WHICH GUTTER GUARD WORKS BEST FOR YOUR HOME?

Comparison of most common gutter guards on the market

Gutters seem like a small feature, but they actually play a large role in an Edina home’s structural integrity. If gutters become clogged from debris, water from storms may cause leaks inside the home, erode landscape, flood basements or cause expensive damage to the home's foundation. Stagnant water in gutters can be a breeding ground for insects or other pests.

Typically, in areas like Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and other fully developed locations (as opposed to new developments) with fully matured trees and bushes, gutter guards are essential. This kind of greenery consistently clogs gutters, which a homeowner has to clean on their own, or hire a company to clean the gutters at $200 to $400 a trip. And in the Minneapolis region, gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year. Homeowners can try to save money by cleaning gutters themselves, but most people hate the hassle of working their way around the roof on a ladder, and gutter cleaning can be dangerous for homes with more than a single story.

Other homeowners strive to prevent clogged gutters in the first place. Often, this is in the form of a gutter guard or screen that allows water into the gutter in order to be diverted away from the house, while keeping leaves, seeds and other organic material from clogging gutters and preventing proper flow. Different styles of gutter guards have their own pros or cons, but one of the overall better performing options is the micro-mesh gutter guard, which can be installed on new or existing gutters by a professional. The tiny holes in the surface of the gutter guard prevent anything but water from getting into the gutters. There are also upgraded micro-mesh styles: added heat coils can prevent ice dams; fascia mount guards can actually improve the strength of the entire gutter system; and gutter guards made of surgical stainless steel won't corrode.

Photos of Gutter Guard Types

Micro Mesh Gutter Guard perfect for established neighborhoods in Edina, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie.

Bullnose/Reverse Curve Gutter Guard—keeps out large organic debris

Slit/Hole Gutter Guard—Has difficulty handling large rainfalls.

Metal Screen Gutter Guard—Easily found at big box stores and sufficient for keeping out large debris.

Pipe Cleaner Gutter Guards—Does some blocking of debris and is very inexpensive and easy to install.