How to Buy The Best Roof and Gutter Accessories

Why Do I Need Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards help keep your gutters from clogging with leaves and other debris, preventing water damage to the exterior of your home and sparing you from frequent, tedious gutter cleaning.

How much does it cost to have gutter guards installed?

It typically costs between $7.50 and $30 per foot to have a professional install gutter protection, depending on the type of gutter guard you pick. But many gutter guards can be installed without the assistance of a professional - all it will run you is the cost of the guards themselves.

Can I install gutter guards myself?

Yes. Some gutter guards, like reverse-curve gutter guards, can be harder to install than others. But there are many options that are easy to DIY. Shop tools at Sam's Club to get what you need.

Where can I buy gutter guards on a budget?

Sam's Club sells a wide variety of gutter protection options at members-only prices.

What Different Types of Roof and Gutter Accessories Are There?

Mesh gutter guards

Mesh gutter guards are made of a micro-mesh that's placed over your gutters. The tiny holes allow rainwater to enter the gutters while keeping leaves and other debris out. Mesh gutter guards should require only occasional cleaning. The downside of these guards is that the mesh can be damaged by branches and other large debris. However, the risk is reduced if you buy stainless steel mesh gutter guards.

Bottle brush gutter guards

These gutter guards sit in the bottom of the gutter. They have bristles that stick upward, keeping leaves and other large debris out of the gutter. They are fairly easy to install, but also can be prone to clogging easily.

Screen gutter guards

Screen gutter guards operate similarly to micro-mesh gutter guards, but with larger holes. As with the mesh guards, the screens go over the top of your gutters, keeping leaves and other large debris out. But because screen gutter guards' holes are larger, smaller debris like pine needles can still get into the gutters. A DIY installation for these guards is relatively easy.

Foam gutter guards

Foam gutter guards almost completely fill the gutter, except for a little room at the bottom. This allows water to flow through the gutters while keeping out almost all debris - it can't get through the foam. However, windblown seeds and other plant matter can eventually take root in the foam, causing clogs. Mildew is another potential issue with these guards. And because they reduce water flow, they can be more challenging to fix in the event they do clog.

Reverse curve gutter guards

Reverse curve gutter guards, also known as surface tension gutter guards, block off all but a small portion of the top of the gutter. When water flows over the surface, surface tension pulls the water through a small crack and into the gutter. Most leaves and other debris can't get in.

However, these gutter guards have to be installed at a very specific angle with your roof in order to work properly, making them trickier to DIY. It can also be a good idea to install larger downspouts with reverse curve gutter guards, as they will be less likely to clog from what little debris does get into your gutter.

What to Consider When Buying Roof and Gutter Accessories

Are all gutter guards weatherproof?

Most gutter guards can handle stormy weather conditions, but some can handle more severe weather for longer periods of time, and stand up better to stress. For example, stainless steel reverse curve gutter guards will stand up to inclement weather longer than plastic screen gutter guards - though that protection comes at a higher cost.

No matter what kind of gutter protection you choose, it is likely that you will have to replace your gutter guards at some point, as particularly inclement weather can damage them.

What are the best materials for gutter guards to be made of?

Aluminum or stainless steel gutter guards will generally hold up longer and under a wider range of weather than plastic gutter guards. And unlike foam gutter guards, aluminum and stainless steel gutter guards are also not in danger of mildewing or having plants grow inside them.

Do all gutter guards have the same ease of installation?

The ease of installation of gutter guards varies widely depending on the type. Some, like bottle-brush or plastic-screen gutter guards, can be installed easily by a non-professional. Others, like reverse-curve gutter guards, require a high level of expertise to install correctly.

How easy is it to clean gutter guards?

Ease of cleaning is dependent on the kind of guard you purchase. Some can be easily removed by a non-professional, allowing you to get in there with a gutter cleaning brush or other gardening tools to do it yourself. Other gutter guards are harder to remove and clean, and should be handled by a professional gutter cleaner.

What kind of warranty will most gutter guards come with?

Most gutter guards come with a lifetime guarantee.

What Brands of Roof and Gutter Accessories Does Sam's Club Sell?

• Gutterglove
• GutterFill Pro DC

FAQ - Roof & Gutter Accessories

Do any gutter guards really work?

Most gutter guards keep debris out fairly well - to the point that some manufacturers will guarantee that your gutters will never clog. However, no gutter guard manufacturer can 100% promise that you'll never have to clean your gutters or downspouts ever again.

How much does it cost to have gutters cleaned?

Depending on the size of your house, a professional gutter cleaning will cost between $75 and $250. Make sure the technician cleans your downspouts, in addition to the gutters.

What happens if you don't clean your gutters?

If you don't clean your gutters, they'll be in danger of clogging, which can lead to water damage to the exterior of your home.

What is the best gutter guard for leaves?

Micro-mesh, screen, reverse curve and foam gutter guards are all excellent at keeping leaves out of your gutters.

How much rain can a gutter handle?

Most residential gutters are 5-inch "K style" gutters or 6-inch half-round gutters, and they can handle a "normal" amount of rainfall. If you want to know exactly how big your gutters should be, the professionals at This Old House have a detailed guide on how to calculate the correct size, based on your local climate.

How to install my gutter guards?

How you install guards on your rain gutters depends on the kind of guard you purchase. Some will come with simple instructions on how to DIY, while others will require expertise or the assistance of a professional installer to be placed correctly.

What kind of debris will get stuck in my gutters?

In addition to leaves and pine needles, dirt, pollen and branches are the most common kinds of debris that can get stuck in your gutters. Gutters with foam gutter guards can also be prone to sprouting plants from windblown seeds, which may clog your gutters.