While micromesh gutter guards often come with higher associated costs, the benefits that they can provide for your gutter system and home are more than worth the price. Generally, gutter guards will help your gutters to function as intended by preventing clogs, ice dams, and leaks, and reducing the cleaning frequency for your current system.
The best micro-mesh gutter guards are made from corrosion-resistant materials and will keep even the smallest debris out, including pollen and shingle grit. Whether you’re after full-service gutter guard installation or a DIY option, we’ve got you covered. Read below to learn more about our top micro-mesh gutter guards.
Our Top 6 Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
We’ve done all the analyzes of the best micro-mesh gutter guards on the market and looked at cost, features, effectiveness, installation, warranty, and more. Here is how the top 6 best micro-mesh gutter guards ranked:
- Leaf Filter Gutter Guards: Best Professional Installation
- HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Overall Design
- LeafGuard: Best One Piece Solution to Micromesh
- All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable Gutter Guard
- Raptor Gutter Guards: Best DIY Micromesh Gutter Guards
- Superior Gutter Guards: Best Value Micromesh Gutters
Compare Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
| 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 | Best One Piece Solution to Micromesh | 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 |
| Superior Gutter Guards | Best Value Micromesh Gutter Guards | $2.52 per linear foot | All 50 states |
1. LeafFilter Gutter Guards: Best Professional Installation
- Material: Stainless steel micromesh screen and uPVC frame
- Visibility: Not visible from ground level
- Cost: $17 – $45 per linear foot
- Size: Can be custom-fit to any gutter system
LeafFilter Gutter Guards gain our recognition for being the best available micro-mesh option on the market. Their proprietary three-piece construction helps to provide a gutter guard that not only keeps small debris out of your gutters and downspouts but also ages well and does not warp over time.
Though you’ll have to get professional installation for this option, LeafFilter offers all of this in-house. Each of their gutter guards includes the following components:
- Structural hangers: Corrosion-resistant hangers sit within all gutters to support the overlying frame and screen.
- uPVC frame: A plastic frame with large holes allows for free waterflow into the gutter system, while ensuring that the screen doesn’t warp.
- 275-micron screen: A stainless steel screen is secured to your existing gutters and keeps the smallest debris away from your gutters.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lifetime transferable warranty
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Quick installation process
- They provide both gutters and gutter guards
Cons
- Must be professionally installed
LeafFilter Cost
You’ll have to pay between $17 and $45 per linear foot for LeafFilter. This will include professional installation and the cost of all materials. You should be prepared to negotiate on whatever starting price they quote you, as all reviews point to there being some wiggle room on cost.
LeafFilter: General Consensus
LeafFilter is one of the most trusted names in the gutter guard industry, and for good reason. The 4.4/5 rating on Trustpilot through more than 90,000 reviews and the A+ rating on BBB show that customers greatly appreciate the quality of the product they’re afforded with LeafFilter.
A common sticking point with customers was the high initial cost they were quoted. However, this appears to be by design, as all LeafFilter agents offer an array of discounts, and will be flexible on costs. The gutter guard itself performed well and only seemed to accumulate debris when paired with a low-pitch roof.
Get an estimate by visiting LeafFilter’s website,
Read our LeafFilter Review to find out more.
2. HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Overall Design
- Material: Marine-grade 304 stainless steel
- Visibility: Slim profile not visible from the ground
- Cost: $4.50 – $7.75 per linear foot
- Size: Can be custom-cut to fit any gutter system
HomeCraft offers one of the more reliable micro-mesh gutter guards on the market. 304-grade stainless steel mesh, coupled with raised-diamond structures within the screen helps to maintain efficient waterflow. The aluminum frames ensure that the screen itself holds its shape despite any debris accumulation.
HomeCraft gutter guards require professional appraisals and installation but are well worth going with a full-service provider. Price points are relatively manageable despite the quality of professional work you’ll receive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Aluminum frame and steel screens make for sturdy construction
- Gutter guard systems can fit any existing gutter
- Provides full gutter repair and installation if needed
- 7 unique colors offered
Cons
- Need an in-person quote and consultation to get an accurate price
- Only serves ten states
HomeCraft Cost
You’ll have to get a personalized quote from your local HomeCraft representative in order to get an accurate appraisal for service. In most cases, costs range between $4.50 and $7.75 per linear foot.
HomeCraft: General Consensus
HomeCraft’s reviews are high across most major platforms, which includes a 4.8/5 through just under 150 reviews on Trustpilot. This rating includes 3% negative reviews, with most customers reporting on the quality of their new and improved gutter system after installation.
HomeCraft seems to hold up over time as well, as the raised-diamond design is able to provide some necessary support without the presence of structural hangers under the guards. No matter your roof slope or material, this is a great option.
Read our HomeCraft review to learn more.
3. LeafGuard: Best One Piece Solution to Micromesh
- 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
View an in-depth look at LeafGuard.
LeafGuard is not a micro-mesh gutter guard; instead, it is an alternative to micro-mesh that is a one-piece gutter and guard solution. LeafGuard combines the functionality of a wide and strong gutter with the reverse curve style gutter guard into one seamless design. Since this is a seamless gutter created on-site at your home, customization and tricky curves or turns in your roof will not be an issue. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, LeafGuard gutter guards can deliver.
- Structural Hangers: LeafGuard is not attached directly to your home’s roof, so there is no worry about a roof warranty being voided. In addition, the strength of the gutters is considerably higher because of this installation.
- Thicker Aluminum and Large Downspouts: The gutters and gutter guards from LeafGuard are designed to handle heavy rain. In areas of the country where 30 or more inches of rain per hour are standard, LeafGuard can help because of the larger downspouts.
- Guaranteed Not To Clog: LeafGuard states that their reverse curve design will never clog. It is possible for debris to run down the channel into the gutter, but it should never be clogged with leaves or pine needles.
LeafGuard only offers professional installation. However, the customization options with the LeafGuard design are considerably more versatile than other non-seamless gutter manufacturers. The product comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure longevity and increase the value of your home.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Manufactured and installed at your home to match your home
- A complete one-piece system with a 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 micro-mesh solution
LeafGuard Cost
Some quotes for LeafGuard start around $10 a foot but can go much higher to over $30 a foot. The cost that you get will be determined by the size of your home, your location, and any customizations that you are looking for with the product.
LeafGuard: General Consensus
LeafGuard has been in the industry for 29 years. There are some mixed reviews about the reverse curve design as a whole, but it can handle quite a bit of water at once. The LeafGuard gutter guards and gutters have an A+ rating with the BBB and actively respond to complaints and customer issues.
Get an estimate by visiting LeafGuard’s website.
4. All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Visibility: Matches your current gutter’s profile
- Cost: Contact for a quote
- Size: Can fit almost any gutter system
All American Gutter Protection offers some of the most customizable gutter guard options in the industry. With 30-plus different color and design options, your gutter guards are guaranteed to blend in with your present house and gutters.
All American provides full installation of aluminum and stainless steel gutter guards, which can filter out nearly any type of debris.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Discounts for military and seniors
- Won’t bend, warp or break
- Guaranteed for the life of the home
- High BBB and customer ratings
- Aluminum frame provides longevity
Cons
- No option for DIY install
- Limited operating territory
- Their company website is lacking in general information
All American Cost
You’ll have to contact All American for a quote for gutter installation. Quotes will be all-inclusive within their service area.
All American: General Consensus
Mary’s experience with the Southampton, Pennsylvania branch of All American is typical for many customers who opt for this provider’s gutter guards. It enjoys a solid A+ rating on BBB and provides a product that lasts.
Many customer reviews report solid performance, even under less-than-ideal conditions. This guard has been proven to provide resistance to pine needles, shingle grit, leaves, pests, and far more.
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: Best DIY Micro-mesh Gutter Guards
- Material: Stainless steel
- Visibility: When installed correctly, Raptor guards aren’t visible from the ground
- Cost: $125 to $150 for a 48-foot gutter guard kit
- Size: Fits nearly all gutter sizes, including the most common five, six, and seven-inch gutters
Raptor Gutter Guards earn our vote for the best DIY micro-mesh guard. When you purchase these gutter guards from Amazon, or from any other major seller, you’ll be supplied with all of the needed equipment, hardware, and instructions needed to install them on your own.
The patented v-bend corrugations in this mesh guard create greater structural stability, which allows each section to stand up to debris accumulation well. For DIY maintenance around your roof or gutters, you can’t do much better.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It comes with a 25-year warranty
- Two different size options
- Micro-mesh material blocks debris
- Heavy-duty materials
- Product provided with self-tapping screws
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to install
Cons
- Higher priced than some other DIY gutter guards
Raptor Cost
Raptor typically costs between $125 and $150 for a 48-foot kit. Since most homes will require between 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters, you’ll have to purchase multiple kits for full coverage.
Raptor Gutter Guards: General Consensus
Raptor’s aluminum frame and 304-grade stainless steel construction make it a fairly durable option for DIY gutter guards – and for gutter guards in general. The 4.6/5 rating across more than 4,000 reviews it has garnered on Amazon is well-earned due to its durability and ease of installation.
You’ll have to be fairly handy, as this buyer discovered, but the low cost is well worth the effort if you have the necessary tools. Through our own exhaustive testing, Raptor guards held strong. While some debris accumulated on its surface, water was still able to flow into the underlying gutters with relative ease.
To purchase this gutter guard, follow this link to Raptor’s Amazon page.
5. Superior Gutter Guards: Best Value Micro-Mesh
- Material: Stainless steel with an aluminum frame
- Visibility: Lies flat on your existing gutters for minimal visibility from the ground
- Cost: $120.99 for a 48-foot gutter guard kit
- Size: Fits five-inch gutters
Superior Gutter Guards are another premium option for DIY micromesh gutter guards. They’re readily available from Amazon and are sold with all necessary hardware for an easy at-home installation.
Superior’s raised grid system provides a similar profile to many other top names in the micro-mesh niche, at affordable prices. The varied depth and structure of the micro-mesh screens ensure that debris is easily separated and channeled away from your fascia and roof, while water flows easily into your gutters. As a bonus, all Superior Gutter Guards come with a 20-year warranty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 20-year warranty
- Easy DIY installation process
- Debris washes off easily
- Can handle harsh weather conditions
- Sturdy aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Option to purchase a sample
Cons
- No option for professional installation
Superior Guard Cost
At $120.99 for a 48-foot kit, you’ll likely have to pay for three to five full kits to cover most residential gutter systems. However, this is still one of the most cost-effective options available.
Superior Gutter Guards: General Consensus
A 4.6/5 rating through 350-odd reviews on Amazon is proof positive that Superior Gutter Guards are a quality product. Despite the fact that they’ll only be a suitable fit for five-inch gutters, they serve their purpose fairly well.
Customers most commonly remark upon the ease of installation with this product, and the quality of the hardware supplied for easy fastening to the existing gutters. Additionally, our own testing confirmed what clients had already said; that this product holds up to all types of debris and conditions.
To see the current pricing of this gutter guard, look on Amazon.
What to Look For When Buying Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Quality of the guard
All gutter guard manufacturers offer slightly different products, and quality will vary from one provider to the next. Micro-mesh gutter guards as a whole tend to offer the best long-term protection, which justifies somewhat higher pricing.
You will want to ensure that your gutter guard is made from a material that will not rust or warp over time. Whatever gutter guards you eventually purchase will be exposed to the elements, and should be made with materials suited for such long-term exposure.
Price Point
Gutter covers typically range in price depending on the type of gutter guard and the manner of installation. A DIY installation will always be cheaper but will come with shorter, less inclusive warranties. Professional installation of gutter guards will come at a higher cost but will offer quality assurance and greater peace of mind. If you’re opting for DIY installation, then be sure to shop around for the best product. Similarly, if you’re looking to pay a professional contractor, you should get multiple quotes.
Installation
Installation processes for any gutter guard will vary from company to company. Some slide under your roof shingles, while others are attached to the fascia board using fasteners. Labor warranties from certain providers will help to ensure that, no matter the installation method, you’ll be covered for damage due to shoddy workmanship.
Certain providers will also offer full gutter installations along with gutter guards. If you opt for this, your cost and timeline will be altered.
Visual appeal
Most micro-mesh gutter guards are made to lay flat and not be seen from ground level. There is some variance here, with higher-pitched designs, but you may have to choose an option that balances aesthetic appeal and actual quality, depending on your exact wants.
Gutter Coverage
Proper measurements are key to any gutter or gutter guard installation. If you’re attempting a DIY installation, then you should buy around 10% more in the way of materials than you think you’ll need. This will account for loss due to odd cuts for corners and will offset any potential mistakes. If you’re going with a local licensed pro, then this should be of minimal concern. Your gutter provider will be able to render an all-inclusive estimate, regardless of linear feet or material to be used.
Warranty Options
The micro-mesh gutter guards we’ve reviewed here are made of high-quality materials. Warranties for these can last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime transferable warranty. Your options here are an essential consideration to be made during the buying process, as they could cover any failures or maintenance issues.
Final Thoughts
Micro-mesh gutter guards are built with corrosion-resistant materials to keep even the smallest debris away from your gutters for the long term. Our outline of our top five providers and gutter guard products should provide you with a baseline to begin searching for the best option for you.
Though we rate LeafFilter at the top of our list, we know that shopping around is essential. Depending on your exact needs, weather conditions in your area, roof pitch, gutter width, and budget, you may have a different best gutter guard in mind. Either way, we recommend careful consideration of your final decision, and that you examine both DIY and professional options here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I install micro-mesh gutter guards?
Micro-mesh gutter guards offer the most in-demand gutter guard type on the market. They are able to trap nearly any size of debris before it makes its way into your gutters, including small dust, bugs, and pests, which will keep your gutters functioning properly.
Do I have to get new gutters too?
Most micro-mesh gutter guards will be able to fit in your existing gutters. Although certain companies will have unique features that may not work with your gutter guards, there are plenty of options to make this work. If you don’t already have gutters, some providers will be able to install new ones with your guards.
Do I need to clean my gutter with micro-mesh gutter guards?
You will need to conduct at least semi-annual cleanings of most gutter guards to keep them in working order. Doing walkarounds of your home and inspecting your roof regularly will help clue you in as to how often this is needed.
Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?
Gutter guards will work in heavy rain as long as they are free of debris. If a gutter guard is covered with material, excess water could fall around your foundation. This can cause erosion and other problems over time.
Do gutter guards go under shingles?
Gutter guards tend to slide under the first row of shingles. Gutter guard installation will typically not impact your roof, as they are mostly installed and attached to the gutters themselves.
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: 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.
