Plastic vs Metal Gutter Guards: What Should I Choose?

There are multiple types of gutter guards out there & it is important you choose the right material. When discussing the difference between plastic and metal gutter guards, the emphasis is on the frame or “body” of the system. This frame gives integrity as well as functionality to the gutter guard system.  Here is the difference between metal & plastic gutter guards.

A great gutter guard should only be installed once! So, when deciding whether it is better to have plastic vs. metal gutter guards, it’s important to think from a scientist’s perspective. To answer this, we need to understand what kind of effects these materials will encounter over time. Gutters are exposed to the elements 365 days a year, so it’s easy to see how some materials may not be suited for some climates. For example, plastic or vinyl gutter guards are not well suited for climates that get hot or have fluctuating temperatures.

Plastic and vinyl have a difficult time with heat as well as expanding and contracting. Having this type of material in these types of climates will lead to cracking warping and the eventual breakdown of the gutter guard. There are some benefits to choosing plastic or vinyl but only so that it may be a cheaper material cost. A metal frame gutter guard has its pros and cons as well.

What Exactly Is a Gutter Guard?

A gutter guard is a protective cover or screen installed over your home's gutters to keep debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, from clogging the system. It allows rainwater to flow through while preventing blockages that can cause overflows, water damage, and costly repairs. By minimizing the buildup of debris, gutter guards help to reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning and extend the lifespan of the entire gutter system.

Why Are Gutter Guards Important?

Gutter guards play a crucial role in protecting your home's foundation and roof. Here are some key benefits of installing gutter protection:

• Prevents Water Damage: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to damage to the roof, fascia, and even the foundation. Gutter guards help direct rainwater away from your home, protecting these critical areas.
• Reduces Maintenance: Regular gutter cleaning can be time-consuming and potentially hazardous. Gutter guards keep debris out, making maintenance less frequent and more manageable.
• Protects Against Pests: Open gutters can become a nesting site for birds, rodents, and insects. Gutter guards create a barrier that helps to deter pests from building nests.
• Extends Gutter Lifespan: By preventing clogs, gutter guards reduce strain on the gutter system, helping to prevent rust, corrosion, and other damage.

Types of Gutter Guards: Plastic Vs Metal

There are two main types of gutter guards for residential gutter installations: plastic and metal. Each type has unique characteristics suited for different homeowner needs.

Plastic Gutter Guards

While plastic gutter guards provide a basic level of protection and can seem like budget-friendly option, they may not offer the same durability and long-term performance as metal guards, making them more expensive in the long-run. Plastic guards are lightweight and effective at blocking larger debris like leaves and twigs, but they can become brittle over time, especially in extreme temperatures. They are more prone to warping, cracking, or deteriorating when exposed to harsh weather conditions.

For homeowners seeking a more robust solution, Four Seasons Gutter Filter’s metal gutter guards, made from galvanized steel or rust-proof aluminum, are a superior choice. Metal guards provide unmatched strength and resilience, standing up to heavy rainfall, snow, and other challenging elements without compromising on protection.

Limitations of Plastic Gutter Guards:

• May not withstand extreme temperatures or harsh weather as well as metal
• Prone to warping, cracking, or deterioration over time
• Less durable and shorter lifespan compared to metal options

While plastic gutter guards may seem to offer an economical starting point, opting for Four Seasons Gutter Filter's metal guards ensures a long-lasting and more reliable solution for protecting your home’s gutter system.

Metal Gutter Guards

Four Seasons Gutter Filter offers metal gutter guards in two high-quality materials: robust galvanized steel and lightweight, rust-proof aluminum. Both metal gutter replacement options are designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection. Galvanized steel gutter guards offer exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for areas with heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions. Aluminum gutter guards, on the other hand, are lightweight yet tough, resisting rust and corrosion over time. Their fine mesh or perforated design keeps out smaller debris while allowing rainwater to flow through efficiently, ensuring your gutters remain clog-free.

Benefits of Metal Gutter Guards

There are several key benefits to consider when it comes to choosing metal gutter guards such as:

• Available in durable galvanized steel and rust-proof aluminum
• Long-lasting protection against harsh weather and heavy rainfall
• Effective at filtering out even small debris
• Designed to maintain optimal water flow while preventing clogs

Four Seasons Gutter Filter ensures professional installation for maximum durability, giving homeowners peace of mind year after year.

Why Choose a Metal Gutter Guard?

Having the right materials match with gutters can be an important factor when deciding the type of metal gutter guards, you need. For example, a gutter that is may aluminum is best suited for a gutter guard with an aluminum frame. The combination of steel and aluminum will cause a reaction overtime that will lead to corrosion. To check for yourself what kind of materials your gutters are made of simply use a magnet. Once the right material is paired the benefits are numerous. Metal gutter guards are more resistant to heat and changing temperature, as well they have more strength allowing the gutter guard to absorb falling branches from trees. So, if you match the right type of metals with your gutters and gutter guard system you will see the best overall benefits.

So, plastic vs metal gutter guards? The winner is clear. Metal gutter guards will give you the most longevity when paired with the correct material. You may pay more on materials such as aluminum or copper, but the benefits outweigh any cost because you have only done the project once, not several times! Still, have questions about what type of gutter guard is best for you? Have our estimators show you what type of materials your gutters are made of and what type of gutter guard is best suited for your home!

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Gutter Guard Systems at Four Seasons Gutter Filter

The team at Four Seasons Gutter Filter can help you understand this process with our trained estimators that will guide you through the specifics of your home gutter system! Give us a call for a free estimate at (844) 345-8374. or fill out our online contact form.