Choosing the Right Gutter Guard: Good, Better, Best Options for Homeowners May 02, 2025

Choosing the Right Gutter Guard: Good, Better, Best Options for Illinois HomeownersAs a local gutter installation company, we often get asked the same question: "Do gutter guards really work?" The short answer is YES—but with some important details to understand. Not all gutter guards are created equal, and no gutter guard is truly 100% maintenance-free. However, choosing the right product can drastically reduce the time, money, and hassle spent maintaining your gutters.Here at Illinois Gutter Pros, we believe in offering straightforward, no-gimmick solutions that give our customers options based on their home, budget, and maintenance expectations. That's why we've partnered with some of the top names in the industry to offer a Good, Better, and Best gutter guard lineup.Good: FlexxPoint Gutter GuardsFlexxPoint offers excellent value for homeowners who want to prevent large leaves and debris from clogging up their gutters. These are aluminum guards with a simple design that can handle heavy rainfall and debris. They aren't flashy, but they're tough and long-lasting—exactly what many homeowners need at a fair price point.AffordableMade in the USA50-year warrantyMaintenance and Cleaning: FlexxPoint guards are fastened with screws and are semi-permanent. To clean the gutters underneath, the panels must be unscrewed and removed in sections. However, because they block large debris very well, cleaning is typically only needed every few years unless surrounded by heavy tree coverage. Surface debris like leaves can often be swept or blown off without removal.Better: LeafBlaster Pro by GutterGloveLeafBlaster Pro is a step up for those who want to block even smaller debris like pine needles and shingle grit. This stainless steel micro-mesh guard is incredibly durable and designed to handle all weather conditions while minimizing clogs.Blocks small debris effectivelyStainless steel constructionBacked by a trusted brand and contractor-friendly warrantyMaintenance and Cleaning: LeafBlaster Pro is installed using brackets and is more securely fastened. While it does not require frequent cleaning, very fine debris or pollen can settle on top. Cleaning is usually done from above using a blower or hose to wash off the surface. Removing the guards for cleaning the gutters themselves would require unscrewing, though this is rarely necessary unless neglect has occurred for several years.Best: Leaf Solution Xtreme Gutter GuardFor homeowners who want the ultimate peace of mind, we offer Leaf Solution—one of the most advanced gutter guard systems on the market. Featuring medical-grade stainless steel mesh and innovative design, it virtually eliminates the chances of clogging inside your gutters.Premium performance against all debris sizesIdeal for homes surrounded by treesInstalled by trained professionals onlyMaintenance and Cleaning: Leaf Solution Xtreme is a professionally installed, permanent-style guard that is very resistant to clogging. Like other micro-mesh systems, debris can settle on top and should be cleared using a blower or rinsed with water as needed (typically annually). Removing this system requires tools and professional assistance, but in most cases, removal is unnecessary unless severe blockage occurs.Are Gutter Guards Maintenance-Free?While gutter guards greatly reduce how often you need to clean your gutters, no system is completely maintenance-free. Small debris, pollen, and dust can still collect on top and should be periodically removed to ensure proper water flow. The great news? Most homeowners only need to check their guards once or twice a year instead of worrying about frequent cleanouts. Depending on the type of guard, surface cleaning may be as simple as using a blower or hose, while deep cleaning may require removal in rare cases.Ask About Our Seasonal Gutter Cleaning Subscriptions: To make maintenance even easier, Illinois Gutter Pros offers seasonal gutter cleaning subscriptions. By signing up, you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing your gutters and guards are kept in optimal condition year-round. Plus, customers who enroll in our cleaning program after a new guard installation are eligible for an extended craftsmanship warranty on their system!Want to Learn More or Get a Free Quote?We are proud to offer honest advice and the very best in gutter protection products. If you're interested in seeing which gutter guard is right for your home, contact Illinois Gutter Pros today. We're happy to provide a free consultation and help you choose the option that fits your budget and needs.Call or Text: 309-209-9500Email: info@illinoisgutterprosllc.comWebsite: illinoisgutterprosllc.comOr follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more of our recent installations and tips!Illinois Gutter Pros – Protecting Your Home, One Gutter at a Time