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Gutters divert rainwater away from your home, helping prevent foundation erosion, shingle rot and other costly damages. When taking in water, your gutters can collect leaves, twigs and other debris that can clog your system and prevent proper drainage.
Gutter guards, or leaf guards, help prevent debris from clogging your system and reduce the number of times you need to clean them out. Read on to learn more about gutter guards and their installation costs.
Using our jump link table of contents to find what you’re most interested in for this guide on gutter guard costs
Jump To:
- How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost?
- Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Gutter Guard Installation
- What Are Gutter Guards?
- Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards
- FAQ
How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost?
Most gutter guards are priced by the linear foot. Below is a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of each gutter guard as well as their installation costs.
| Gutter guard type | Gutter guard pricing | Installation cost* | Total cost to install** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-mesh | $2–$4 | $2.50–$3.75 | $900–$1,550 |
| Foam | $2–$3.25 | DIY | $400–$650 |
| Brush | $3–$4.25 | DIY | $600–$850 |
| Reverse-curve or gutter helmets | $3.50–$6.50 | $2.25–$12 | $1,150–$4,300 |
| Plastic screen | $0.40–$1 | DIY | $80–$200 |
*Cost per linear foot
**Based on 200 linear feet of gutters, which is the gutter length of the average home
While the cost of professional installation was included for gutter guards that typically require it, most systems can be installed on your own if you have the proper expertise. However, if you have minimal experience climbing your roof and maintaining your gutters, it’s best to leave gutter guard installation to the professionals.
To get the best price for your gutter guard system, request quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Gutter Guard Installation
The cost of gutter guard installation will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your location, the condition of your gutters and more. Below are some factors to consider before installing your gutter guards.
- Roof type: Much of the difficulty during gutter guard installation is tied to the shape, slope and size of your roof. For example, if your roof is steep or hard to access, your installation cost will reflect the added difficulty.
- Type of gutter guard: The gutter guard you select will impact the overall cost, with DIY foam guards being less expensive than reverse-curve or micro-mesh gutter guards.
- Obstacles: Many homes are surrounded by obstacles that drag out the installation process. For example, if your roof is surrounded by heavy foliage or large trees, it may take longer to install your gutter guard, increasing the cost of the system.
- Gutter condition: Many gutter guards can’t be installed if your system is damaged or corroded. As a result, your gutter guard company may have to repair or replace sections of your gutters, increasing the overall cost.
- Labor rates: The local labor rates will vary based on your location. For example, some jurisdictions require higher labor rates by law. As a result, the labor cost of your gutter guard system may be impacted based on your location.
- Climate: If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall or ice, you may need to purchase a heavy-duty gutter guard or a system with an included heating element. These special features will increase the overall cost of your system.
Additional Gutter Guard Resources
What Are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards, also known as gutter helmets or gutter screens, are devices that prevent debris from entering your gutters. There are a variety of gutter guards available, from DIY brush and foam gutter guards to professionally installed micro-mesh systems. No matter the style, every gutter guard is designed to reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters.
Some of the most popular gutter guards use micro-mesh screens that filter even the smallest debris, such as shingle grit. These systems usually consist of three parts and work to filter damaging debris while supporting your current gutter system.
Types of Gutter Guards
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-mesh | Highly effective and typically made of stainless steel for added durability | Expensive and typically installed underneath the bottom row of shingles, which can void your roof’s warranty |
| Foam | Affordable guard that wedges between the sides of your gutter to prevent large debris from entering | Can become saturated, growing mold and mildew |
| Brush | Very affordable and simple to install | Allows small debris to flow into gutters |
| Reverse-curve | Forces large debris to flow over gutters | Expensive and has a large profile that can be seen from ground level |
| Plastic screen | Affordable and easy to install | Can become dislodged in high winds |
Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards
Below are a few benefits of gutter guards:
- Cuts down on time and money spent cleaning and maintaining gutters
- Helps prevent birds, mice, mosquitoes and other pests from breeding inside your gutters
- Reduces the amount of standing water inside your gutters, minimizing the risk of ice dams and other winter hazards
- Prevents premature gutter corrosion caused by leaves, pine needles and other debris accumulations
- Improves the overall water flow within your gutters
- Reduces the risk of a fire by preventing falling embers from igniting accumulated debris
It’s important to note that while gutter guards limit the risk of blockages, no device will be 100% effective in preventing all debris from entering your gutters. Therefore, you’ll still need to clean your gutters from time to time, though the frequency will decrease.
FAQ: Gutter Guard Costs
What are the different types of gutter guards?
The five main types of gutter guards are screen, micro-mesh, brush, foam and reverse-curve gutter guards. Research each type before making a purchase to select the best gutter guard for your home.
What are gutter guards made of?
Gutter guards are made with a variety of materials and vary based on the type you purchase. The three most common materials used in gutter guards are aluminum, plastic and foam.
How often do I have to clean gutters with gutter guards?
Gutters with gutter guards need to be cleaned about once every two years. This is significantly less than traditional gutters, which need to be cleaned about twice per year.
What are the best gutter guard companies?
LeafFilter Gutter Protection is one of the best gutter guard companies, offering its three-piece system to 43 states across the country. Other top gutter guard companies include All American Gutter Protection and HomeCraft Gutter Protection, which both protect your gutters with an efficient micro-mesh screen.
What are some other gutter services?
Many gutter guard providers offer additional services, such as gutter cleanings, repairs and replacements. Contact your local gutter guard provider to ask about its related services.
Our Recommendations
Choosing the best gutter guard for your home can depend on your home’s size, gutter type, and your personal preference. While LeafFilter and HomeCraft are our top two picks for homeowners in their service areas, we recommend comparing a few quotes based on your specific home.
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
LeafFilter Gutter Protection has served more than 800,000 customers in 43 states across the country. The company installs an effective three-piece gutter guard system that filters pine needles, shingle grit, seed pods and other debris as small as 275 microns. Additionally, LeafFilter offers homeowners a lifetime warranty, giving them peace of mind that their investment is protected.
Read more: LeafFilter Review
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
Starting as a father-son business operating out of a small garage, HomeCraft Gutter Protection brings quality gutter protection services to homeowners across the South and Midwest. The provider installs a three-piece gutter guard system that uses a unique diamond micro-mesh to elevate debris for increased filtration.
Read more: HomeCraft Gutter Protection Review