Gutters help redirect water away from your home, which helps prevent water damage to the roof, siding, foundation, and soil. However, it's easy for debris to get trapped in the gutter, and if you fail to keep them clean, they can overflow, leading to major issues. Luckily, gutter guards exist to help prevent debris buildup in the gutters. If you would like to know more, check out these five types of gutter guards.

1. Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards are the least effective, but they are an affordable choice. They look like giant round bristled brushes that sit in your gutter. They are easy to install, making them a great choice if you don't want to hire someone.

They do tend to catch larger debris like leaves because the leaves get stuck on the bristles, but they often get clogged with smaller debris like pine needles. To clean them, you have to fully remove the brush.

2. Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards are another cheap choice, and they are also easy to install. This type of gutter guard uses pieces of foam that sit in the gutter to help. They are shaped like a triangle, so the top of the gutter is fully protected, but there is still a small path for the water to follow.

The water can easily soak through the foam barrier, but the pores are too small for debris, so you shouldn't get any clogs inside the gutter. However, debris can gather on top of the foam, and if too much debris gathers, it can prevent the foam from absorbing the water. In rare cases, seeds can sprout from the foam.

3. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

A reverse curve gutter guard fully seals your gutter except for a small opening under a curved lip. The curve allows the water to naturally flow upside down thanks to surface tension. This lets the water flow into the gutter while larger debris slides off and onto the ground.

These need professional installation, but that means you get professional quality, and they often come with a warranty. They can be an expensive option, especially if you need to get new gutters to support the new gutter guards. There is a risk of small pests getting inside the gutter.

4. Screen Guards

Screen guards have openings that allow the water to enter, but large debris is barred from entering. Some smaller bits may still get inside. Screen guards are easy to install, and they are affordable, especially since they can typically be installed on existing gutters.

Just like foam gutter guards, however, the debris can gather on top of the screen to block water from entering the gutter.

5. Micro-Mesh Guards

Micromesh guards use a mesh covering to protect your gutters from debris. This is one of the most effective options, and it's an affordable option, costing about $2 to $3.50 per linear foot. A revere curve gutter guard, however, costs closer to $3.58 to $6.69 per linear foot. However, you will also need to pay for installation.

These are great at letting water pass through while blocking debris, but some small bits may get stuck in the mesh material. Since they are professionally installed, they also typically come with a warranty, which can help you save more money in the future if something goes wrong.

Gutter guards are a great way to help reduce how much debris gets inside your gutters. Regardless of which you choose, you will still need to maintain the gutters and clean the guards, but with gutter guards, you'll have a lot less work to do. If you would like to know more, contact a provider, such as Gutter Shutter SE WI, in your area today.