of the needed hardware and instructions and are a top option for nearly any roofing type or slope. The fine mesh screens can block everything from branches to pollen and shingle grit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Includes a 25-year warranty
- Sturdy construction
- Product provided with self-tapping screws and all needed hardware
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to install
Cons
- Higher price points than some other DIY gutter guards
Raptor Cost
Raptor currently costs between $125 and $150 for a 48-foot kit. Since most residential roofs will require between 150 and 200 linear feet of gutters, you’ll have to purchase multiple kits for full coverage.
Raptor: General Consensus
The current 4.6/5 rating across more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon speaks volumes about both the overall quality of this product and the ease of installation. Customers most commonly praise the sturdiness of the material, and how well it held up under initial rainfall after being installed.
Through our own testing, Raptor held up very well. Though the troughs led to some smaller debris being trapped, water was still able to flow freely into the gutters underneath.
5. Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Gutter Guard
Amerimax Snap-In Gutter Guards are among the lowest-cost option for DIY mesh gutter guards. It is fairly flexible, which makes DIY installation fairly easy on most gutter sizes. When working at heights on a ladder, this makes for far safer work with minimal strain.
These gutter guards snap into the leading edge of most k-style gutters, from four to six inches wide, and are sturdy once in place. The underlying frame provides support, while the mesh top layer makes for efficient protection from the elements for your gutters.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to install on corners and tight areas
- 75 feet of material per package
- Compatible with most gutter types and sizes
Cons
- Somewhat lower durability compared to other mesh guards
Amerimax Cost
Amerimax Gutter Guards are sold in 75-foot packs broken up into 25 three-foot sections. These packs cost $50.41 on Amazon, which equates to $0.67 per linear foot.
Amerimax: General Consensus
Amerimax’ 4.4/5 rating through more than 800 Amazon ratings shows that this product is one of the best DIY options. It is easy to work with, as the underlying PVC is workable, while still providing enough support for the mesh above.
Our testing showed that this is a great option for most climates and roof pitches. However, severe debris accumulation could pose a problem if you go with this gutter guard. Accumulation on top caused water to flow over the gutters, which could pose issues for your foundation and surrounding landscaping. However, if you live in an area with minimal direct overhead tree cover, this should be a good choice for you.
What to Look For When Buying Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Quality of the guard
Customer reviews are a good indicator of quality. Typical construction of mesh gutter guards will involve stainless steel micro-mesh with an aluminum frame or PVC underlayer. Depending on your home’s surrounding tree covering, and the weather conditions you typically see, your needs for durability will vary.
Pricing
Mesh gutter guards tend to be a mid-range option as far as pricing is concerned. When you go with professional installation, costs are likely to increase. Some factors that impact the overall costs of a gutter guard include the size of the home, roof height, and even the local labor rates in your area.
You shouldn’t expect the mesh gutter guards to be the cheapest on the market, but the quality offered by the options outlined above will make it worth the cost.
Installation
Labor costs near you will influence just how different the cost of professional and DIY installation is. Though hiring a pro for gutter guards installation will cost more, you’ll often be given a labor-based warranty to provide for certain repairs.
Visual appeal
Mesh gutter guards usually don’t protrude beyond the profile of your existing gutters. Most of the guards will sit directly on top of the gutter, and will only be visible when conducting maintenance on a ladder. However, some come over the edge or sit at more of an angle, making them highly visible from the ground.
Beyond this, many gutter guards will have some room for customization for color or aesthetics that you may want to look into.
Gutter Coverage
Gutter coverage is not something homeowners need to worry about when going with a professional gutter installation company. With professional installation, all coverage issues are investigated before purchase, and proper measurements are taken.
Take care when installing mesh guards on your own, and try to purchase 10% more material than what you think you’ll need for the job. This should account for lost linear feet due to mistakes or odd cuts around corners.
Warranty Options
Most gutter guards come with a warranty. The best ones available are going to be lifetime transferrable warranties. This means that the warranty will transfer even though you sell your home. Look for this feature if you want the best value for the gutter guards you purchase.
Final Thoughts
When purchasing a mesh gutter guard, be sure to keep several factors in mind. These include durability, method of installation, price, and your current gutter system size. Such products are among the best gutter guards available; the products we’ve outlined here will offer superior coverage and longevity and are all great options for a variety of homes.
Shopping around is an essential part of this process. For professional installation, we recommend getting multiple quotes (if possible) from providers in your area. For DIY products, you should look at customer reviews and compare pricing before making a final decision.
FAQs About Mesh Gutter Guards
Why should I install mesh gutter guards?
Mesh gutter guards offer excellent functionality, with lightweight construction and moderate price points. The best products in this gutter guard category often come with warranties, and can increase the resale value of your home, should you move.
Do I have to get new gutters too?
Mesh gutter guards are incredibly versatile and come in a variety of sizes. Regardless of the design of your current gutters, you’ll be able to find a mesh gutter guard to fit. If you don’t currently have gutters, most gutter guard companies will install them for you.
Do mesh gutter guards block all debris?
Mesh gutter guards block most debris types, including the following:
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Sticks
- Animals
- Most insects
- Shingle Roof Dust
- Pine needles
- Pinecones
Long-term, you’ll need to clean most gutter guards every six months or so. However, most quality products will minimize how much accumulates in your gutters.
Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?
Mesh gutter guards work quite well in heavy rain, as long as your gutter guards are not covered with debris. Mesh gutter guards are designed to handle heavy and sustained rainfall as long as they are clear on the top.
Do gutter guards go under shingles?
Most gutter guards will fit under the last row of shingles overhanging your gutters. This should require a great amount of expertise in order to complete, and is well within the scope of most DIYers.
Our Testing Method
At Today's Homeowner, we value transparency and authenticity when it comes to rating any of the products we review. For each DIY gutter guard option, we purchased sample packs and installed them at our facility. Eight feet of each gutter guard was installed on our five-inch gutters and was tested for a full week under harsh conditions.
We replicated these by loading the tops of our gutters with the following types of debris while subjecting them to periodic heavy rainfall (greater than 50 mm per hour). The debris below was loaded on at a weight not to exceed eight ounces per foot, by the percentages listed.
- Hay (30%): Dried hay was meant to replicate the weight and consistency of dry leaves and smaller sticks that could fall onto gutters in any location. Most of this would simply roll off the gutters at the start of any simulated rainfall, and would not pose an issue for most gutter guards.
- Mulch (45%): Cedar mulch is a bit weightier and of more mixed consistency. This would affect any non-micro-mesh gutter guards, as the varied texture would be troublesome when coupled with wet conditions.
- Screened Top Soil (25%): Screened top soil (no more than two ounces per foot) would simulate shingle grit, pollen, and any other small granulated debris which could accumulate on gutters.
Each of our gutter guards was tested outdoors for a full week with the above debris piled on. In addition to natural elements, we simulated heavy rainfall (50 mm per hour) on each for at least two periods of two hours to ensure proper water flow for the duration of testing.
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: We participate 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.
