LeafFilter ranks as the top professionally installed gutter guard brand due to its superior debris protection, lifetime transferable warranty, and excellent water flow performance in testing. Professional gutter guards cost between $15.68 and $17 per linear foot according to the 2025 survey of 1,484 homeowners, while DIY options range from $1. , Gutter guards keep the whole system working at peak levels by preventing leaves and other debris from clogging the gutters and stopping rain water from flowing safely off the roof," said DiClerico , The best gutter guards have metal mesh screens to block leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Choose a gutter guard style designed to handle your home conditions. Think about the types of leaves and debris you get, your roof type, and the amount of rain you typically get., Gutter guards help prevent debris from crowding your gutters. Discover the benefits of gutter guards and learn what features to look for when shopping for new ones. What Are Gutter Guards? Your home’s gutters divert rainwater to downspouts and away from your house. But when falling leaves and debris clog the gutters, gutters can’t do their , Screen gutter guards have a metal mesh or vinyl screen that sits on top of the gutter, blocking debris like a horizontal screen door. Depending on the proprietary technology or patented design, screen gutter guards may be attached with rivets, screws or hangers, snapped onto the gutters, nestled under your shingles, or any combination of these , Using water tension, physics, and screening, gutter guards set in, or on, the gutters and the rainwater flows through the guard while the debris is flushed off the top, to fall to the ground. Cheaper versions use screening instead of water tension, which can cause drainage issues in heavy rains or intense snow melt..