One of the many answers to gutter protection, needed to help keep gutters free of falling leaves and debris are gutter screens. Gutter screens fit on top of your gutters and are designed to let water through, while keeping things like leaves and pine needles out. Gutter screens come in a few different varieties, and have their own attributes and drawbacks as well.

Types of Gutter Screens

Most gutter screens are designed the same way; they are made of mesh and fit over the top of your gutter. Some are fastened to the edges of your gutters with clips, other have solid metal sides that can lock onto the top of your gutters without additional hardware.

Nearly all gutter screens are visible to some degree, simply because of the way that the cover not only the top of the gutter, but also its edges. Like other types of gutter guards, however, you can find a few different types of gutter screens to meet your needs.

High-Flow Screens

The biggest issue with gutter screens is their function. The smaller and finer the mesh, the harder it is for water to penetrate it. The larger the mesh, however, the more likely you are to get things trapped in it like pine needles. High-flow screens have some of the largest mesh around. They’ll keep water flowing right into your gutter no matter how heavy it becomes. They do a good job of keeping out larger debris, but if you live in an area filled with pine trees, they may not be your best bet. These screens can also be pretty pricy, running around $80 a piece.

Micro-Mesh Screens

For those that have problems with pine needles, there is an answer; the micro mesh screen. These screens have a mesh so small that nothing can become trapped in it, allowing the rain to simply wash the surface clean. Keep in mind that these work best in more moderate rainfall areas. Micro-mesh screens are fairly cheap, however, so if you’re considering any type of protection this can be a good place to start at less than $4 a piece.

Hybrid Cover Screens

The latest in gutter guard technology is the hybrid of a screen and a cover. This tent-shaped screen is made of mesh that is shaped to prevent leaves and debris from getting trapped on top, while allowing plenty of water to get through. Made of plastic, these hybrid screens are highly visible, and slightly decorative in nature. They run around $11 a piece and sizes do vary.

Protect Your Gutters with Gutter Screens

Gutter screens may not be the most attractive option for protecting your gutters, but they do work well on many homes. Because their price points and sizes vary so dramatically from one to another, you will need to do your homework carefully to ensure that you’re getting the right type of screen for your home.
Invest in gutter screens for your clogged gutters and help ensure that they stay running clear for years to come.