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Gutters are an essential part of your home. You might not give much thought to gutters—until they don’t work like they’re supposed to. Not all gutters are created equal, so doing the homework to determine the best gutter system for your home can save you headaches down the road.

In terms of materials, vinyl gutters are on the lower end of the price spectrum while more durable copper gutters cost more upfront. Within that spectrum, there are a number of options to explore as you decide on the best type of gutters for you. Featured PartnerAdvertisementTHIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.1 MyGutterGuardTask Type Gutter GuardsEstimation Fee None, Free EstimatesResponse Time Excellent1 MyGutterGuardGet Free Estimates On MyGutterGuards' Website

In addition to selecting a gutter material, you also have a choice of gutter shapes. The most common styles are half-round (least expensive) and K-style (mid-range). Most gutter materials are available to install with or without seams. Although seamless versions are more expensive, they are less prone to leaks and clogs. To further minimize the risk of clogging, a variety of gutter guards are available.

Cleaning gutters is not typically a homeowner’s favorite chore. Still, unfortunately, with the amount of leaves, dirt and debris that accumulates in your gutters throughout the year, it is a chore that needs to be done. However, you can make the process a little simpler with the help of gutter guards. Easy-to-install gutter guards cover your gutters to block leaves, dirt and debris from creating blockages in the gutter system and decrease future issues.

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To prevent clogging and minimize gutter maintenance, gutter guards are popular add-ons during installation. For homeowners with overhanging trees, gutter guards can turn monthly cleanings into biannual events by blocking leaves, branches and debris from getting stuck inside the gutters.

The gutter guard cost spectrum includes PVC covers on the low end and surface tension helmets on the upper end. Despite the initial expense, gutter guards can help homeowners save money and time in the long run.

Costing an average of $0.60 to $1.50 per linear foot, PVC covers are an economical way to block debris from your gutters. Possible to install on your own, the fit inside the gutter and snap over the top. Similar to PVC gutters, these covers are not known for their longevity: Depending on the environment PVC gutter covers generally last between three and six years.

Available in stainless steel or aluminum options, mesh screens filter leaves, twigs and other debris from gutters. They cost an average of $0.80 to $1.25 per linear foot, with stainless steel costing more than aluminum. Small debris will still get through, so you’ll still need to clean the gutters on occasion. The screens themselves can remain functional for up to 12 years.

Designed for DIY-ers, foam inserts offer a simple way to protect your gutters from large debris while still allowing water to filter through. To install, you simply cut and form the foam inserts inside the gutters. Costs range from $2.50 to $3.50 per linear foot and cleaning is necessary, but foam inserts remain a good option for gutters prone to catching lots of debris. Damaged segments can be easily replaced.

Made from solid pieces of metal that hang over the gutters, surface tension helmets are the gold standard for gutter guards. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties, which makes the initial cost of $3.50 to $6.50 per linear foot more tolerable.

Instead of directly shielding your gutters, brush-style gutter guards rest inside the gutter like a giant pipe cleaner and prevents debris from clogging your gutter system. They cost an average of $3.00 to $4.50 per linear foot and are composed of a thick metal wire core with polypropylene bristles extending from the center.

Easy to install and relatively inexpensive, vinyl gutters—otherwise known as PVC gutters—are a popular option around the country. At an average of of $900 for 100 feet of professionally installed seamless PVC gutters, these have shorter lifespans than metal alternatives. However, you’re still looking at more than 10 years of use in most environments—so not bad.

Offering a good balance of cost and durability, aluminum gutters are popular among homeowners for good reason. Running an average of $950 for 100 feet of installed seamed aluminum gutters or $1,400 for installed seamless gutters, either option may hold up for decades with minimal maintenance.

For long-lasting, low-maintenance gutters, galvanized steel is a good material to consider. With average material and installation costs in the $900 to $1,950 range around the country, the upfront cost is higher than vinyl or aluminum gutters. However, galvanized steel gutters are less likely to leak or dent. They can also hold up for more than 20 years.

You will likely pay off your mortgage before you need to replace zinc gutters. With a lifespan of up to 80 years, zinc gutters are both functional and stylish. That comes at a higher upfront cost, with the national average in the $2,000 to $5,000 range for professionally installed, seamless zinc gutters. This isn’t a DIY job, but it can be a great investment.

With an attractive aesthetic and an equally attractive lifespan, copper gutters are an upfront investment that can pay off in time. Nationally, the average cost to install copper gutters is between $2,800 and $3,600, which is more than 300 percent of the cost for vinyl gutters. To justify this price point, the biggest selling points are great durability, a nice patina and good tolerance for extreme weather conditions.

In addition to understanding which types and materials gutter guards are offered, there are a few more factors you should consider before making a final decision, such as pricing, visibility, style, installation and durability.

When selecting the best gutter guards for your home, you’ll undoubtedly want to consider how large your home is, how many feet of gutters guards you’ll need and what type/material of gutter guards you want. All these factors will affect how expensive or inexpensive it will be to install gutter guards.

With every different style of gutter guards come different visibility factors. For instance, since foam and brush gutter guards sit entirely in the gutter, they are not visible to see from the ground. However, micro-mesh and screen gutter guards are more visible from the ground. The trick is to find a guard that blends in with your home’s current aesthetic.

As aforementioned, it is essential to find the type of gutter guards that suits your home’s style, so they appear seamless from the ground. With various materials and types to choose from, it’s easy to find the gutter guard system that complements your home’s curb appeal.

As a homeowner, you have two options when installing gutter guards: either climbing a ladder and installing them yourself or looking to a professional for help.

Most DIY gutter guards are screen covers that slide on top of the gutter to block debris. Although you will still have to conduct regular maintenance from time to time, DIY gutter guards are relatively inexpensive and very easy to install.

However, climbing ladders to install gutter guards may not be ideal if you aren’t a big fan of heights. Also, you must consider the type of gutter guards you purchased. Some more-complex gutter guard types may require expert hands for the installation.

There are many factors to consider when selecting gutter guards, but durability is undoubtedly on the top of the checklist. Since gutter guards are meant to keep debris from landing in your gutters, they must be secure and long-lasting. When selecting your gutter guards, it’s essential to do your research to ensure they can withstand high winds and storms.

Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily.{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community!{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out. Are Your Gutters Damaged And In Need Of Replacement? Stop worrying about clogs, leaks and damages in your gutters and let MyGutterGuards find you the right gutters at the best prices! Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Get A Free Quote

Are Your Gutters Damaged And In Need Of Replacement?

Stop worrying about clogs, leaks and damages in your gutters and let MyGutterGuards find you the right gutters at the best prices!

On average, your gutters will need replacing every 20 years, depending on the gutter’s material and if the gutters are adequately maintained. Gutter guards are a significant first step in ensuring that you can reduce your gutter’s maintenance requirements and ultimately increase the longevity of the gutters.

When determining the best material for your rain gutters, it’s vital to consider the conditions of your home. For instance, your area and climate will ultimately determine which material works best to ensure your home’s visual appeal and long-lasting results.

Emily is a writer specializing in personal finance, real estate and parenting. By demystifying complicated topics ranging from mortgage products to baby stroller options, she hopes to give readers more confidence in their next steps. In addition to Forbes, she works as a copywriter for businesses of all sizes.

Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.