Gutter gutters that snap into place are quick and easy to install, and they can even help strengthen your gutters. Some homeowners consider snap-in gutter guards to be some of the best gutter guards on the market.
The best gutter guards on the market will keep out both small and large debris and ensure that homeowners no longer have to clean their gutters. Snap-in gutter guards offer additional protection in that the debris is not able to sneak under the edge of the gutter system. In addition, this type of gutter guard will often require fewer screws and fasteners to install. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the best snap-in gutter guards of 2023.
Here are the best snap-in options for your gutters.
Our Top 5 Snap-In Gutter Guards
At Today’s Homeowner, we have spent countless hours testing and researching snap-in gutter guards on the market. Some of these gutter guards are perfect for DIY installation, while others will be a quick and easy professional installation. The key is that these gutter guards can handle moderate to heavy rain and the debris buildup from shingles or metal roofs. Here is how the top five gutter guards for metal roofs ranked.
- HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Best Design
- MasterShield Gutter Guard: Most Environmentally friendly
- Raptor Gutter Guards: Best DIY Mesh Gutter Guards
- HyrdoShield Snap-In Gutter Guard: Easy Installation
- Amerimax 86670 Snap-In Gutter Guards: Best Value
1) HomeCraft Gutter Protection
HomeCraft Gutter Protection offers the best-designed snap-in gutter guards for metal roofs. The design of these micro-mesh gutter guards stands out because the mesh has a unique raised pattern that will push debris like pine needles and grit from roof shingles up and away and allow water to flow through. The difference in height between the base of the mesh and the raised panel is small, but it is enough to help ensure that water can pass through and that the rain gutters are left available and free of debris.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection does not allow for homeowner installation. This professional installation product will lock-in and allow for less buildup on and around the gutters. In addition, the lock-in features help reduce warping and improve surface tension. Homeowners have been very pleased with the speed at which the HomeCraft Gutter Protection gutter guards are installed, as the snap-in nature makes it quite fast. These will come in several sizes for 4, 5, and 6-inch gutters.
Key Features
- Can be used on all types of roofs
- Raised mesh design
- Prevents clogging of the gutter even by small debris
- Strong enough to hold up against ice dams
- High-quality materials, friendly customer service, free quotes
What Customers Are Saying
The HomeCraft Gutter Protection Gutter Guards have helped to make some home improvement projects, like cleaning gutters, a thing of the past. Rainwater does not pool over the edge of these, as the raised mesh helps with functionality. Trustpilot has several hundred reviews of the HomeCraft Gutter Protection gutters, and the total ranking was 4.7 out of 5. The BBB also rated HomeCraft Gutter Protection with a B Rating. If you are worried about the design of your gutter cover system, the HomeCraft Gutter Protection guards are a great choice.
Overall, customers were happy with the way this gutter guard system functions. There were some complaints about the installers showing up on time. Even though HomeCraft Gutter Protection offers free quotes, it seems as though waiting for those quotes is sometimes a problem. There were also several complaints about the pricing being a little high and that the option for DIY installation would be a good feature.
To get a free quote from HomeCraft Gutter Protection, visit its website.
Read our HomeCraft Gutter Guards review to learn more.
2) MasterShield Gutter Guard
MasterShield Gutter Guards are the most environmentally friendly snap-in gutter guards. The MasterShield Gutter Guards are another option for professional installation. This is an aluminum gutter guard with a stainless steel micro-mesh that will nearly eliminate all gutter cleaning that you will ever have to do. This eco-friendly product also helps to ensure that no bacteria or harmful spores can grow on and around your gutters. The copper filter installed in the gutter guard can also work as a heating element in cooler climates where ice dams and freezing water are problems.
The MasterShield gutter guards come in 14 colors, and there are hidden hangers on your gutters that allow the gutter guards to snap into place. Even if the rain starts coming down heavy, MasterShield will be able to accommodate it. Homeowners who are worried about their roof warranty can rest assured that most MasterShield installations do not impact this important feature of your home.
Key Features
- Installed on an angle to promote debris to flow off
- Eco-Friendly product
- Drip edge built into the product
- It comes in 14 different colors
- Copper filter for a reduction in bacteria and unwanted organisms
What Customers Are Saying
MasterShield Gutter Protection has a BBB rating of an A. With the smaller coverage area that MasterShield has, this A rating is quite good. Certainly, homeowners are happy that this is not a plastic gutter guard, and it seems to hold up for considerably longer than foam gutter guards or cheaper screen gutter guards. The 3 out of 5 stars on the BBB website show there are sometimes issues with customer service when booking appointments and quotes.
The reviews that are available of the MasterShield gutters guards show that customers were happy with the overall water flow and with how clear the downspouts seem to be. The gutter cleaning was significantly reduced. Although these gutter guards require a bit more upfront cost with the professional installation, they were lower in price than the LeafFilter Gutter Guard. In addition, homeowners like that the installation was quicker than other options from Home Depot, like Guttersutf or Gutterbrush.
Read our MasterShield Gutter Guards review to learn more.
3. Raptor Gutter Guards
Raptor Gutter Guards are the best DIY option for snap-in gutter guards. Now that we have covered the top two options for professional installation, the Raptor Gutter guards blend the micro-mesh material’s functionality with the DIY installation’s affordability. One of the most impressive features of the Raptor Gutter Guards is that they come with a 25-year warranty. Most of the time, a DIY leaf guard will only have a 3 to 5-year warranty as the quality of installation can not always be verified. However, the Raptor Gutter Guards are so easy to install that this brand’s 25-year warranty is not an issue.
The Raptor Gutter Guards feature V Bend technology that lets you adjust or manipulate the guard itself. You can purchase these lock-in gutter guards in all 50 states, and shipping is fast and efficient. Regardless of the type of debris, or the widths of your gutters, there will be a Raptor Gutter Guard that can work for you.
Key Features
- 25-year warranty
- Made with rustproof, heavy-duty materials
- Any homeowner can install
- Comes in a few different sizes
What Customers Are Saying
Raptor Gutter Guards are sold on Amazon and other locations on the internet. With this product shipping to all 50 states, there are plenty of reviews about whether the gutter guards work to keep leaves and other debris from clogging your existing gutter. There are more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon of the Raptor Gutter Guards. The total rating is 4.6 out of 5, and most of the information provided in these reviews is overwhelmingly positive.
Most of the reviews state that all of the necessary screws and materials for installation were included with the project. In addition, the installation was fast, and the directions were clear. Homeowners were able to save money and still complete the gutter guard project in a short period of time. For those worried about DIY installation, you can hire a local contractor to handle this.
To see the current pricing of this Raptor gutter guard, look on Amazon.
4) HydroShield Snap-Fit Gutter Guard
The HydroShield Snap-Fit Gutter Guard is our top pick for easy installation of snap-in gutter guards. One of the main benefits of any snap-in gutter guard is the ability to lock it in quickly and move on to the next section. The HydroShield Snap-Fit gutter guard comes with a stainless steel mesh screen to ensure clogged gutters are a thing of the past. The stainless steel material will not crack or deteriorate quite the same way you see with a plastic gutter guard.
The HydroShield Mill Finish Zip Screws that are sometimes used for a more permanent installation are sold separately and must be purchased should you decide to install this way. This product is available in a few different sizes, and some of the packages have additional materials, so buying in bulk will save money. The HydroShield Snap-Fit gutter guards also come with a 25-year limited warranty, making them smart for the homeowner looking for strong value.
Key Features
- Comes with a 25-year limited warranty
- All metal construction
- Can screw-in gutter guards in addition to snapping them in place
- Resistant to corrosion
What Customers Are Saying
The HydroShield Snap-Fit Gutter Guard is sold on Amazon and has more than 20 reviews from customers. The HydroShield Snap-Fit Gutter Guards’ overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars, making these a strong option to consider. Homeowners liked that in addition to the large bulk style packages of gutter guard material, you can also order a small sample size to ensure they fit on your gutter system.
HydroShield Snap-Fit Gutter Guards had great overall reviews, with a few customers stating they had a problem with the fit of the guard. Always take measurements before you purchase. Sometimes something like a reverse curve gutter guard will not have the same fit as a standard gutter, and it will impact which gutter guards you can use.
To see the current pricing of the HydroShield Snap-Fit, look on Amazon.
5) Amerimax Home Products 86670 Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard
The Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Filter Gutter Guards are the best value snap-in gutter guards on the market. The gutter guards are made from a vinyl material, making them very easy to work with and higher quality, more durable material than a brush or foam style gutter guard. In addition to the pricing being quite fair for these guards, the installation process is also fast. Homeowners with limited DIY capabilities reported that the Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Filter was easily installed in a few hours.
Even though this is not a stainless steel mesh product, it still has a mesh design capable of keeping debris out and ensuring plenty of durability. The need to clean your gutters should be a thing of the past if the Amerimax Snap-In Filter Gutter Guards is installed according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Key Features
- Works with 4, 5, and 6-inch K Style gutters
- Can handle both large and small debris
- Made with PVC
- Very good value for a mesh design snap-in filter
What Customers Are Saying
The Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Filter Gutter Guards are sold on Amazon and have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. When you look at the reviews, close to 800 of them state how positive these gutter covers are and how good of a job they do to keep debris out. In addition, the overall satisfaction with the pricing is relatively high. Homeowners are finding that as long as measurements were taken prior, the ease of installation is quite impressive.
Of course, most of the complaints surrounding the Amerimax Home Products Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard had to do with the gutter guard not snapping in exactly or the performance in heavy rain. This gutter guard style and type are meant more for mild rainstorms than areas of the country where there are heavy and fast storms.
Look for Amerimax Home Products Snap-In Filter Gutter Guards on Amazon.
| Provider | Cost* | States Covered | Unique features |
| HomeCraft Gutter Protection | Contact For Quote | Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas | It has a lifetime transferable warranty, can be used with metal roofs, micro-mesh material for superior filtration, smaller company more personalized service |
| MasterShield Gutter Guard | Contact For Quote | Contact Company for Complete and Updated List | Created by inventor of Micro-Mesh Gutter guards, lifetime warranty, premium technology, and functionality, copper filtration system |
| Raptor Gutter Guards | $148 for 48-foot panel | All of US | Micro-mesh, 25-year warranty, includes self-tapping screws, great installation instructions, DIY option |
| HydroShield Snap Fit Gutter Guards | $134 for 48 Linear Feet | All of US | All metal construction, 25 year warranty, snap in or screw in based on preferences |
| Amerimax Home Products Snap In Gutter Guards | $48 for 75 feet | All of US | Vinly material, easy installation, very good value, additional filter to keep even small debris out |
Buying Guide for Highest Rated Snap-In Gutter Guards
Now that you are well aware of the gutter guard options on the market for snap-in style gutter guards, it’s time to consider the important features to look for to narrow down the guard that is best for you. There are several different features that gutter guards must have in place to ensure that they are functional and last for a long time.
Quality
The quality of the gutter guard will come down to its design and the material it is made of. Almost all snap-in gutter guards are stainless steel, aluminum, or vinyl. These materials are considered higher quality and will hold up for years to come. However, stainless steel seems to be the longest lasting and the most durable in a heavy rainstorm.
Cost
Snap-in gutter guard costs are comparable to all other types of gutter guards on the market. You will often find that the cost of these guards is impacted most by the linear footage you will need to cover. The larger the home and the more premium the gutter guard, the higher your costs will be.
Installation
Some snap-in gutter guards are quick and easy to install, while others require a professional. Homeowners noticed that even with professional installation, the gutter guards that are snap-in type would be installed in a matter of hours. DIY installation can save a lot of money, but you must make sure that you are comfortable standing on a ladder in order to do this.
Appearance
Snap-in gutter guards often have a neat and clean appearance, and although seen from the ground looking up, the overall look is not bad. Many snap-in gutter guard companies will offer the gutter guard in several colors, ensuring that you always have the look you are going for. Appearance is not the most critical factor when choosing a gutter guard, but it does make a difference.
Size Options
Most snap-in gutter guards come with a 4, 5, or 6-inch size option. The best thing to do is measure the size of your current gutter system and then compare that to the options on this list. Most of the sizing is universal, and there should be no issues with installing the gutter guard. Some homeowners run into trouble when they try to install the guard on an angle, which can change the overall sizing.
Warranty
Most snap-in gutter guards come with a 10-year warranty, although there are some that will offer a 25-year warranty. The lifetime warranty can be hard to find unless you are shopping for a gutter guard from LeafFilter. Keep the warranty in mind as you shop, as it could be a helpful selling if you should transfer ownership of the home.
Final Thoughts on The Best Snap-In Gutter Guards
We hope you now feel as though you can choose a snap-in gutter guard with complete confidence. The snap-in nature of these guards really does make installation easier and the entire project quicker. As great as the snap-in technology can be, the LeafFilter professionally installed gutter guards still remain the best on the market. With the functionality of the LeafFilter guards, you can expect a lifetime of strong and consistent gutter protection.
FAQs about Snap In Gutter Guards
Are snap-in gutter guards good?
Snap-in gutter guards are a great addition to any home; with the snap-in nature of the product, it is easy to get this gutter guard in place and move on to your next DIY project. In addition, the snap-in gutter guards do not allow for debris to slip under the edge of the guard.
How do you clean your gutter guards?
Cleaning your gutter guards typically takes a blower or a hose to remove the debris sitting on top of the guard. The gutters themselves should not need to be cleaned with the snap-in gutter guards in place.
What are the benefits of gutter guards?
The benefits of gutter guards include keeping out both large and small debris, ensuring that water does not pool around the foundation of the home, and increasing the strength of the current gutter system.
What is the #1 gutter guard?
The number one gutter guard in the industry is the LeafFilter gutter guard. These guards are installed by a professional; they feature a lifetime transferrable warranty and a stainless steel micro-mesh design.
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.
