When it comes to protecting your gutters, choosing the right solution can make all the difference. One product that has gained popularity as a DIY gutter protection option is gutter guard foam. It’s widely relied upon because of its simplicity—it’s lightweight, easy to cut to size, and effortless to insert into your gutters. At first glance, it seems like an ideal solution for homeowners looking to prevent clogged gutters. However, upon closer inspection, there are significant downsides to using foam gutter inserts, and many customers find themselves frustrated with its performance over time.
If you’re considering gutter foam as your gutter guard solution or currently using it, it’s worth exploring why it might not be the best choice for long-term gutter protection. Additionally, we’ll explain why GutterBrush, another DIY-friendly gutter guard insert, is a superior alternative.
Here's a link to another article about foam gutter guards
The Problem with Gutter Guard Foam
1. Clogging Due to Tiny Pores
Gutter guard foam works by creating a porous barrier inside your gutters. Rainwater can pass through the tiny pores in the foam, while larger debris like leaves, is meant to stay out. However, those small pores are the gutter foam’s Achilles’ heel. Over time, small debris like pine needles, seeds, pollen, and dirt collects in the foam, clogging the pores and making it difficult for water to flow through.
Once clogged, foam gutter inserts no longer function as intended. Instead of guiding water through the gutter and away from your home, they become a blockage themselves, causing water to overflow the gutter and potentially damage your home’s foundation or landscaping.
2. Its Difficult to Clean Gutter Foam
Cleaning clogged foam gutter inserts is no easy task. The foam is designed to sit down inside the gutter, which means debris accumulates directly on top. Due to the tight pores id the gutter guard foam inserts, cleaning the foam involves pulling it out of the gutter entirely; but even when you remove the gutter foam, it is still next to impossible to clean the debris out of the foam. The foam can be heavy and soggy with water, making the process unpleasant and time-consuming.
Many homeowners find that it’s easier to throw the foam away and buy new inserts rather than attempt to clean them. This repeated replacement adds up, turning what initially seemed like a cost-effective solution into an expensive ongoing expense.
3. Gutter Guard Foam has a Short Lifespan
Gutter guard foam is often not built to withstand the elements for long periods. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can cause foam inserts to curl and degrade and break down. In many cases, homeowners find themselves replacing foam inserts every few years, making it a less durable solution and a much more expensive product in the long run.
Here's more reading about gutter foam leaf guards
Why GutterBrush Is a Better Gutter Guard Insert
When it comes to gutter protection, you want a solution that works reliably, lasts for years, and requires minimal maintenance. This is where GutterBrush stands out as the superior option in the category of gutter guard inserts. Here’s why:
1. No Tiny Pores to Clog
Unlike gutter foam, GutterBrush does not rely on tiny pores to keep debris out. Instead, it consists of a bristle design that blocks larger debris while allowing rainwater to flow freely through the gutter. The open bristle construction prevents small debris from causing blockages, ensuring consistent performance even in heavy rain. GutterBrush accepts heavy rain water better than any other gutter guard.
2. GutterBrush Raised Bristle Profile so Gutter Debris can Blow Away.
One of the key advantages of GutterBrush is its raised bristle profile. Debris that falls onto the brush sits way up high on top of the bristles, rather than being trapped inside the gutter as with foam inserts. This elevated position is higher than the edges of the gutter and it allows leaves and other lightweight debris to dry out and blow away naturally with the wind, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
3. Gutter Insert that is Fast and Easy to Install
Like foam, GutterBrush is a simple DIY installation that requires no tools or professional expertise. Just slide the brush sections into your gutters, and you’re done! GutterBrush is also self-fitting, meaning it adjusts to fit most standard gutter sizes without the need for precise cutting or modifications. This makes installation faster and less frustrating than gutter foam.
4. Gutter Guard Durability That Lasts for Years
GutterBrush is built to last. Its high-quality materials, including UV-protected bristles and a sturdy galvanized central wire, ensure that it can withstand years of exposure to the elements. Unlike foam, GutterBrush won’t degrade or collapse under the weight of debris or weather conditions. Many customers report that their GutterBrush systems continue to perform reliably for over a decade, making it a far more cost-effective solution over time.
5. Proven Gutter Guard Performance Across All Climates
Whether you live in a region with heavy rainfall, frequent snow, or lots of trees, GutterBrush has been tested and proven to work in all kinds of climates. It’s particularly effective at handling small debris like pine needles and oak tassels, which are notorious for clogging other types of gutter guards. They have been making GutterBrush since 2004 so it is well tested.
See the GutterBrush home page here.
Click the below picture to see all GutterBrush sizes
Why GutterBrush Is the Smart Choice over Gutter Guard Foam
When you weigh the pros and cons of gutter guard foam versus GutterBrush, the choice becomes clear. Foam may seem like a quick and easy fix, but its tendency to clog, its short lifespan, and the hassle of cleaning make it a less reliable and more expensive option in the long term.
GutterBrush, on the other hand, combines simplicity with durability, offering homeowners a gutter guard insert that’s easy to install, low-maintenance, and built to last. With GutterBrush, you’ll save time, money, and frustration while ensuring your gutters stay clear and functional year-round. Add to it the fact that gutter debris blows off from the Gutterbrush raised profile better, because the foam sits down inside the gutter, and all of these reasons make GutterBrush a much better choice in the short run and the long run.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It
Here’s what some of our customers have to say:
- “GutterBrush was a breeze to install, and I haven’t had to worry about my gutters since. The leaves just blow right off!” – Susan R., Florida
- “We have a lot of pine trees, and GutterBrush is the only thing that’s worked to keep our gutters clear. I wish we’d switched sooner.” – Dave L., Colorado
- “I’ve tried foam inserts before, and they were a nightmare. GutterBrush is so much easier to clean, and I don’t have to replace it every couple of years.” – Mark H., Oregon
Contact Us Today
Ready to upgrade your gutter protection insert from foam to GutterBrush? Visit our website to learn more and order GutterBrush for your home. Have questions? We’re here to help! Call us at 888-397-9433 or email us at info@gutterbrush.com.
With GutterBrush, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your gutters are protected with a solution that’s simple, reliable, maintainable and built to last. Say goodbye to clogged gutters and the hassle of foam inserts—choose GutterBrush today!
By switching to GutterBrush, you’re investing in a proven product that delivers lasting performance and value. Don’t wait—protect your home and save yourself time and money with GutterBrush, the better gutter guard insert.