Gutter guard covers won’t keep all of the leaves, pine needles, and other debris from getting in your gutters; but they can reduce it significantly. Before installing gutter guards on your home, buy several different types and try them out to see which one will work the best on the trees in your yard.

Even the best gutter covers will require you to remove the guards and clean the gutters from time to time, so make sure the ones you choose are easy to install and remove.

Why Should You Consider Metal Mesh for Gutter Guards?

1. Prevents animals and birds from nesting
2. Keeps leaves and debris out of your gutters
3. Fits your existing gutters
4. Low profile – installs under 1st row of shingles WITHOUT penetrating the roof
5. Blends with your gutters and roofline
6. Eliminates the hazardous chore of climbing a ladder
7. Prevents ice dams that form in the gutter
8. Comes with a Lifetime Warranty

Perforated Mesh Screens

These aluminum or PVC screens fit on top of existing gutters. Water passes through large holes in the ​screen, but leaves and debris filter away or remain on top.

DIY-Friendly

Yes.

Pros

This product is easily available and inexpensive.

Cons

Leaves remain on top of the screen, and the large holes in the mesh allow small particles to pass into the gutter. These particles will either pass into the downspouts or need to be removed by hand.

Micro-Mesh Screens

Micro-mesh gutter screens let only small particles into the gutters through holes as small as 50 microns diameter. This design prevents even tiny run-off composite shingle particles from entering gutters, but after some time, they create a sludge that must be manually removed.

Pros

Almost nothing can enter your gutters—a plus if you are collecting rainwater in barrels.

Cons

There are few DIY options for this style. High volumes of water may skate across the screens and not enter the gutters.