A vinyl gutter guard can be fit over your existing gutters to help keep downspouts and gutters free of debris. Proper water flow from your roof is essential to maintain the health of your home’s foundation. For homeowners tired of continually cleaning their gutters, vinyl gutter guards can be an affordable and easy-to-install solution. In our guide featuring the best vinyl gutter guards on the market, we will show you:
- The different types of gutter guards available in vinyl material
- Who makes the best vinyl gutter guards
- How much vinyl gutter guards cost
- And much more
The vinyl gutter guards tend to save some customers money as they are often a DIY installation. Some companies like LeafFilter offer gutter installation and guards, but those are not vinyl materials. Let’s look at the best gutter guards in vinyl available near you.
Our Top 5 Vinyl Gutter Guards
Our dedicated team of home experts has tested, researched, and reviewed dozens of vinyl gutter guards. These five gutter guards came back as the top five options for any homeowner. We looked for things like best for the money, impressive reviews, and overall functionality. Each of these vinyl gutter guards has unique features, functionality, and pricing.
- Amerimax Snap-In Filter Gutter Guard: Best Overall
- Frost King Plastic Gutter Guard: Best On A Budget
- Home Intuition Gutter Guard: Best At Reducing Corrosion
- Amerimax Gutter Cover: Best Reverse Curve Vinyl Gutter Guard
- Home X Gutter Guards: Best For Large Debris
1) Amerimax Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard
The Amerimax Snap-In Filter Gutter guards is our top choice for vinyl gutter guards. With Amerimax, you will have an impressive material that is designed to last for years to come. Homeowners ready for DIY gutter guards that are affordable and available in several colors will appreciate the Amerimax Snap-in Filter Gutter Guard. The filter keeps out both large and small debris, and the rain gutter will clog considerably less than in the past.
Amerimax Snap-In Filter Gutter Guards are available in 4, 5, or 6-inch sizes, and the installation is incredibly easy. The Amerimax Snap-In Filter Gutter Guard sits on top of the gutter and will lock into the edge. The process does not require any fasteners or hangers installed on your roof. Most homeowners use this model with K Style Gutters, but it can work with certain size box gutters as well.
Key Features
- Comes in 4, 5, or 6-inch
- Made from high-quality PVC
- Snap-in makes for quick installation
- Will catch fine debris
- One package will cover 75 feet of gutter
What Customers Are Saying
The Amerimax Snap-in filter gutter guards is quite popular when it comes to vinyl guards. Many homeowners have been moving towards the stainless steel mesh for their gutter guard system, but the Amerimax Snap-In vinyl gutter guards are still a strong seller on Amazon. There are close to 800 reviews of this product, with more than 4.5 stars out of 5 as the general review. For the price per linear foot, Amerimax Home Products offers quite a bit of functionality. Unfortunately, the Amerimax brand is not BBB accredited.
When reading through the reviews of the Amerimax Snap-In Filter gutter guards, the majority of experiences that homeowners have are positive. The guards keep debris out and keep the water flow strong. One of the main complaints that customers had with the Amerimax Snap-In is that the material does not feel as though it will hold up all that long. It seems to be bendable and flimsy, but most people said after it was installed, it was not an issue.
To see the current pricing of this Amerimax Snap-In gutter guard, look on Amazon.
2) Frost King VX620 6″x20′ Gutter Guard
The Frost King Plastic Gutter Guard is best for those looking for vinyl gutter protection on a budget. Gutter guards can be a major investment for your home, and it is always good to evaluate an option that has fair pricing. The vinyl plastic Frost King Gutter Guard can be cut into pieces with regular scissors and easily installed around the gutters of a home in a matter of hours.
One of the things that helps the Frost King VX620 Gutter Guard stand out is the fact that it is a mesh design. The mesh material makes gutter cleaning almost unnecessary, and the gutter covers themselves stay cleaner and create less mold and mildew on the surface. In addition, the vinyl gutter guard is completely resistant to corrosion and rust. When purchasing Frost King gutter guards, you will buy 20-foot sections that make installation quicker.
Key Features
- Resistant to rusting and corrosion
- Can cut it with regular scissors
- Easy to unroll and cut to size
- Installs under the roof shingles
- Prevents leaves and larger debris from falling into your gutters
What Customers Are Saying
The Frost King Plastic Gutter Guards have a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Amazon. There are more than 3100 ratings for this gutter guard as it is a very popular option. Most customers that purchase Frost King recognize that they are getting a great deal and a very fair value for the product they are purchasing.
With a 4.3 out of 5 rating, the majority of the reviews are positive. People found that Frost King Gutter Guards worked better than brush and foam gutter guards. The major complaint was that the product needs a few days to flatten out after it is sent to you. When it is sent your way, it is rolled in a ball, and this creates issues with the way it sits on the gutter. To adequately keep pine needles, acorns, and more out of the gutters it needs to sit flat. Without fasteners and screws, ensure you have a place to let this layout for a day or two before installation.
To see the current pricing of this Frost King gutter guard, look on Amazon.
3) Home Intuition Plastic Gutter Guard
The Home Intuition Plastic Gutter Guards are the best vinyl solution for resistant corrosion. As popular as many of these metal mesh screen gutter guards are, there have been some issues with corrosion and rust in the past. Home Intuition gutter guards are made to handle heavy rain and hold up for years to come. Home Intuition guards can be installed without the help of a professional.
With a regular pair of scissors, these gutter guards are cut to the proper length, and width can be trimmed as well. The pricing is also quite fair, and when you factor in DIY installation, this is a smart choice for a long-lasting solution. If you struggle with ice dams in the winter, Home Intuition holds up well in a variety of weather conditions.
Key Features
- No rusting or deterioration
- Fair pricing
- A tight mesh pattern ensures that there are no issues with dirt and debris getting through
- It should stay in place if installed correctly
- Works in a variety of climates
What Customers Are Saying
There are more than 400 ratings for the Home Intuition vinyl gutter guards on Amazon. The total customer rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars. For a DIY friendly product, this is quite impressive, as most people leave negative reviews when they can’t get professional installation. However, with the way the Home Intuition slides right under your shingles, there should be no issues with the installation process.
The only thing that customers will complain about is the occasional debris buildup on the top of the gutters. Sometimes leaves and pine needles will stick in the gutter guard mesh material and will require some time spent on a ladder to pull it out.
To see the current pricing of this Home Intuition gutter guard, look on Amazon.
4) Amerimax Gutter Cover
The Amerimax Gutter Cover is the best surface tension gutter guard, also known as reverse curve gutter guards. With this particular model, your debris will fall over the top of the gutter, and a small channel is left open at the end of the gutter cover to allow water to flow into the gutters themselves. The Amerimax gutter cover is great for situations with a high flow of water coming off the roof.
As you will quickly learn, the Amerimax products tend to be heavy-duty and last for quite some time. This particular product is durable and holds up well in rough weather. In addition, it is available in several different color options, so you can find something that matches the needs of your home.
Key Features
- Several color options are available
- Completely covers the gutter from debris
- Well known gutter guard producer
- If installed correctly should not void the roof warranty
- Will lock in place if gutters are measured properly
What Customers Are Saying
There are currently 15 reviews on Amazon for the Amerimax gutter cover, and the total star rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Most customers have a positive experience with the Amerimax gutter covers and find they no longer need to clean their gutters.
The problem that many people run into is the way the water flows off the edge of the gutters. There is only a small channel for water to fall into the guard, and this can be difficult in a heavy rain situation. In addition, the mesh-style gutter guards seem to be considerably easier to install than the gutter covers.
To see the current pricing of this Amerimax gutter cover, look on Amazon.
5) Home X Gutter Guards Roll
The Home X Gutter Guards Roll is the best for keeping out large debris. For those that have trouble with leaves, branches, and even pinecones clogging up the gutter, the Home X Gutter Guards Roll can be a great choice. The overall pricing is relatively low for this style of gutter guard. Although this is a mesh pattern, it is not a very fine mesh, so some small debris will push down into the gutter. Typically a quick rinse of the gutters from time to time should be enough to fix it.
Home X gutter guards are very easy to install and are lightweight. A simple cut with standard scissors allows you to get a custom fit to your gutters. Whether you have new gutters or old gutters, the Home X should fit without any trouble. In addition, with the plastic material, the chance of cutting your hands or scratching your original gutters is considerably reduced.
Key Features
- Makes it easy to keep gutters clean
- Can be cut quickly with scissors
- Multiple uses aside from gutter guards
- The very lightweight material is easy to work with
- Does an excellent job of preventing a blockage from larger debris
What Customers Are Saying
Home X gutter guards has a total of 33 customer reviews on Amazon, and the total rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars. The Home X does not have as strong of a rating as the top picks on our list, but the installation process is a bit more involved, and that likely leads to the overall ratings being a little lower.
Most customers agreed that the Home X gutter guards did a great job of keeping debris out of the gutter. However, the issue was the longevity and durability. Some vinyl gutter guards are thicker than others, and the Home X Gutter Guards are not the most durable on the market. If you are looking for something that is going to last you a lifetime, choose a higher-quality stainless steel micro-mesh guard.
To see the current pricing of this Home X plastic mesh gutter guard, look on Amazon.
Buying Guide for The Best Vinyl Gutter Guards
At this point, you should feel a bit more confident in the vinyl gutter guard choices you have. Luckily there are some great options out there for those that are looking to save money yet also keep their gutters free of debris. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind as you choose the best vinyl gutter guards on the market.
Quality
The highest quality gutter guards tend to be the stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard. However, the vinyl gutter guard is resistant to corrosion, easy to install, and relatively affordable. The long-term quality and durability of the vinyl gutter guard are not nearly as good as stainless steel, but it tends to be better than foam or brush. Vinyl gutter guards from companies like Amerimax tend to come with longer warranties and a bit better customer service.
Cost
The cost of a vinyl gutter guard will depend on the size of the gutter guard, the number of linear feet you need, and whether or not you choose the professional or DIY installation. As far as leaf guard pricing is concerned, vinyl is one of the more affordable choices to consider. However, this is an investment that you will have to make to your home. Keep in mind the fact that most of the time, vinyl gutter guards allow for ease of installation that other gutter guard types do not have.
Installation
Installation for many of the top gutter guards on the market is done by a professional only. However, if you are serious about home improvement projects and comfortable on a ladder, a vinyl gutter guard installation is something you can easily handle on your own. We always recommend having a friend to do this with, as you will want someone to hand you supplies and hold your ladder in place. The great thing about vinyl gutter guards is that they can typically be cut to size using a pair of standard scissors.
Appearance
Most vinyl gutter guards will sit on top of the gutter and barely be visible from the ground. However, if installed on an angle, you will want to find a guard that is the proper color to match your gutters and the style of your home. Color options for vinyl gutter guards range from whites and grays to tans and blacks. The micro-mesh is the most common type of vinyl, and this will not be something that changes the aesthetics of your home all that much.
Size Options
Most vinyl gutter guards come in the 4, 5, or 6-inch options. Another great feature of the vinyl gutter guards is that most of them can be cut to the proper size. Measuring your gutters is not a difficult process, and most of the gutters on your home are likely a standard size. With professional installation, the size options can sometimes be made custom to fit your specific gutters.
Warranty
Vinyl gutter guards do not have as long of a warranty as the stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards. Warranty for vinyl guards will max out around ten years, and some DIY installations come with no warranty or a one-year warranty. If you want something with a lifetime warranty, expect a much larger investment and a product like the LeafFilter gutter guards.
Compare The Highest Rated Vinyl Gutter Guards
Provider | Cost* | States Covered | Unique features |
Amerimax Snap-In Gutter Guards | $50 for 75 feet | All of U.S. | Durable PVC MaterialEasy to InstallWorks with several different types of gutters |
Frost King Plastic Gutter Guard | $8.99 for 20 Feet | All of U.S. | Very low pricingCan cut to sizeWill not rust or corrode |
Home Intuition Gutter Guard | $16.99 for 40 Feet | All of U.S. | Will not corrodeStays in place well if installed correctlyCut to size with traditional scissors |
Amerimax Gutter Covers | $65.00 for 48 feet | All of U.S. | Reverse curve gutter guardsWill keep almost all debris outLong term solution with almost no gutter cleaning necessary |
Home X Gutter Guards | $10.91 for 20 feet | All of U.S. | Great for keeping out large leaves and sticksCan be used as a fence or barrier for gardenMesh design to keep out large debris |
Final Thoughts on The Top Vinyl Gutter Guards
We hope you now feel confident in your ability to choose the best vinyl gutter guards for your home. As inexpensive and easy to install as the vinyl gutter guards can be, they are not the best choice for all homes. LeafFilter Gutter Guards are the best on the market. The professional installation, impressive 15-year history, and ability to keep out both large and small debris keep LeafFilter the top provider in the industry.
If this is your first time putting gutter guards on, we highly recommend getting more than one quote. When you get more than one quote, your ability to get a great deal on the product is greatly increased. Take advantage of any discounts gutter guard providers are willing to offer.
FAQs about Vinyl Gutter Guards
What is the best material for gutter guards?
The best material for a gutter guard is a stainless steel micro-mesh. With the stainless steel micro-mesh, there is very little chance of corrosion or rusting, and the long-term durability is considerably better than vinyl, brush, or foam. Stainless steel gutter guards hold up in all types of weather conditions.
What is the #1 gutter guard?
The number one gutter guard on the market is the LeafFilter Gutter Guard. LeafFilter has been on the market for more than 15 years and has impressive reviews, incredible functionality, and professional installation. LeafFilter is known for having excellent customer service and quickly responding to customers’ needs. In addition, the LeafFilter gutter guards come with a lifetime warranty.
Is there a gutter guard that works?
Several gutter guards work quite well if they are installed correctly and are appropriately chosen for your home. If your roof tends to get covered in debris from trees, the stainless steel micro-mesh is the best overall gutter guard on the market to consider. The mesh does a great job of keeping debris out, and many of these guards are professionally installed to improve overall longevity.
What are the advantages of gutter guards?
Gutter guards have several advantages, including
- Less gutter cleaning for the homeowner
- Very small chance of animals creating nests in the gutter
- Decreased risk of damage to the foundation of the home
- No mildew or staining on the side or edge of the gutter
- Better water flow off the roof of the home
Are vinyl gutter guards worth it?
Vinyl gutter guards may not be the most popular type of guard on the market. However, these guards are lightweight, easy to install, and affordable. If something like the LeafFilter is not in the budget for you at the moment, there is no reason to turn away from the vinyl gutter guards as they will make it easier to maintain the gutters on your home.
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.