5 DIY Gutter Guard Ideas (Mostly Under $100!)

They are far from being the most expensive thing on your house. But another $1,000 to $1,500 on average does add quite a burden on your budget. Usually when you need it the least!

Enter DIY gutter guard ideas as a relief. Even if you aren’t very handy, they will at least buy you some time until you can afford the real thing. After all, anyone who’s had to deal with a clogged gutter knows it’s no laughing matter. Rainwater spilling over due to sludge, clumps of soggy leaves turning into water damage? No thanks. The solution is far too simple to be overlooked.

Here are some clever, practical ideas to get your gutters sorted, complete with easy-to-follow steps and tips to make it work.

1. Plastic Mesh: Best All-Around Option

If you’re after something simple, this could be a solid start. Plastic mesh is lightweight, easy to work with, and keeps most debris out.

The best part? Unless your roof is very big, you’re looking at under $100 for the whole thing, complete with clips or hooks to fix it easily onto the gutters.

What You’ll Need:

• Plastic mesh (you can snag this at bargain prices online or at any hardware store)
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Zip ties or hooks (if not included in the package)
• A ladder
• Gloves (unless you like scratches)

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Start by measuring your gutters and cutting the mesh to size. You don’t need precision engineering here, just enough to cover the gutter.
2. Fit It Over the Gutter: Lay the mesh on top, tucking the edges under the lip of the gutter. Make sure to secure it with zip ties or hooks so they can hold during storms.
3. Double-Check: The mesh needs to be snag so it doesn’t fly off at the first gust of wind.

Note that plastic mesh tends to hold up well even after hefty Perth storms. Just keep in mind, if you’ve got trees nearby or live in a sandy area, you might need to check for finer debris every so often.

2. Aluminium Mesh: The Heavy-Duty Pick

For those wanting something sturdier, aluminium mesh is the way to go. It handles harsh weather better than plastic and lasts longer too.

What You’ll Need:

• Aluminium mesh (rolls or sheets work)
• Tin snips
• Screws or clips
• Drill or screwdriver

Steps:

1. Cut It to Size: Aluminium can be sharp, so take your time and wear gloves. Tin snips are your best friend here.
2. Lay It Over: Curve the mesh slightly and fit it under the roof edge and the gutter lip.
3. Secure It: Drill in screws or snap on clips to keep it from shifting.

Pro Tip: Aluminium’s a bit of an investment upfront, but it’ll save you from constant replacements. If you live somewhere where it’s constantly windy or prone to frequent thunderstorms, this is a top choice.

3. Foam Inserts: Just Set and Forget (Mostly)

Think of foam inserts as the lazy person’s option. They sit right inside your gutters, blocking leaves while letting water through. Surprisingly though, they aren’t the cheapest option and will often set you back more than, say, plastic mesh.

So if durability or dependability aren’t their selling points, what is? Ease of installing.

What You’ll Need:

• Foam gutter inserts (they usually come pre-cut for most gutter sizes)
• Gloves

Steps:

1. Clean the Gutter First: No point putting foam over gunk. Get it clean.
2. Slide Them In: Place the foam into the gutter so it fills the space snugly.
3. Test It: Pour water over the foam to make sure it’s draining properly.

Heads Up: Foam inserts are great for a quick fix, but they need occasional cleaning to prevent them from getting clogged themselves with fine debris. You might find yourself swearing by them but will still have to check them every few months.

4. Chicken Wire: Budget DIY for the Win

Got some leftover chicken wire from another project? Don’t let it collect dust. With a bit of effort, it makes a decent gutter guard.

What You’ll Need:

• Chicken wire
• Wire cutters
• Gloves
• Zip ties

Steps:

1. Cut and Shape: Snip the chicken wire into strips and bend it into a U-shape.
2. Secure It: Fit the wire into your gutters and attach it with zip ties.
3. Trim the Edges: You don’t want sharp bits sticking out to snag on things.

Reality Check: Chicken wire isn’t as durable as proper gutter guards, but it’s a clever short-term fix, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

If you don’t have chicken wire, many other scraps will do. For example, if you have some hardware cloth lying around, feel free to use that too! It will let finer debris through, but will block off leaves and twigs.

5. Plastic Bottles: Quirky and Eco-Friendly (If You Have Them Already)

Feeling crafty? Empty plastic bottles can double as gutter guards. It’s a fun way to upcycle and keep your gutters clear at the same time.

What You’ll Need:

• Plastic bottles
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Zip ties

Steps:

1. Cut the Bottles: Slice the bottles lengthwise to create curved strips.
2. Add Drainage Holes: Poke small holes to let water flow through.
3. Fit Them Over the Gutters: Position the bottles so they overlap slightly, then secure them with zip ties.

Is It Perfect? No, but it’s surprisingly effective for something that’s practically free. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when the neighbours pop by.

By the way, you can also use plastic bottles to make a down pipe with filter!

Tips for ANY Gutter Guard DIY

• Safety First: Ladders and gutters aren’t the best combo if you’re rushing. Take your time and have someone nearby.
• Test Before You Commit: Pour water through your DIY guard to make sure it’s working as planned.
• Clean Before You Start: A clean gutter makes the job easier and helps your guard perform better.
• Don’t Forget Maintenance: Even with guards, you’ll need to give your gutters a once-over now and then to clear out finer debris.

Final Thoughts

DIY gutter guards don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you go for trusty plastic mesh, durable aluminium, or something creative like chicken wire or recycled bottles, there’s a solution for every budget and skill level. The key is to choose a method that works for your home and climate—and to keep an eye on it every so often.

So grab your tools and get cracking. Your gutters (and your wallet) will thank you!