Written by

Tom Grupa

April 5, 2023

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Cost to Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards cost $0.25 to $6.00 per foot for only the materials. If you purchase your own gutter covers, hiring a handyman to install them costs $1.85 to $3.75 per foot. When hiring a full-service gutter guard company to install complex leaf guards, expect to spend $7.50 to $12.00 per foot.

Most water problems stem from ineffective gutters and downspouts, which can cause damage to your home’s foundation. Gutter guards keep falling debris and leaves out of your gutters and reduce your need to clean them out by up to 66%.

Low-cost DIY covers cost $1 to $3 per foot, but higher-end gutter guards are the most effective and come with professional installation.

Gutter Guard Costs Per Foot

Gutter guards cost $0.25 to $6.00 per foot depending on the type of material. Mesh, micro-mesh, foam, solid, reverse curve, or brush are the most common. The effectiveness varies by style, and typically the more expensive covers are the most effective.

To calculate the linear feet of your gutters, measure the perimeter of your roofline.

The best gutter guards keep out roof debris, handle any amount of rainfall, don't damage the roof during installation, and are an excellent long-term investment.

Plastic PVC Screen Gutter Guards

Plastic PVC screens or vinyl grids are the cheapest at $0.25 to $1.50 per foot, but are also the lowest quality.

These flexible plastic guards lay above the gutters or are tucked under the drip edge without any fasteners. The screens come in widths of 5” to 7” and lengths ranging from 15’ to 30' but can be cut to any size.

• Best for – Both needles and leaves

• Durability – May need replacement after 3 to 6 years, depending on climate

Full Surface Tension Covers & Gutter Helmets

Full surface tension covers and gutter helmets cost $3.30 and $6.00 per foot. These guards are made from a solid piece of metal that covers the entire gutter, with an outside edge that curves down into the gutter. Water flows down the curve through surface tension and gets drained away, whereas most debris will glide right over the edge.

Small debris and seeds will slowly accumulate within the gap between the helmet and the front lip of the gutter, which requires occasional gutter cleaning. Heavy rain can skip right over the helmet and fall straight to the ground, causing damage.

• Best for – Roofs with a mild or moderate slope; must be installed in a similar angle as the roof

• Durability – Lasts 10 to 20 years, with some top brands offering a lifetime warranty

Perforated Aluminum Covers

Perforated aluminum gutter covers cost $0.50 to $1.25 per foot and come in 4’ to 8’ pieces. The perforations allow pros to easily install fasteners to the fascia.

Aluminum guards provide the best value, last 10 to 20 years, are fairly priced, and come highly recommend from professional installers.

• Best for – Works in all climates and debris types

• Durability – Last between 10 and 20 years. Some companies offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Steel Screens

Steel screens for gutter protection cost $1.50 to $3.00 per foot and are more durable than PVC or aluminum. The screens come in 5” to 7” widths with pre-cut pieces 4’ to 10’ long.

• Best for – Works with various roof types: steel, slate, wood, tile, or shingles. Also works with old, brittle shingles.

• Durability – Last 5 to 10 years before rusting on average. If powder-coated, expect an additional 5 to 10 years of longevity. Some high-end brands offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Metal Mesh Screens

Metal mesh gutter guards cost $1.50 to $3.00 per foot and come in stainless steel or aluminum. Similar to helmets, metal mesh screens keep out most debris but have trouble with small seeds slipping through and heavy rainfall skipping over the mesh.

• Best for – Works with various types of roof: steel, slate, wood, tile, or shingles. Also works with old, brittle shingles.

• Durability – Last 5 to 10 years, depending on if the metal is powder-coated.

Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

Micro-screen covers cost $2 to $3 per linear foot and are one of the most effective guards against debris. These screens are made from a metal frame that is covered by a fine wire mesh then powder-coated for protection. Some brands require professional installation.

• Best for – Houses sitting under pine trees. Warmer climates. Works with various roof types: steel, slate, wood, tile, or shingles. Also works with old, brittle shingles.

• Durability – Will last 5 to 10 years, depending on the material. Tend to become damaged/dented over time.

Foam Inserts Gutter Guards

Foam inserts gutter guards cost $2 to $6 per foot. These foam wedges are typically made from polyurethane and are 5” wide and 8’ long. The foam allows water to filter through while preventing debris and leaves from entering the gutter system.

• Best for – Mild to moderate climates.

• Durability – Lasts 2 to 5 years in sunny and wet climates and up to 10 years in temperate climates. Some brands include a limited 20- to 25-year warranty.

Gutter Brushes Cost

Gutter brushes cost $3.70 to $5.75 per foot. The brushes are built from twisted wire or a steel rod with bristles designed to block debris while allowing water to pass. Gutter brushes must be removed and cleaned periodically, and professional installers do not recommended them.

• Best for – Mild to moderate climates.

• Durability – Designed to last 5 years with proper care

Best Gutter Guards By Brand

The best gutter guards are Leaf Filter, LeafGuard, and Gutter Helmet—they are the most expensive but also the most effective.

The best leaf guards for gutter protection depend on your roof, location, climate, and the amount of debris, rainfall, snow, and freezing temps that occur.

Leaf Filter Cost

Leaf Filter gutter guards cost $17 to $43 per foot for materials and installation. Leaf Filter gutter protection costs $2,650 to $6,300 for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters, including professional installation.

• Leaf Filter has a surgical-grade steel mesh of 275μ over a uPVC frame that is scientifically designed to keep everything but water out of your gutters.

• Leaf Filter guards are not installed under the roof shingle but have a built-in 11-degree pitch to help debris fall off.

• The vinyl expands and contracts in hot and cool weather, so it may warp over time even if screwed in place.

• Leaf Filter guards can only be installed by a professional.

LeafGuard Cost

LeafGuard gutters cost $11 to $37 per foot on average for materials and installation. A Beldon LeafGuard gutter system for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $2,150 to $7,400 for professional installation.

• Beldon LeafGuard is a one-piece gutter system that's 20% thicker than the industry standard.

• Leaf Guard is designed to hold large amounts of water and boasts complete elimination of debris.

• The system is available in different shades of white, tan, gray, and red.

Gutter Helmet Cost

Gutter Helmet costs $16.50 to $18.50 per foot for materials and installation. A Gutter Helmet system for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $2,475 to $3,700 for professional installation.

Gutter Helmet has a triple lifetime warranty on their products, including a no-clog performance warranty. With its nose-forward design and ribbed surface, it’s good at handling large amounts of water and snow.

Valor Gutter Guard Pricing

Valor gutter guards are made of stainless steel micro-mesh crimped to a galvanized steel frame. Water goes through the mesh and then through louvered steel into the gutters.

• Valor guards capture all the water flowing into the gutter due to the elevated S bend in the mesh, which forces the water to slow down and change direction.

• They also prevent debris from entering them and are pitched to the angle of the roof.

Pricing is available from Valor upon request.

Rhino Gutter Guard Cost Per Foot

Rhino gutter guards cost $14 to $21 per foot for materials and installation. A Rhino gutter system for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $2,100 to $4,200 for professional installation.

• Rhino makes surgical stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards that can handle 60 gallons per minute of water volume.

• Rhino also sells miters that can catch increased water streams from various spots on the roof and distribute the water more evenly into the gutter system.

• Rhino guards don’t go under the shingle, but they can only be installed by trained professionals.

• Their guard works best with shallow-sloped roofs and carries a 20-year no-clog warranty.

Leaf Relief Cost

Leaf Relief installation costs $4.75 to $6.75 per foot, including materials. A Leaf Relief system for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $700 to $1,350 for professional installation.

• Leaf Relief guards are made from heavy-duty aluminum or copper and are attached to the gutter only.

• The guard is flat and perforated and can drain 29.7” of rainfall per hour.

• Leaf Relief guards have a vinyl flap that is treated to resist UV light and extreme weather.

• Leaf Relief comes in four models—adjustable, classic, half-round, and zip.

Mastershield Gutter Guard Cost

Mastershield gutter guards cost $19 to $21 per foot for materials and installation. A Mastershield gutter system for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters costs $2,850 to $3,350 for professional installation.

• Mastershield gutter guards are made from a stainless steel micro-mesh interwoven with copper wire to keep out all debris larger than 50μ. Under the mesh is steel with multiple touchpoints to draw in the water. The wire keeps oils and organisms off the gutters and guards.

• The MasterShield system must be installed professionally and at the right angle to achieve what is promised. This often requires lowering the existing gutters to accommodate the installation.

• The cost can increase to $28 per linear foot for houses with extreme roof slopes or multiple stories.

K-Guard Gutter Cost

K-Guard has been called the most attractive gutter system available. The gutter and cover integrate to form a seamless, all-in-one system that is screwed to the fascia board and rafter tails. The system can handle 22 inches of rain per hour and withstand virtually any weather condition.

K-Guard will give price estimates on request.

Gutterglove Cost Per Foot

Gutterglove costs $3 to $8 per foot for materials and installation. Homeowners choosing the Gutterglove Pro report spending $2,000 to $3,600 on having it installed professionally.

• The Gutterglove micro screen is tough enough to be used by the Navy and popular with rain harvesters due to its UL certification.

• Gutterglove is made with an anodized steel frame and comes in four categories: Pro, Ultra, LeafBlaster, and LeafBlaster PRO.

Raindrop Gutter Guards Cost

Raindrop gutter guards cost $4.85 to $6.85 per linear foot installed or $750 to $1,250 on average for a home with 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters.

• Raindrop gutter guards are made from a polypropylene blend combined with UV stabilizers. This blend stands up to the fiercest storms and very hot and cold climates.

• Raindrop has a system of guards, end caps, miters, wide mouth outlets, downspout clean-outs, heat cables, and rain barrels available.

EasyOn Gutter Guard Prices

EasyOn gutter guards cost $3.99 to $6.91 per linear foot installed. EasyOn is a stainless steel filtration system using micro-mesh made by Gutterglove. The system filters out leaves, pine needles, and even sand.

EasyOn works with any roof type, installs 30% faster than other brands, and can be taped or screwed on to any gutter.

Other Top Leaf Guard Gutters & Costs

Bulldog Gutter Guards

Bulldog gutter guards are made from 98% recycled .019-guage aluminum with a ribbed design rather than flat to encourage debris to lift off. They can handle 14” of rain an hour.

• Bulldog's unique front and back attachment makes the entire gutter system stronger. Screens are screwed to the gutters and fascia board.

• Bulldog guards are available in white and dark bronze and can be installed on 5”, 6”, or 7” gutters.

Gutter Shutter Cost

Gutter Shutter is a complete gutter system, not just a gutter guard. The .032-grade aluminum has a perforated hood to let rain through. It is seamless and clog-free, with a high-back gutter trough, and it’s guaranteed never to pull away from the house after installation.

Gutter Topper Cost

Gutter Topper offers several different kinds of gutter guard. Professionally installed Gutter Topper systems cost $23 per linear foot.

• Gutter Topper: Covered – a surface tension system for houses under deciduous trees

• The Leaf Terminator: Perforated – for houses under deciduous trees

• The Solution: Mesh – for houses under deciduous trees and in harsh weather conditions

• Needle Guard: Mesh – for houses under coniferous trees

• Versatile Solution: Covered – has an optional heat cable available

• Top Guard: Covered – keeps leaves out of gutters, diverts rainwater, and has an optional heat cable

Leafless Gutters Cost

Leafless gutter guards cost $3.30 to $6.22 per linear foot installed. They are made from corrugated aluminum and are good for a DIY project.

Waterloov Gutter Guards Cost

Waterloov costs $17.08 to $20 per linear foot installed. They have two rows of louvers running along the front length of the gutter guard that allow all rainwater into the gutter.

ShurFlo Gutter Guard Costs

Shurflo gutter guard costs $1.24 to $4.16 per linear foot installed. The Shurflo Gutter Guard is made of perforated aluminum and has a patented angle that prevents leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters. It does not go under the shingles and can be installed on 5” or 6” gutters.

Gutter Pro

Gutter Pro costs $6 to $9 per linear foot installed and is a helmet style guard that channels rainwater into the gutter. It boasts a patented strong bracket system, making it one of the most dependable gutter guard systems available.

Leafx Gutter Guards Cost

Leafx gutter covers cost $13 to $16 per linear foot installed. Leafx is a gutter protection system made from .024-guage aluminum that comes in many colors and doesn’t require drilling into the fascia or roof. It has a nose-forward cover with ridges that force the water to sheet rather than stream.

LeaFree Gutter Guards Cost

LeafFree gutter guards cost $10 to $13 per linear foot installed and can handle in excess of 14” of rainfall per hour, with their design specialized for high rainfall areas of the country. Panels screw into the lip of the gutter, not the fascia or roof. Guards are made of .024-guage aluminum. They have a nose-forward design with a preset opening and come in 15 colors.

Gutter Cap Cost

Gutter Cap's guard system uses a water surface tension technology to direct rainwater into the gutter, while leaves and other debris fall off the roof without entering the gutter. Installed as a shingle extension, the guards have a nose-forward design with a preset opening.

Gutter Cap gives prices estimates on request.

Leafproof Gutters Cost

Leafproof costs $4 to $7 per linear foot installed. This is a .024-guage aluminum gutter cap that uses surface tension to direct the rainwater. It’s installed under the first row of shingles and has an S-bend, nose-forward, hard-cover design, channeling water into the gutter opening.

Xtreme Gutter Guards

Xtreme gutter guards cost $14.58 to $17.50 per linear foot installed. These guards feature an embossed micro-mesh over expanded aluminum which turns gutters into a closed unit. They don’t sag or separate.

Cost Factors To Install Gutter Covers

Labor Costs

The labor cost to install gutter covers is $1.85 to $3.75 per foot. An average-sized home uses 150 feet of gutter guards, which takes a professional about 3 hours to install and costs $450 in labor.

A professional will most likely have a connection with a particular rain gutter manufacturer and will be trained in the best installation methods for their products.

Gutter Materials: Aluminum vs. Steel

Aluminum and galvanized steel are the most common gutter guard materials. Aluminum is the choice for most contractors due to the price and durability.

Aluminum vs. Steel Gutter Guards

Snap-On vs. Screw-On Gutter Guards

• Snap-on gutter guards are easy to install and remove.

• Screw-on gutter guards last longer but are harder and more expensive to install. Debris can get caught on the screw heads.

Home Height & Accessibility

Installing gutter guards on a multi-story home costs $1.00 to $1.50 per linear foot more for each additional story and requires an experienced professional. Consider only adding gutter guards to the second story and above.

Gutter guards can be installed on any building, including homes, barns, garages, and outbuildings. Costs increase if the building is difficult to access.

Roof Configuration & Type

The installation of gutter guards will cost more for a home with a steeply pitched roof or multiple rooflines with 90-degree bends. Flat or shallow roofs are safer to work on, and the cost to install gutter guards isn’t as high.

Location & Climate

Homes in colder climates need gutters and screens that can withstand the weight of snow and ice build-up, affecting the final cost.

Installation costs are typically higher in urban with a higher cost of living.

Gutter Protection System Accessories

Heated Gutter Guards Cost

Heated gutter guards cost $10 to $15 per foot installed and feature a heating cable the prevents snow and ice dams from forming. Heat tape costs $77 per 100 feet and is a waterproof cord you lay inside the gutter and plug in. Choose self-regulating cables

Downspout Screens

Screens can keep your downspouts free of leaves and debris that might otherwise collect and clog the drain. The screen sits in the downspout with no need for fasteners.

Downspout screens costs about $5 each and are usually made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or copper. Plastic screens or filters are also sold at the same price.

Instead of screens, increasing the width of the downspouts may allow smaller debris not caught by the guards to flow out.

Downspout Extensions

Downspout extensions cost $8 to $15 per linear foot and are easy to install yourself. The extension directs the water from gutters away from the home's foundation.

The extensions are solid or flexible, usually made of vinyl, and can direct the water to dry places like a garden. One type even rolls itself back up once the water rush is over.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning costs $75 to $350, depending on the home size and number of stories. Gutters without screens need cleaning at least twice a year during the spring and fall seasons. Gutter covers save you money because the gutters need cleaning less often.  

Keeping gutters clear of debris prevents them from clogging or overflowing and helps them maintain their durability.

Cost of Seamless Gutters with Leaf Guard

Leafguard and Kguard, make a single integrated gutter and guard system. The gutter is all one piece with just a small opening for water that keeps out leaves and debris.

Seamless gutters with Leaf Guard built-in cost $30 to $60 per foot installed. They are more attractive on your home since they are one piece and one color.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Gutter guards are worth it for homes under constant attack from leaves and debris where gutters need to be cleaned twice a year. Gutter covers drastically cut down on the number of times you need to clean and typically pay for themselves after five years.

However, gutter guards come with an upfront cost of $570 to $1,530, compared to the annual $150 to $500+ gutter cleaning cost.

Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards

There are many advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Pros

• Having guards makes it easier to clean your gutters.

• No birds’ nests or other animals can make homes in your gutters.

• Guards can be added to most existing gutters.

• There’s no need to clean gutters frequently.

• They keep water from building up in the gutter and becoming stagnant—a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• They can help the gutters to last longer since debris sitting in gutters can cause rust or erosion.

• Heated gutter guards keep snow and ice from building up—ice and snowbanks create a heavy load and could damage the gutters.

Cons

• Some gutter guards, such as foam, can cause mold or mildew problems by preventing moisture from escaping.

• Some gutter guards may cause the gutter to sag and weaken due to the additional weight.

• Gutter guards do not block 100% of the debris that falls on a house.

• The gutter will still need to be cleaned, just not nearly as often.

• There is not always a good return on investment (ROI). There's no guarantee that adding gutter guards will add value to your home.

• Installation can be expensive.

• Tree seeds can get caught in the gutter and sprout trees.

What Are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards cover the top of the gutter, preventing debris from entering. Guards prevent clogs that could create water damage, ice buildup, and mosquito infestations in your gutters. The guards make sure the water runoff from the roof flows freely and drains properly.

Do Gutter Guards Really Work?

Gutter guards are effective to a certain point—they will prevent most of the larger debris from collecting in your gutters, but they will not keep them pristinely clean. The type and brand play a significant role in their effectiveness.

Small debris—like pine needles, petals, buds, and floating dust—can slip in through mesh guards. However, the small pieces will take longer to accumulate, and the gutters will not need cleaning as often.

DIY Gutter Guards

Installing your own gutter guards takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the type. Some gutter guards must be installed by trained and certified professionals, and manufacturers won’t sell them to you directly.

How to Install Gutter Guards

Many YouTube videos teach you how to install gutter guards, depending on the guard type. Snap-on, one-size-fits-all gutter guard are the easiest type to install DIY. They require no tools besides cutting. Some gutter guards, such as foam or brushes, simply lie inside the gutter and just need to be cut to size.

Some gutter guards fit over the top of the gutters and are attached by screws, nails, or rivets. Another type is held in place by the roof's shingles and fastened at the front edge of the gutter.

Before purchasing our gutter guards, make sure the type fits your home's gutter width.

Main Tools Needed

• Box cutters, utility knife, or tin snips

• Screwdriver or power drill

• Miter box

• Self-tapping sheet metal screws

Guard Type

Snap-On Guards:

1. Slide guard between the shingle and underlay on the roof. You might need to loosen the space with a putty knife. If you crack a shingle, fix it with roofing putty.

2. Clip the other side of the guard onto the outer edge of the gutter.

3. Overlap the sections by ½”.

4. Add miter joints to corners.

Screw-Fastened Guards:

1. Install brackets according to instruction with screws and some caulk around the heads to keep it waterproof.

2. Slide guard under shingle layer and above underlay, if required.

3. Attach the other side of the guard to the brackets or gutter lip with screws, and caulk screw heads.

4. Add miter joints to corners.

Free Gutter Guard Estimates

When installing gutter guards, always get at least three free gutter installation estimates from referrals or websites like HomeGuide and Google. Hiring a gutter installer is like hiring any other home improvement contractor to work in your home. Make sure they have the following:

• Insurance: General liability insurance.

• Guarantee: Look for a guarantee on their work and materials.

• Reviews/Ratings: Look for good ratings/reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Brand: If a pro recommends using a specific brand, look up the brand's reviews before proceeding.

• Upfront Costs: A verbal and written proposal for how much the job will cost.

• Quality Materials: Make sure the are not using leftovers from their last job.

• Experience: Look for at least five years’ of experience installing your type of gutter guard.