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Installing gutter guards for metal roofs helps to stop the gutter system from clogging by preventing leaves, sticks, pine needles, and other debris from entering. A roof gutter guard can make this possible by covering the top of the gutter trough or sitting inside the gutter trough.
Investing in rain gutter guards is a good idea to help maintain the exterior of the home. Without gutter covers, excess debris can cause the metal roof gutters to clog, but it can also lead to ice dams, foundation problems, and damage to the gutter system. However, it’s important to select the right type of gutter guards for metal roof gutters, otherwise the installed product may not perform as expected.
A mesh gutter guard is one of the most effective types to consider due to the fine filtration of the micro-mesh screen, but other options, like brush, foam, or screen, may be suitable depending on the home. Check out this guide to the best gutter guards for metal roofs and learn more about leaf guards for gutters that protect the home.
BEST OVERALL: Raptor Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard
Product Specs
- Type: Mesh
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Size: 48 feet
What We Like
- High level of durability for long-lasting use
- Easy to remove for cleaning
- Flexible installation styles
- Fine micro-mesh screen catches most debris
What We Don’t Like
- Can be difficult to cut for custom sizing
- Does not have predrilled holes
This stainless steel gutter leaf guard has a fine micro-mesh screen that prevents leaves, sticks, pine needles, and even roof grit from entering gutters for metal roofs. The fine mesh screen is supported by durable aluminum edges that help maintain the rigidity of the material. Install the micro-mesh cover under the lowest row of roof shingle to ensure debris doesn’t slip past the gutter guard.
The outer edge of the guard can then be attached to the gutter using the provided screws for improved stability. Though, it’s important to note that the high durability of this product can work against the installer by making it difficult to cut the gutter guard to a custom size. Additionally, while the gutter guard system comes in easy-to-manage strips, it does not have predrilled holes.
The Raptor stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard performed well in a hands-on test, as noted below. While it was not tested on a metal roof, it operated effectively and was our favorite option among many other gutter guard systems.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, a Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in Best Gutter Guards that “Raptor’s V-Bend technology boosts filtering power and adds rigidity to the mesh, enabling it to withstand debris without sagging. The Raptor system proved itself to be a good option for DIY gutter guards, and we appreciated that it offers different installation methods, including installing directly across the gutter as well as under the roof shingles to accommodate different situations.”
Get the Raptor gutter guards for metal roofs at Amazon.
More Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs Worth Your Money
In addition to Raptor gutter guards, there are several other high-quality options to choose from that come in varying styles, sizes, materials, and prices, making it easy to protect your home by selecting one of the best gutter guards for metal roofs.
- Frost King Plastic Gutter Guard, available at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
- Amerimax Home Products Lock-In Gutter Guard, available at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
- GutterStuff 5-Inch K-Style Foam Gutter Guard, available at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
- GutterBrush Simple Gutter Guards, available at Amazon, The Home Depot, or GutterBrush.
How We Chose the Best Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs
We selected the best gutter guards for metal roofs from a broad pool of potential products by examining the key features and comparing relevant product details, resulting in the top options to protect a metal roof with gutters. Additionally, a hands-on product tester for Bob Vila installed the Raptor gutter guard system to assess the flexibility of the installation and the effectiveness of the product.
The durability, material, and type of gutter guard contributed to the selection of products, as different gutter guards perform with varying degrees of success depending on the roof. Similarly, the installation difficulty was also a key factor in the product selection. Given that the gutter guard cost for professional installation is comparable to professional gutter cleaning, it made sense to look for easy-to-use products that DIYers could learn how to install without costly professional help.
What to Consider When Choosing Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs
Before deciding between the best gutter guards for metal roofs, it’s recommended to learn more about these products to gain a better understanding of the relevant product features. Consider the type of rain gutters, the size, installation difficulty, and the appearance of the new gutter guard system to ensure the selected product is suitable, effective, and attractive.
Type
Finding the right type of gutter guard is essential for ensuring the protection of the gutter system, the roof, the siding, and even the foundation of the home. Take some time to learn more about brush, foam, screen, mesh, and reverse-curve gutter guards to make an informed decision about the best gutter guard for a metal roof.
Brush
One of the most easy-to-install options for a gutter guard system is a brush-style gutter guard, which can also be referred to as a gutter brush. The dense bristles on the gutter guard protrude out from a central bar, giving the gutter brush the appearance of an oversize pipe cleaner. Simply slide the brush-style gutter guard into the gutter to prevent leaves, sticks, and other large debris from entering, but keep in mind that this type of gutter guard doesn’t work well for small debris, like pine needles or roof grit.
Foam
Foam-style gutter guards are another type of gutter guard that is easy to install. Simply cut the foam to the appropriate length, then slide the triangular guard into the gutter with one flat side facing up to block off the gutter, one side facing the roof, and the third side sitting diagonally in the gutter to allow water to pass through undisturbed.
Screen
DIYers can get screen-style gutter guards that are both easy to install and affordable. The gutter guard funnels the water from the roof through small holes in the guard, allowing it to run down into the gutter trough. This type of gutter guard is not very effective at trapping pine needles, roof grit, and other small debris, but screen-style gutter guards still keep out most leaves and sticks while creating a barrier against birds or other pests.
Mesh
The best gutter guards for pine needles and most other types of debris are mesh-style gutter guards. This type of gutter guard is designed with a rigid frame and a fine mesh screen that allows water to freely pass through, while preventing all but the smallest debris from entering the gutter. Depending on the quality of the micro mesh, the gutter guard may even be able to trap debris as fine as shingle grit, dirt, and pollen.
Reverse-Curve
Reverse-curve gutter guards take advantage of the cohesion between water and the surface of the gutter guard. The water sticks to the gutter guard, following the outward curve that covers the top of the rain gutters to flow into the gutter trough, while any sticks, leaves, or other debris simply slides off the gutter guard and onto the ground. However, heavy rain may carry too much force to remain stuck to the surface of the gutter guard, causing the water to flow directly off the roof.
Size and Installation
Gutters guards for metal roofs are available in a variety of sizes, so before deciding on a specific product, it’s important to measure the gutter system. Generally, residential gutters will measure between 4 and 6 inches. DIYers can then use this measurement to select a gutter guard that comfortably fits the gutter system.
Similarly, DIYers will want to consider the possibility of completing a gutter guard installation on their own based on the size of the gutter system, the type of gutter guards, and their personal experience working at heights. Alternatively, homeowners can hire a gutter installation professional to complete this work. While the cost is higher, relying on the pros often results in a better-quality installation and may even come with a warranty so that if anything goes wrong, the homeowner can contact the installer for help.
Appearance
Some gutter guards are completely hidden from view when you’re looking up at the roof from the ground, but other types can protrude over the edge or may even be completely visible from the ground due to the size, color, and position. Homeowners that want to maintain the current exterior aesthetic will want to look for gutter guards that are not visible from the ground. Otherwise, consider selecting a gutter guard style and color that blend in or enhance the existing aesthetic.
Jack Golini, owner of Golini Roofing in Wakefield, Massachusetts, offers some advice for shoppers as well: “As someone who has worked in the roofing industry for over 35 years, I would recommend aluminum gutter guards for metal roofs. Aluminum guards won’t corrode like steel and match most metal roofs.” He recommends looking for guards with ¼-inch holes to filter out most debris. “Anti-clog coatings and solid warranties are must-haves,” he says.
FAQs
Adding gutter guards to your home can help prevent the gutters from clogging and reduce the risk of damage caused by sticks, leaves, or pests. However, before investing in new gutter guards, it’s a good idea to find out more about these innovative products. Take a look below to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gutter guards.
For some homeowners, the high cost of mesh or reverse-curve gutter guards makes them ask, “Are gutter guards worth it?” After all, similar results can be achieved with regular cleaning. Golini notes that “the downside is higher upfront cost, though long-term savings on repairs and cleaning help offset.” Additionally, the gutters will still need to be kept clean, and if the gutter guards are not installed properly, it can cause damage to the roof, fascia, and gutter system instead of helping to protect the home.
Even with gutter guards installed, some debris will slip past this defense, so DIYers will still want to clean the gutters every so often. Invest in one of the best gutter cleaners, then set a regular cleaning schedule to ensure the gutter system remains in good condition for years.
The exact terms of a roof warranty can vary depending on the provider, so it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions before installing a gutter guard. “My company installed aluminum gutter guards on metal roofs with no issues in over 10 years,” Golini says. “Proper installation and guards rated for your weather are key. For harsh weather, guards rated for heavy rain and debris provide peace of mind that gutters will work.”