You may be looking into gutter covers and wondering which are the best rain gutter guards. While it’s common to think that all will do the job the same, that’s not the reality. If you look for top-rated gutter guards, you’ll consistently find Gutter Helmet® on the list. That’s because this product is designed differently. Let’s take a look at other kinds of gutter protection and why Gutter Helmet outperforms them all.
Brushes
There are many brands of “bottle brush”-style gutter guards. They are inexpensive and easy to install, so many homeowners looking for a DIY solution choose the brush style. When inserted inside the gutter, the bristles are supposed to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating. In reality, users find that leaves simply build up behind the projecting bristles or become stuck on the bristles themselves, defeating the purpose of installing gutter guards in the first place.
Foam
Foam gutter guards are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. You simply place the porous polyurethane directly into the gutter. While the foam allows water to flow slowly through the gutter, many users report it becomes brittle and begins to deteriorate after only two years of use. The foam also allows shingle granules to pass through and collect at the bottom of the gutter.
Perforated
Perforated metal guards are available from gutter guard installers and your local home improvement store. The installation is more involved than the brush or foam style as they install under shingles and cover the gutter. This type of cover is generally effective at keeping out leaves. However, a big downfall is that pine needles, pods and seeds often go right through the perforations. If leaves fall and accumulate on the perforation, you end up with the same effect as clogged gutters. You’ll ultimately have to clean your gutter covers, when the whole purpose behind your purchase was likely to not climb on a ladder or deal with overflowing gutters.
Mesh Screens
Super-fine mesh screens were created as a response to the problems with perforated metal covers. They managed to solve the problem of needles and small debris getting through, but failed to solved the problem of debris accumulating on top. Many homeowners also report that gutter screens do not handle water well, so that rainwater simply washes over the guards instead of flowing into the gutters, leading to damage to surrounding landscaping and concrete.
Reverse Curve
One of the best gutter guard designs is the reverse curve. Gutter Helmet has taken this solid design and improved upon it with a patented nose-forward design to improve performance and durability. Water flows around the edge of the nose and into the gutter. Because of surface tension, leaves and debris fall over the curved edge and to the ground. The opening in the Gutter Helmet system is only 3/8-inch wide, stopping birds, rodents and debris from entering the gutter system.
With the ability to handle 22 inches of rain per hour without overflowing, Gutter Helmet’s top-rated gutter guards stand apart from all other gutter guard systems – and our customers agree! Call (800) 824-3772 or learn more with a FREE, no-obligation Gutter Helmet quote.
