Top 5 Types Of Gutter Guard

 In The UK

Gutter guards are an easy way to keep your home’s rain gutters clear from debris. They allow water to run-off smoothly, protecting your foundations and roof. Gutter guards come in many types, which vary in effectiveness and ease of installation. Here are the Top 5 gutter guards best suited for UK weather.

1. Screen Gutter Guards

A product image of a Screen gutter guard, disassembled with screws and pliers.
  • How it Works: A metal or plastic screen rests on top of the gutter, allowing water to pass through while blocking larger debris like leaves and twigs.
  • Effectiveness: Highly effective for most UK homes, especially those surrounded by deciduous trees.
  • Best/Worst Situations: Best in areas with heavy rainfall and abundant foliage. Not ideal for areas with heavy snowfall or pine needles.
  • DIY Installation: Moderately easy. Some screens require professional installation.
  • Cost: ££ (Moderately expensive)
  • Pros: Durable, long-lasting, low maintenance.
  • Cons: Can become clogged with smaller debris or seeds, requiring occasional cleaning.

2. Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

A long, rigid flat micro mesh gutter guard featuring a fine, tight mesh to protect a UK home's gutters from debris and allow the rain water to flow properly.
  • How it Works: A very fine stainless steel mesh filters out even the smallest debris, like shingle grit and pine needles.
  • Effectiveness: Extremely effective for most UK homes, including those with pine trees or in coastal areas with fine sand.
  • Best/Worst Situations: Excellent in areas with diverse debris types. Not as effective in areas with heavy snowfall.
  • DIY Installation: Can be tricky for some DIYers due to the need for precise fitting.
  • Cost: £££ (Most expensive)
  • Pros: Superior filtering, virtually maintenance-free.
  • Cons: Higher initial cost, may require professional installation.

3. Mesh Gutter Guards

A roll of plastic mesh gutter guard, in a product image. It is black and the background is white. In the corner are pegs for fastening the mesh over a rain gutter. Used by UK homeowners to protect their homes from water damage.
  • How it Works: Similar to screen guards, but with a finer mesh to filter out smaller debris.
  • Effectiveness: Very effective for most UK homes.
  • Best/Worst Situations: Good for areas with moderate debris levels. Not as effective as micro mesh for very fine debris.
  • DIY Installation: Relatively easy for most homeowners.
  • Cost: £ (Least expensive)
  • Pros: Affordable, good debris protection.
  • Cons: Not as effective as micro mesh, may require more frequent cleaning.

4. Brush Gutter Guards

A brush gutter guard product image, featuring gutter cutouts containing the black brushes on a white background.
  • How it Works: Bristles inside the gutter trap leaves and debris while allowing water to flow through.
  • Effectiveness: Moderately effective, best for larger debris.
  • Best/Worst Situations: Good for areas with light to moderate debris levels, not ideal for fine debris or heavy rainfall.
  • DIY Installation: Very easy.
  • Cost: £ (Least expensive)
  • Pros: Easy to install, affordable.
  • Cons: Requires more frequent cleaning, not as effective for smaller debris.

5. Foam Gutter Guards

Cross-section of a foam gutter guard inside a UK home gutter in a product image on a white background.
  • How it Works: Foam inserts block debris while allowing water to seep through.
  • Effectiveness: Least effective overall.
  • Best/Worst Situations: Suitable for temporary use or areas with minimal debris. Not ideal for long-term protection.
  • DIY Installation: Very easy.
  • Cost: £ (Least expensive)
  • Pros: Affordable, easy installation.
  • Cons: Degrades over time, less effective in heavy rain, requires frequent replacement.

Summary

In conclusion, the best gutter guard for you will depend on the following factors:


Debris Type: Assess the types of debris common in your area.

Rainfall: Consider the amount of rainfall you receive.

Budget: Determine your budget for gutter protection.

DIY Skills: Evaluate your comfort level with DIY projects.

Don't Forget!

A team of attractive young smiling female gutter cleaners at work, posing outside a lovely UK home.

While gutter guards are an excellent investment for protecting your home's gutter system, they are not a silver bullet. Regardless of the type of gutter guard you have, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.


We strongly recommend scheduling
professional gutter cleaning twice a year – once in the spring and once in the autumn. This ensures that any debris that has accumulated on top of or within the gutter guard is removed, preventing clogs and potential damage to your gutters.


By enlisting the help of professionals, you can
save yourself the time, hassle, and potential danger of climbing ladders to clean your gutters yourself. Our experienced team uses specialised tools and techniques to thoroughly clean your gutters and ensure they are functioning properly.


Don't wait for clogged gutters to cause costly damage to your home.

Contact us today for a free quote and let us take care of your gutter cleaning needs.

Call us 0127-400-3001
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