The Pros and Cons of Foam Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can be essential in keeping your gutters clean and clog-free. With so many gutter guard options on the market these days, it can be a real challenge to determine which solutions are worth the investment. One of the most popular and cost-effective options is the foam gutter guard, a porous foam guard that sits inside the gutter and filters leaves, sticks and other debris. 

While foam gutter guards may be an easy, inexpensive solution to a temporary problem, those looking for something long-lasting and durable may want to search elsewhere for better gutter guard solutions. Today, we’ll examine the pros and cons of foam gutter guards so that you can make the best decision for your home. 

Pros of Foam Gutter Guards

Those looking for an easy, quick solution may find exactly what they want in a foam gutter guard. When selecting these gutter guard products, two pros come immediately to mind: the easy installation process and the cost. 

Foam Gutter Guards Are Easy to Install

To install a foam gutter guard, simply cut a piece of foam to size and slip it into the gutter itself. As long as you have a ladder and a safe way to reach your gutters, the installation process is so easy, you’ll be done in no time at all. 

Foam Gutter Guards Are Inexpensive

Since foam gutter guards are manufactured out of simple foam, they’re inexpensive compared to other, more permanent solutions. You will also save on labor costs since the foam guards are far easier to install yourself. 

Cons of Foam Gutter Guards

While foam gutter guards may be a cheaper alternative to brush, micro-mesh guards, or advanced gutter filtering systems, the cons often outweigh the benefits. Foam gutter guards prove to be largely ineffective at filtering out debris, and they can often cause more problems by trapping water and attracting roof oil. 

If you’re looking for true solutions that can work for all seasons— including effective winter gutter guards—you’ll want to invest in something that will last. 

Foam Gutter Guards Are a Short-term Term Solution

There is a reason gutter guard foam is less expensive than other gutter guard products. If you decide to purchase one, you can expect it to last for 1 to 2 years due to unavoidable shrinkage or crumbling. By buying a new foam gutter guard every few years, you will actually end up spending more money. Be cautious of warranties that state that gutter guard foam lasts more than a few years, as this claim is almost always false.

Foam Gutter Guards Are Ineffective

Not only does gutter guard foam only last for a few years,  it is also ineffective. It is designed to allow the pores within the sponge-like material to let water pass through to your gutters and down your downspouts. However, a foam gutter guard collects water just like a sponge and often becomes trapped within the guard. When this occurs, foam gutter guards can support the growth of vegetation because of the dirt and seeds that may be trapped in the foam.

Foam Gutters Can Attract Roof Oil

You may be surprised to find out that a foam gutter guard can attract roof oil. Since it is made out of a petroleum-based product, other petroleum-based products will naturally cling to it. If you invest in a foam gutter guard, you should keep in mind that your roof oil will likely clutch onto it.

Foam Gutter Guards Are Difficult to Clean

If you have to clean your foam gutter guard, you will likely have a tough time. It can be difficult to remove small debris from each cell. When you purchase a gutter guard product, you should make sure you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of cleaning it in the first place.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Gutter Guards

At LeafFilter, we’re invested in providing solutions that will increase the life expectancy of your gutters and prevent unwanted issues such as roof or foundation damage and flooding. But we also understand that you have to consider various factors  before investing in solutions such as permanent gutter guards. While we’ve already touched on the pros and cons of foam gutter guards, let’s take a closer look at what LeafFilter gutter guards can do for your home – and the pinch points you’ll need to consider before making your investment. 

The benefits of gutter guards

Some of the biggest benefits of gutter guards include: 

• Clog prevention. Gutter guards help prevent debris, like fallen leaves, sticks, stray tennis balls and more, from getting into your gutters in the first place. This means clogs don’t even have the chance to form. 
• Less maintenance. When you don’t have debris entering your gutters, you won’t need to clean out the gutters as often. In fact, with state-of-the-art gutter systems like LeafFilter, you won’t have to clean out your gutters at all. 
• Longer gutter lifespan. Since gutter guards prevent stagnant water and rusting, your gutters are likely to last far longer, saving you money in the long run. 
• Less damage to the roof and foundation. If water isn’t allowed to sit or overflow, you’re less likely to have water seeping into your roof, walls, and foundation. 

The downsides of gutter guards

There are a few pain points when investing in gutter guards. Be aware that upon installing gutter guards, you may face:

• A high initial cost. Depending on the type of gutter guards you choose, your initial investment might be fairly large. However, you will ultimately save money on home maintenance while adding value to your home, so the upfront cost should be well worth it.
• Ice dams. If you’re in a cold climate with snowy winters, ice dams may form on the edge of your roof. Certain types of gutter guards, such as surface tension or reverse curve gutter guards, can exacerbate the issue, damaging your roof. Remember that micromesh guards help prevent clogs from forming inside your gutter, allowing melting snow to flow through and divert away from your home rather than pool up and freeze at the edge of your roof.
• Small debris accumulation. Depending on the type of gutter guards you choose, pine needles and shingle grit may still collect in your gutters. This is more common with larger screens and metal perforations. LeafFilter gutter guards work to block even the smallest debris—such as pollen—from entering your gutters.
• Large debris accumulation. Installing brush or foam gutter guards can cause large debris to accumulate inside your gutters, so you will need to frequently remove the gutter guards to clean out your gutters.

Foam gutter guards may be less expensive and easy to install, but they are often not the right product for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free, dependable product that works in virtually any weather condition. 

For a permanent solution to clogged gutters, consider LeafFilter gutter guards. Backed by a limited lifetime, transferable, no-clog, money-back warranty, every LeafFilter installation comes with free gutter cleaning and realignment.

Do your home a favor and request a free, no-obligation LeafFilter estimate today. Once our gutter guard system is installed, you’ll be thankful that you considered all your options and chose it over a foam gutter guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of foam gutter guards?

Foam gutter guards are easy to install, cost-effective, and can help block large debris like leaves and twigs. They reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning and fit most gutter sizes and shapes. Their affordability and versatility make them popular among homeowners, but they often collect water and do not last long. 

How long do foam gutter guards last?

Foam gutter guards can last between 1 to 3 years, with higher-quality options lasting up to 5 years. Their lifespan depends on the quality of the foam and environmental factors. Regular maintenance can help extend their durability. Other gutter guard solutions will last much longer. 

Which is better: a foam or mesh gutter guard?

Foam gutter guards are easy to install and affordable, suitable for blocking large debris. Mesh gutter guards are more durable, effective against smaller debris, and require less maintenance. For long-term use, mesh guards are often the better investment, while foam guards are a good short-term solution.