Cheap Gutter Guards for Clogged Gutters
This article is for DIY lovers. Homeowners who find that there is nothing more satisfying than completing a challenging home project for yourself. It’s custom, beautiful and maybe even saved a little money here and there.
Types of DIY Gutter Protection
There are many DIY on the market to access! So, let’s break down which DIY gutter guards there are and find out if they are worth it.
DIY Metal Gutter Screens and DIY Plastic Gutter Screens
These have been around for decades. It’s essentially a wire net that can be purchased in a roll or in sections. Installation is easy, and they are a very cheap form of gutter guard. This will cost approximately $0.36-$1.99 a linear foot depending on the material. To self-install these gutter screens, on an average house, it would likely cost around $60-$300.
The downside of gutter screens is that they provide a false sense of security to the homeowner.
Why? Two reasons:
1) Gutter screens don’t protect your gutters from small debris, like flower petals, sticks, pine needles, maple seeds, etc.
2) Maintenance is still required. The top of these must be cleaned off regularly. If they are not, the debris will clog the holes, and the rainfall will overflow.
Gutter screens still need to be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled at least three times a year.
It will likely reduce the frequency of your cleaning, but it doesn’t remove it altogether. You still have to clean out your gutters and screens a few times a year.
DIY Foam Gutter Screen
Not quite as cheap as some gutter screens, DIY foam gutter guards are around $1 a linear foot. This means an average home will cost $100-$200. They are sold in sections, and installation and removal are easy without many tools needed.
Is a foam gutter guard worth it?
While the foam piece does block large debris out of the main waterway, its placement in your existing gutters uses a large portion of space, reducing the gutter’s capacity to hold rainwater. This can contribute to allowing water to overflow the gutters in heavy storms. Foam gutter guards also break down and clog over time. Slowing this process down requires regularly taking the foam out of the gutter and hosing it down and reinstalling.
Although it may be a not bad solution in a pinch, they should be considered a temporary solution and be cleaned regularly and then replaced as needed.
DIY Micro-Mesh Gutter Screen: Stainless Steel and Vinyl
Micro-Mesh gutter screens are a tightly woven mesh that acts essentially like a filter. They are sold in sections, and although they are the priciest of DIY gutter protection, they are likely the most effective (as long as they are maintained). Averaging $1-$5 a foot at present, depending on materials and company, that puts the price for the average home between $200 and $1000. Micro-mesh gutter screens do keep all debris out of the gutter – both large and small! Unfortunately, they are still not maintenance-free.
Since they lay flat, even just a leaf or two sitting on top of the mesh can cause water to overflow.
Additionally, they clog with the buildup of roof granules, pollen, and other sticky tree debris. Consequently, they need to be removed and scrubbed clean a few times a year. The frequency will depend on your unique trees, tree debris, and the tree’s proximity to the home. But don’t be fooled, maintenance WILL be required.
Our DIY Pick
As far as the DIY gutter systems go, the stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard is likely the lowest maintenance while still being reasonably affordable in most cases. It still requires removal and a thorough cleaning two to three times a year on average, but the inside of the gutters themselves don’t have to be cleaned, which is an advantage. When this product is regularly maintained, it works pretty well.
Want Professionally Installed?
Are you perhaps a little underwhelmed by the DIY options? If so, our top pick for a professionally installed gutter guard is a solid reverse curve gutter guard called the Advantage Gutter Guard®.
This is made of a heavy-gauge aluminum and attached to the gutter with heavy-gauge aluminum brackets which fortify the entire guttering system. They are a solid style gutter protection and protect by keeping all debris out – from large leaves to small pine needles and everything else.
Although there is no such thing as maintenance free gutter guards, Advantage Gutter Guard® is as close to maintenance-free as a gutter guard gets. Generally, the maintenance consists of just a quick rinse from the ground with a hose from time to time if you notice debris is collecting on the top of the gutter guard.
Since these are professionally installed, have a life-time transferable warranty, are made of sturdy, high-quality materials, and are a one-time solution, they do cost more upfront. The average home is around $4000.
See our articles on how Adavantage Gutter Guard® compares to Gutter Foam and Gutter Screens for more information.
Solid reverse curve gutter guards of any kind should never be installed by an untrained person.
They utilize physics to control water flow, and there is a definite knowledge, skill, and experience in knowing how to install them properly for each roof pitch.
Since the most reliable, maintenance free product is only professionally installed, even professional DIY-ers choose solid reverse curve gutter guards.
Are DIY Gutter Guards Worth It?
DIY or cheap gutter guards are fairly cheap to buy and can be a simple installation. These are definite pros on any pros-and-cons list. However, even the most effective DIY gutter guard will have downsides and still require maintenance. Many homeowners continue to have issues with clogged gutters and water flow after installing DIY Gutter Guards.
That doesn’t mean that all gutter guards aren’t worth it.
The decision you need to make is how much gutter maintenance you are happy with and how often you want to replace your system.
In our 25 years in the gutter and gutter guard industry, we recommend a professionally installed solid surface gutter guard like Advantage Gutter Guard®. Many homeowners have found it quickly pays for itself in money saved, time saved, ladder injuries prevented, and peace of mind.
In addition to resolving your gutter issues, it comes with a lifetime clog-free guarantee.
Advantage Gutter Guard® is provided by Gutter Cover KC® to local homeowners in the Kansas City Metro Area.
Gutter Cover 5 Star Reputation
Gutter Cover KC’s Additional Resources:
For more information on each type of debris, or issues you might be trying to find a solution for, please see our additional resources:
See the “Best Gutter Guards For Leaves” article for more information.
Here is the “Best Gutter Guards For Pine Needles” article for more details.
See the “Best Gutter Guards For Oak Tassels” article for more details.
See the “Best Gutter Guards For Heavy Rain” article for more information.
Here is the “Best Gutter Guards For Helicopters” article for more information.
See the “Best Gutter Guards For Snow and Ice” article for more information.
For more information about gutter guards and wasting money: Are Gutter Guards a Waste of Money?”
