Keeping the gutters on your house clean is crucial, especially if large trees surround it.
Homeowners who like to be in charge of their property will likely choose to install the gutter guards independently.
With that in mind, let’s discuss one of the best DIY options on the market – the Raptor Gutter Guard.
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How Much Do Raptor Gutter Guards Cost?
When purchasing Raptor Gutter Guards, you can choose between three options.
If you go for the standard size of the Raptor Gutter Guard, 48 feet of this product will cost you $124.99 at the time of writing this article. The standard size will fit gutters that are five inches wide or smaller.
As for the super size, the cost is $149.99 for 48 feet of Raptor Gutter Guard. This gutter guard can easily be installed on any six- or seven-inch gutter.
If you are unsure which size to get, you might want to consider purchasing the Raptor Gutter Guard sample pack which includes a sample of both the Standard and the Super sizes. Sample Pieces are around 10″ long and do not cover a full section. The cost of a sample pack is $8.90 which comes out to $5.60 per square foot.
| Product Type | Cost per Box | Cost per Foot | Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor Gutter Guard Sample Pack | $8.90 | $5.60 | $0 |
| Raptor Gutter Guard Standard Size | $124.99 | $2.60 | $0 |
| Raptor Gutter Guard Super Size | $149.99 | $3.12 | $0 |
Both sizes of the Raptor Gutter Guard come with a magnetic hex head driver and self-tapping, corrosion-resistant screws.
Remember that you might need to purchase several boxes of Raptor Gutter Guard if your gutters extend beyond the 48 feet of guards provided per box.
Raptor Guard Features
The Raptor Gutter Guard is a widely popular product, thanks to its impressive features.
Quality Construction
Unlike many other gutter guard products, the Raptor Gutter Guard don’t feature plastic or PVC parts. Instead, this gutter guard is made from aluminum and stainless steel, which can withstand the elements for years without warping, cracking, or rusting.
These materials are also 100% recyclable, making the Raptor Gutter Guard a more environmentally friendly option.
The Raptor Gutter Guard’s mesh was manufactured using the company’s patented V-Bend technology, allowing improved water filtration and self-cleaning capabilities. This technology makes the mesh more rigid, allowing it to withstand larger chunks of debris without sagging.
Did you know? Raptor Gutter Guard are fire-resistant. They can limit the spreading of the flames for at least 30 minutes, giving homeowners a chance to prevent further damage.
Superb Filtration
The combination of type 304 stainless steel construction and the mesh size provides an ideal balance for water filtration and debris blocking.
Simply put, only water will be able to get through the Raptor Gutter Guard.
When it comes to debris, the Raptor Gutter Guard will keep out particles as tiny as roof grit.
Besides debris, the Raptor Gutter Guard protects the gutters against unwanted pests, such as mosquitos, bees, snakes, rodents, and birds.
Straightforward Installation
The Raptor Gutter Guard is designed for easy installation, regardless of the gutter and roof type.
The product ships with all the necessary installation hardware and a detailed manual, making the process manageable for any homeowner.
25-Year Warranty
As a testament to the manufacturer’s trust in the Raptor Gutter Guard, the company offers a 25-year warranty.
This is extremely rare for DIY gutter guards, which typically have no warranty at all.
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DIY vs Professional Installation of Raptor Gutter Guards
When purchasing a gutter guard, you have two installation methods at your disposal.
You can either choose to do it yourself, or have the guard professionally installed. Both methods have specific pros and cons.
The choice boils down to your skill set and budget.
The main advantage of DIY installation for Raptor Gutter Guards is the reduced installation cost.
Provided you have the necessary tools, you’ll only pay for the materials, not the labor.
Some important aspects of the DIY installation may deter you from this endeavor.
- Installing a DIY guard can be dangerous
- You risk damaging your roof or installing the guard incorrectly
- You might require assistance
When it comes to a professional installation, it’s typically a significantly more expensive option.
On top of that, the prices aren’t readily available, since most companies request a visit before quoting a price.
If the price isn’t an issue, you’ll probably opt for this method thanks to its many advantages.
- The company provides all the necessary tools
- This method is less time-consuming and more convenient for homeowners
- Professional companies typically have access to better types of gutter guards
How To Install Raptor Gutter Guards
One of the aspects the Raptor Gutter Guards are praised for is the ease of installation.
Thanks to the detailed instruction manual, nearly anyone can install Raptor Gutter Guards, regardless of their skill level.
The Raptor Gutter Guard also ships with all the necessary installation hardware. All you need to provide are installation tools.
Pre-Installation
You should take care of several things before starting the installation process.
Prepare Your Gutters
Before installing the Raptor Gutter Guards, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris.
Complete the necessary repairs if you spot any damage while cleaning.
Determine the Roof Slope and Pitch
The slope and pitch of your roof will determine if you need to bend the Raptor Gutter Guard mesh during installation.
If your roof is mildly to moderately pitched, you can install the Raptor Gutter Guards at the same slope.
In contrast, a steeply pitched roof requires bending the mesh to achieve the recommended installation slope.
Choose the Installation Method
Depending on your gutter-to-roof configuration, you can choose between several installation methods.
- Under-the-roof installation, which is the traditional method
- Below-the-roofline installation for scenarios where you can’t install the guard directly under the shingles
- Steep roof installation for roofs with a pitch greater than 7/12
Installation
After doing the prep work, it’s time to get down to business.
You should start the installation at the inside corner. If you don’t have one, you can start by the downspout.
Here’s how to install the Raptor Gutter Guards.
- Cut the guards into two sections.
- If necessary, bend the mesh up or down to achieve the recommended installation slope.
- Place the sections on the roof, overlapping their meshes.
- Fasten each section with three screws.
Pro Tip: Use a pair of longer-handled snips for cutting the mesh and a hacksaw for the aluminum rails.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s website for other customization options and a more detailed overview of each step.
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What Is The Best Gutter Guard System?
LeafFilter Gutter Protection is generally perceived as the best gutter guard system.
Thanks to its proprietary three-step installation, the guards will keep even the smallest debris and pests out of the gutters.
In addition, its guards age incredibly well and don’t warp over time.
Here are some features that make LeafFilter guards stand out.
- Made with 275-micron stainless steel mesh material
- Customizable sizes
- Rustproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Quick and efficient installation process
Raptor Gutter Guard vs LeafFilter
The installation method is the most significant difference between the Raptor Gutter Guard and its LeafFilter counterpart.
Namely, the former is intended for a DIY installation, while the latter requires hiring professionals.
Naturally, this also reflects on the cost of the product. With the Raptor Gutter Guard, you’ll only pay for the material, which comes in at around $2.60 to $3.10 per foot.
As for LeafFilter, the prices range from $17 and $45 per foot, and that includes the materials and the installation.
Pro Tip: LeafFilter will quote a price on a case-by-case basis. However, there’s some wiggle room on the cost, so try negotiating and lowering the initial price.
Another significant difference is in the construction materials. While both brands manufacture their guards with a stainless steel mesh, the frames differ in composition.
LeafFilter uses uPVC materials for the frame, making their guards less environmentally friendly than Raptor guards.
Moreover, LeafFilter offers a lifetime guarantee and generally boasts impressive durability.
The Raptor Gutter Guards are warranted for 25 years and are generally long-lasting.
Since both guards get the job done, the choice depends on your budget and preferences.
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Do I Have To Get New Gutters Too?
Most guards are designed to work with various gutter types. As a result, you should have no issues fitting the Raptor Gutter Guard in your existing gutters.
Did you know? If you need a new gutter, some companies offer this service in addition to gutter guards. This way, you can equip your home with a gutter and a gutter guard in under a day.
Do I Need To Clean My Gutter With Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards?
Homeowners typically install guards to avoid cleaning and maintaining their gutters frequently.
For the most part, the guards will do their job without any intervention from the homeowner. However, debris and pests may accumulate in your gutter guard as time goes by.
To keep the guard in working order and avoid taking over its job, you should clean it occasionally.
There are no rules on how frequently you should clean the gutter guard, since this depends on multiple factors.
Inspect your roof regularly to determine the necessary cleaning frequency for your guard. Generally speaking, it shouldn’t be more than twice a year.
Do Gutter Guards Work In Extreme Weather?
Gutter guards will perform well in extreme weather conditions, provided they’re free of debris.
For this reason, it’s essential to keep an eye on them and clean them as you see fit. Otherwise, heavy rain can bounce off the accumulated debris, directing the excess water to the house’s foundation.
Do Gutter Guards Go Under Shingles?
Most gutter guards slide under the first row of roof shingles. As a result, the guard installation won’t impact the entirety of your roof.
Should You Install DIY Gutter Guards?
You should only consider installing DIY gutter guards if you have the necessary tools and skills.
Improperly installing a gutter guard can do more harm than good.
Do Gutter Guards Actually Work?
Although there’s a lot of debate surrounding this question, the short answer would be yes.
Some guards might not keep all the debris out of your gutters, but they will significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning your gutters.
Furthermore, they’ll protect your property against the damage that clogged gutters and sitting water can cause.
Do Reverse Curve Gutter Guards Work?
Reverse curve guards are designed to move debris off the gutter and onto the ground.
Although they efficiently remove large debris, smaller pieces can flow into the gutter with the water. In time, this debris will build up and potentially cause a clog.
So, although these guards direct water into the gutter efficiently, they don’t offer the best protection against debris and pests.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Gutter Guards?
There are several disadvantages you should know of before deciding if you need gutter guards on your property.
- Some guards let smaller debris, like seeds and pine needles, slip through
- Unless heated, gutter guards can exaggerate roof ice and snow dam issues
- Gutters will still need occasional cleaning
- Gutter guards can dent, thus losing effectiveness
- The weight of the build-up in the guard can cause the gutters to sag
Raptor Gutter Guard Reviews
The online reviews for Raptor Gutter Guard are overwhelmingly positive. The users mostly praise this product for the following features.
- Well-thought-out instruction manual with included pictures
- Easy installation
- Sturdy construction
- Durability
- The availability of a sample size
Still, some users didn’t have the best experience with the Raptor Gutter Guard. By far, the most common complaint refers to somewhat poor performance in extreme weather conditions.
Are Raptor Gutter Guards Worth It?
All things considered, Raptor Gutter Guards are an excellent investment for homeowners who want to protect their property, cut down on regular gutter maintenance, and save time.
Although these guards can cause some issues in the long run, this can easily be avoided by inspecting the gutter and the guards from time to time.
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For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
