Best Rain Diverters To Protect Your Roof And Gutters
Publushed by:
JamesLast updated:
February 9, 2022
BEST OVERALL
Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh
Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
Color: Silver
Size: 47.5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches
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RUNNER UP
A-M Aluminum Gutter
Material: Aluminum
Color: Silver
Size: 47 x 5 x 0.5 inches
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BEST FOR BUDGET
Aluminum Perforated
Material: Aluminum
Color: Silver
Size: 20’’ long and 3’’ wide
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It’s the middle of the rainy season and the outside of your home gets flooded. Or, your gutters are always clogged and it’s causing problems for your roof and ceiling.
If these problems are what you’re experiencing, you need to invest in a rain diverter.
Is a rain diverter a gutter?
A rain diverter differs from a gutter because it is used to redirect the flow of rainwater so that it enhances how your gutter works. But, you can also use a rain diverter in areas of your home where you don’t have gutters installed.
If you’re not sure if you really need a rain diverter for your roof, you should read on to learn about the best rain diverters on the market.
We’ll explore their pros and cons, plus give you all the information you need to know about them so you can find out if a rain diverter will make your home maintenance easier.
Best Overall: Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh, Raptor Gutter Guard
Short summary
You’ll love how easy it is to install this mesh as you can fit it onto any five-inch wide gutter, but smaller gutters can also be compatible. This product comes with a 25-year warranty in case you’re not completely satisfied with it, which will put your mind at ease when purchasing it.
When ordering this product, you’ll get everything you need to assemble it, as the pack includes self-tapping and corrosion-resistant screws as well as a magnetic hex head driver.
Since it’s made of strong stainless steel, it’s strong and durable. It can tolerate a variety of environmental elements without bending, warping, or becoming rusty. It also contains aluminum that keeps the mesh securely in place and extends the lifespan of the rain diverter.
What’s great about the mesh design of this rain diverter is that it is 30 mesh, meaning that it has 900 holes per square inch. This design prevents blockages from debris while still ensuring water can be filtered properly.
Quick Facts
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Color: Silver
- Size: 47.5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches
Pros
- You can use this rain diverter on most types of gutters, so you don’t have to worry about buying an incompatible product.
- It makes use of V-bend technology that effectively filters water.
- The same technology gives the rain diverter a rigidness that makes it tolerate heavier debris without becoming damaged.
- It’s designed with a trough that directs the water so that it goes straight to the gutter instead of dripping over the sides.
- This metal roof rain diverter can be installed on a variety of roof styles, such as flat roofs.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this best rain diverter have said that it is difficult to install and remove.
- Others have reported that water sometimes runs off the mesh screen.
Runner Up: A-M Aluminum Gutter Guard
Short summary
This rain diverter is made of industrial aluminum that won’t rust or deteriorate over time. It’s been made specifically for hidden hangers but you can use it with others, including K-style hangars. From the ground, this product is almost invisible so it won’t be an eyesore on your beautiful home.
If you want to install these gutter guards yourself, you’ll be able to do so quickly, thanks to how they come with tabs that are easy to work with and produce a seamless finish so you won’t notice any joints.
Thanks to its bubble design, this gutter guard produces and encourages greater airflow from the top to the bottom. This works well to remove any debris so you don’t have to worry about your gutters becoming clogged during periods of heavy winds or rain.
The company states on their Amazon product page that the gutter guard will allow water to flow even when it’s been filled with debris. They also state that heavy rains won’t be an issue for this gutter guard as it contains 384 holes per foot to allow for adequate drainage.
Quick Facts
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Silver
- Size: 47 x 5 x 0.5 inches
Pros
- This gutter guard is resistant to snow, ice, and pests.
- It’s really easy to install and you can install it on new or existing gutters without a hassle.
- People who have purchased this gutter guard have said that it provides a seamless, professional appearance once assembled.
- If you have to cut the gutter guards for a better fit, you can do so easily.
- You can also buy these gutter guards in a variety of sizes to suit your roofing needs.
Cons
- In order to install this gutter guard, you need to purchase half-inch #8 zip screws which are not included with the product.
- Heavy rainfall can cause water to fall off the gutter guard, some people have reported.
- Some people have said that the screws in this pack are not made of the best quality.
Best for Budget: Aluminum Perforated Rainwater Diverter by Gutterglove
Short summary
For easy installation, these rainwater diverters have six sheet metal screws that come with them. This means you won’t have to worry about buying any installation hardware to install them.
The small-hole design in these rainwater diverters ensures that debris can be held back from the gutter, so you can avoid your gutters getting clogged. It also ensures that rainwater which gets into the gutter will move more freely.
These rain diverters are powerful enough to hold back debris without water getting blocked. They are made with small holes in their design to evenly distribute water into your gutter. They can be used on a variety of roofs, whether your roof is made of asphalt shingles, soft metal, or concrete tiles. This also makes it easy to clean away the debris when too much of it accumulates.
If you’re worried that installing a rain diverter will void your roof warranty, you don’t have to worry with these products because you can attach them to your roof with an exterior adhesive.
Quick Facts
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Silver
- Size: 20’’ long and 3’’ wide
Pros
- This rain diverter for roof is easy to install, so it’s user-friendly.
- If you have to cut these diverters to make them fit, you can do this easily.
- They have a slight bend in their design to encourage a slower water flow.
- These rain diverters are difficult to see from the ground because of their sleek low-profile design.
- People have said that the company has excellent customer service.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this rain diverter have reported that it’s a bit expensive.
- Others have said that they had to clean it regularly to keep it in good condition.
- It’s not clear if this will work well during a heavy downpour of rain.
Alternative: AMERIMAX HOME PRODUCTS 5402000060 Mill Aluminum Rain Diverter
Short summary
It’s made of rust-resistant aluminum so it can handle wet conditions without becoming damaged. Since this rain diverter is built with hemmed edges, this helps to increase its durability and strength.
It prevents water run-off, so you don’t have to worry about water causing puddles or floods around your home during a heavy storm.
You might not consider buying this rain diverter as compared to other products on the market because it looks pretty simple, such as by not containing any mesh, but it’s meant to be a straightforward product that you can use easily and without encountering any problems.
What’s great about this rain diverter is that you can install it above your doorway where you don’t have a gutter so that you don’t have to walk out into the rain ever again.
Quick Facts
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Silver
- Size: 60 x 7.37 x 4.75 inches
Pros
- This product comes with easy-to-follow instructions.
- These rain diverters can be used to redirect water around chimneys, as long as you can slide them underneath your roof shingles.
- People who own mobile homes have said that they have used this rain diverter with the use of brackets.
- It’s 60 inches long, but you can purchase more than one if you need more.
- If you’re new to roof DIY and you want to install a rain diverter, this one is great for beginners.
Cons
- Some people who purchased this rain diverter said that it was a bit bent when they received it.
- Others have said the product feels a bit flimsy.
- If you’re hoping for a rain diverter that isn’t noticeable, you might be disappointed with this one as it’s visible.
Alternative: Eagle 1 Rain Gutter Valley Splash Guards
Short summary
This rain diverter is designed to keep the water in your gutter and prevent it from overshooting its valley or inside corner. You’ll love that this rain diverter comes in a variety of colors, so you don’t have to be limited to using silver gutter guards.
There are 12 different colors from which you can choose so you’ll surely find one that works with your gutter.
In addition to the above, for increased user-friendliness, these rain diverters come pre-drilled so they’re ideal to purchase if you’re new to roofing DIY and you want a quick option to help you stop water from splashing around and causing problems in your home.
Quick Facts
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: black, dark bronze, cream, clay, almond, white, light bronze, light grey, musket brown, tuxedo gray, royal brown, wicker
- Size: 9.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches
Pros
- The splash guard can be bought in a bent L-shape that’s strong and sturdy.
- This gutter rain diverter is extremely easy to install, even if you don’t have experience.
- People who have purchased these rain diverters have said that the color matched their gutters perfectly.
- People who have bought this rain guard have reported that the company has excellent customer service.
- These rain diverters work well to prevent water from accumulating at the base of your home.
Cons
- Some people have said that the metal of these rain diverters is too thin.
- It’s not as affordable as other types of rain diverters that you can purchase on the market.
- Some people who have bought these rain diverters think that they’re a bit short.
Rain Diverters FAQ
If you’re sick and tired of dealing with accumulated water during the rainy season or clogged gutters, you need to purchase the best rain diverters for your home.
We’ve already shown you five of the best rain guards and diverters that are available on the market, featuring everything you need to know about them before purchasing them, but you might still have some questions. Let’s explore what you need to know about rain diverters.
What are rain diverters?
Rain diverters are strips of metal that divert rain water towards your gutters. They make your roof look better because they are more visually appealing than gutters, but they’re not just about looking good!
Rain diverters are usually installed below the roofing to redirect water so that you can control the flow of water and prevent puddles or clogged gutters from occurring. Many rain diverters on the market contain holes in them so that they can clear away debris that blocks gutters.
What’s great about rain diverters is that they can be used in different ways, depending on your requirements. For instance, you can install a rain diverter above your front door if you don’t have a porch so that you can stay dry when opening the door during heavy rainstorms.
This also prevents you from experiencing puddling around your front door. Similarly, you can install a rain diverter on areas of your roof where you don’t have gutters or you can’t install them.
Do rain diverters work?
Rain diverters do work to prevent water from flooding on your property and to prevent your gutters from becoming clogged. They ensure that the walls of your house are kept dry and they prevent your siding from being splashed with water.
That said, there are some potential drawbacks to know about. Rain diverters can sometimes be unsightly. This is why it’s essential to choose a rain diverter that matches the color of your gutter or that has a seamless design which makes it less noticeable from the ground. We’ve featured products that offer these features in our reviews of rain diverters.
If you live in a colder climate, the risk of a rain diverter is that it can be a foothold for ice dams so you will have to be careful with them and some extra maintenance will be required. Make sure you choose rain diverters that are designed to keep snow at bay. Some rain diverters are also labelled as being resistant to snow and ice, so make sure you check for those features if you live in a snow-prone region.
Are rain diverters safe?
While rain diverters are generally safe, how you install them is the most important thing to consider as this could potentially make them unsafe. These items can sometimes be a bit technical to install. Doing so incorrectly could cause you to damage your roof. You should install your rain diverter underneath the roof shingles or other roofing materials.
Something that could make your rain diverters unsafe is ice dams. If you’re dealing with ice dams, this means that the water which gets redirected ends up freezing. This can get in the way of your home’s drainage system. An ice dam can cause water to leak underneath the roof, so it can affect your walls and ceilings. It can also lead to the shingles and beams that are located underneath the roof to expand, causing more damage.
Therefore, you have to pay closer attention to your rain diverters if your region is prone to icy conditions.
How do I divert water from my roof without gutters?
If you don’t have gutters but you want to get rid of water run-off, you have various options. Here are some examples of the different types of gutter alternatives that will help you redirect water away from your roof so that it doesn’t cause you any problems.
- Rain chain. If you have grass in a specific area of your garden underneath your roof, you could install a rain chain made of aluminum or copper above it. When the rainwater reaches the chain, the water moves down the links of the chain and is directed into the ground where you want it to nourish the grass or soil.
- Grading. Grading involves draining water away from your home by making the ground slope so that the rainwater hits the ground but is directed away from your home’s foundation so that it can’t cause any damage to it. You can make grading look beautiful so it becomes a visually appealing element of your home.
- French drain. The benefit of using a French drain to direct water away from your home is that you can hide it underneath the ground so it’s not in the way. A trench has to be dug so that water will travel to an underground drain. Having this drain professionally installed is the best idea, because then you won’t have to worry much about maintenance.
- Drip edge. This is installed on the roof and it can be used as an alternative to gutters. How a drip edge works is that it’s a piece of metal that gets attached to the edge of your roof in an overhang. This directs water away from your foundation and supports your roof shingles as water won’t be able to reach them, unlike with conventional gutters.
- Rain diverter. One of the best ways to direct water away from gutters is by using rain diverters. These prevent gutter problems, but they can also be used in areas of the roof where you don’t have a gutter. They help to keep the water away from your walls and home foundations, while being unobtrusive. You also don’t need to hire someone to install this roof rain diverter as many products on the market are suitable for DIY.
Conclusion
Rain diverters are a valuable investment, protecting your roof and gutter from clogs and damage.
It’s not always easy to know what products are worth your time and money, so we’ve given you some of the best that you can conveniently order from Amazon. These products are user-friendly and easy to install, whether you have experience with roofing or you’re a complete beginner when it comes to DIY.
Say goodbye to leaky, dripping, or clogged gutters, and stop spending so much time on roof maintenance. The right rain diverter can help you do less to keep your roof in great condition, so it’s a must-have to own.
Reference Articles:
WINNER
Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh
Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
Color: Silver
Size: 47.5 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches
