Gutter Brush Vs. Foam Insert

Importance of Gutters & Gutter Guards

• Gutters are essential to a home because they direct rainwater and melting snow away from the house, which protects your foundation, siding and landscaping. Homes without gutters can deal with numerous issues including rotting siding, eroded flower gardens and basement floods. Gutters are especially important in regions that receive between 15 and 20 inches of rain per year. Gutters must be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of leaves and other debris, but gutter guards mean you will have to clean your gutters less frequently, if at all, as they protect gutters from such buildup.

Gutter Brush

• Gutter brushes are cylindrical brushes placed in your gutters to prevent leaves from entering the gutter's water channel. The brush material is made of polypropylene material around a galvanized steel wire. Brushes fit all sizes and lengths of gutters due to the flexible nature of the material, and they do not require tools to install. They provide year-round protection against twigs, leaves and other debris, but do require occasional cleaning. To get rid of leaves and other debris, simply remove the guard from the gutter, and shake it. Wind and other elements often blow away leaves and debris on guards, so you will not have to clean brush guards regularly.

Foam Insert

• Foam guards are comprised of porous foam inserts that fill the gutter completely and allow water to pass through them but prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutter. They are chemically treated to prevent mold and mildew growth and have fire retardant properties. Foam guards are easy to install and only require the manufacturer's adhesive to attach them to the gutter. They offer year-round protection against leaves and debris.

Which is Better?

• While foam inserts do not require cleaning once installed, they are generally the more expensive of the two guards. Brushes require minimal cleaning and are easier to install than foam inserts, though inserts require very little work to install. Both provide about the same amount of protection of gutters; therefore, which one you use depends mainly on how much you are willing to spend. If you do not mind occasionally having to clean your guards, go with the brushes. If you would rather avoid having to climb up a ladder to clean your guards and money is no object, use the foam inserts.