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Compare 8 Best Gutter Guards (Top 2024 Brands Reviewed & Ranked)
By Kristina Zagame /
How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost? (2024)
In this guide on gutter guard installation cost, you’ll learn:
- What is the average cost of gutter guards?
- How do factors like home height, contractors, and weather affect the pricing?
- How costs vary depending on the type of gutter guard
- Our recommendations for gutter guard installations
This guide has helped many homeowners learn more about gutter guard installation and estimate the price of their gutter guard home project. Enter your zip code below to receive a personalized quote on gutter guard installers near you.
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
What to Know About Gutter Guard Installation Costs
The EcoWatch reviews team is all about finding solutions for the eco-conscious homeowner. If your problem is clogged gutters, you may be looking for the best gutter guards. Gutter guards — also called leaf guards — help keep plant debris, pests and rodents out of your gutters and can help reduce the amount of gutter cleaning and maintenance you have to do.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you want to know how much gutter guard installation costs. Gutter guard costs can vary greatly depending on your needs, location, material and method of installation. In this review, we’ll break down installation and material costs to help you better estimate how much you’ll spend on a gutter guard system.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Gutter Guards?
Professional gutter guard installers base their prices mainly on the quality of the gutter guard you choose, how many feet of gutter guard you need and the difficulty of the installation. Based on the average home, which requires about 200 linear feet of gutter guard material, here are the average costs we’ve determined for gutter guard installations:
- National Average Cost: $1,000
- Typical Range: $900–$2,000
- Low End: $80
- High End: $6,000
Obviously, high-end professional installations with more sophisticated materials like surface tension guards are going to cost much more than a DIY installation with cheaper material. Still, we know those are drastically different cost estimates, so below we’ve included a breakdown of what the typical cost of gutter guard installation looks like based on the different types of guard material you can choose.
| Material | Gutter Guard Cost per Linear Foot | Gutter Guard Cost for 200 Linear Feet | Professional Gutter Guard Installation Cost per Linear Foot | Estimated Total Cost |
| Micro Mesh | $2–$4 | $400–$800 | $2.50–$3.75 | $900–$1,500 |
| Surface Tension (Gutter Helmets) | $3.50–$6.50 | $700–$1,900 | $2.25–$12.00 | $1,150–$4,300 |
| Steel Screen | $1.50–$3.50 | $300–$700 | $2.50–$3.75 | $800–$1,450 |
| Plastic Screen | $0.40–$1 | $80–$200 | DIY | $80–$200 |
| Brush | $3–$4.25 | $600–$850 | DIY | $600–$850 |
| Foam | $2–$3.25 | $400–$650 | DIY | $400–$650 |
Information based on national pricing data and average home of 2,300 square feet
Note that while plastic, brush and foam gutter guards are the most common DIY options, you can DIY most other types of gutter guards to save on installation costs.
LeafFilter
Dedicated to Sustainability
Save 12% plus $250 off on gutter guards for your home. Seniors and Military save an additional 10%.
Average cost
Pros
- Made from sustainable materials
- Materials are recyclable
- Positive customer reviews
- Has green initiatives
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Not DIY-friendly
HomeCraft
Most Versatile Design
New customers save 30%.
Average cost
Pros
- Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow
Cons
- No stated commitment to bettering the environment
- Some negative online reviews
- Limited availability
All American
Most Customizable
Average cost
Pros
- Materials are recyclable
- Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
- Lots of color and design options
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Not DIY-friendly
- No stated commitment to bettering the environment
- Limited availability
Factors That Affect the Cost of Gutter Guard Installation
Professional gutter guard installation companies typically have specific factors to consider when determining prices:
Cost Factor: Gutter Guard Type
The quality of gutter guard materials has improved tremendously over the years, moving away from cheap plastics to more durable types of guards. High-quality gutter guard material will increase the price of your installation but is likely to last you much longer. Here’s an overview of the different types of gutter guards:
-
- Foam gutter guard: These have a flat top that debris will land on and are made of porous foam that water can flow through. Foam guards are a low-cost, easy DIY option, but they can deteriorate quickly and are not recyclable, making them a poor choice for an eco-conscious homeowner.
- Brush gutter guard: These resemble large pipe cleaners. Long bristles capture debris while allowing water to flow through. The downside is that debris tends to get stuck in the bristles, requiring you to clean them far more often than other types of gutter guards. They can also let small debris through.
- Screen gutter guard: These have large holes that allow for great water flow while keeping leaves and other large debris out. However, small pieces of debris like pine needles are often able to slip through, so screen gutter guards are best for homes that don’t deal with a lot of debris but get a ton of rain.
- Reverse curve/surface tension gutter guard: These allow water and debris to flow off roof shingles and over the top of a gutter. The debris falls off naturally, and gravity guides the water over a lip and down to the gutter. They’re very effective at keeping gutters clear but require a much more extensive, expensive installation.
- Mesh or micro mesh gutter guard: These are similar to screen guards but have much smaller holes and are typically made of stainless steel. They prevent almost all debris from entering your gutters, and the inserts may be installed by professionals or be purchased on their own for DIY installation.
Cost Factor: Home Height or Difficulty of Installation
If your roof type has many angles and valleys that make for a difficult installation or is really high, you can expect to pay a higher price for your gutter guards. Not only will these obstacles require more time and precision from your contractor, but they also increase the risk the contractor takes to complete the installation.
Cost Factor: Local Labor Rates
The cost of a gutter guard installation will vary depending on your location. Higher-income areas are also areas where labor rates are higher, so your labor cost will be adjusted accordingly. If you live in a neighborhood with higher-than-average home values, you should expect a higher-than-average quote for your gutter covers.
Cost Factor: Contractor Availability
Contractor availability is an important factor when choosing a gutter guard company for your home, and it will affect the cost. How busy is the gutter installation company? Does it have the resources readily available to complete your installation, or will it have to pay contractors overtime? Is the type of gutter guard you want easily available, or is it in high demand? These things will affect the price.
Cost Factor: Weather and Climate
Lastly, the weather and climate in your city can affect the price of installation and may dictate which type of gutter guards are best for your home. For instance, if you live in a snowy or icy climate, you may want to consider a gutter guard company that offers heating elements to prevent clogging from ice dams and icicles.
Other Gutter Guard Cost Factors to Consider
Along with the items mentioned above, there are a few other ways you can influence the cost of your gutter guard installation. Two main considerations are, first, whether you’re able to do the installation yourself or need a professional and, second, the type of materials you choose.
DIY Gutter Guard Installation Vs. Hiring a Professional
As with any home improvement project, some homeowners consider DIY options to save money on labor and material costs. There are pros and cons to installing your own gutter guards. Take a look at some of these considerations before deciding to install your own gutter guards.
- Safety: You don’t need to be a professional handyman to install gutter guards, but at the very least you’ll need to be comfortable standing on a ladder while using both of your hands to pop in your gutter guards. To avoid cuts and other minor injuries when cutting or placing guards, consider wearing work gloves.
- Cost: You can save quite a bit of money choosing a DIY gutter guard installation because you’re not paying for labor. However, we recommend first getting a quote from a professional contractor so you can weigh up exactly how much money you’ll save and whether it’s worth it to DIY.
- Product availability: Professional gutter guard installation companies can often get discounts on higher-quality materials. Also, many of the higher-quality gutter guards — mesh, micro mesh and especially surface tension — tend to be more difficult to install.
- Measurements: With a DIY installation, you’ll have to figure out how much material to buy. This can be difficult to measure on some homes, so you run the risk of under- or over-ordering product, leading to headaches and wasted money. You may also need special tools to properly cut and retrofit your gutter guards, which could increase your total cost, and you might not use these tools again.
- Longevity: You can choose a cheap gutter guard to save a few hundred bucks, but they’re likely not going to last you very long. Investing in a high-quality gutter guard material, like steel or aluminum, will save you money and effort in the long run.
A final thing to consider is the warranty. Some gutter guard manufacturers offer warranties on DIY products, but these typically only protect against rust or corrosion. If you decide to DIY your gutter guards and don’t install them properly or break them during the installation process, you’re going to be out that money. And if you cause any damage to your roof in the process, chances are low your roof warranty will cover the mishap.
On the other hand, gutter guard companies often offer workmanship warranties to protect you in the event of an improper installation.
Materials Used
EcoWatch is different from most review sites because we consider environmental impact when reviewing gutter guard materials. Fortunately, it turns out the most eco-friendly gutter guards are also the ones that are of the highest quality. Here’s our take on the most commonly used gutter guard materials on the market.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is the common material for steel screen, micro mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards. It doesn’t rust easily, it’s recyclable and sometimes it’s even made from recycled materials, so we think it’s a great option.
- Copper: Copper is another great material, as it holds up in all weather conditions, isn’t likely to rust and is recyclable. However, copper is usually priced higher, so not all gutter installation companies will offer it.
- Aluminum: Many stainless steel gutter guards are actually a combination of aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum gutter guard materials are known not to bend, warp or break over time. Plus, like steel, aluminum is 100% recyclable and is often made from recycled materials.
- Plastics: As you might imagine, we definitely don’t recommend plastic gutter guards. Plastic screens tend to crack as they weather, sending bits of toxic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) out into the environment. On the other hand, uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a good option if it’s being used for the frame of the gutter guard, paired with a metal screen.
- Foam: While foam gutter guards are easy to install, they’re not a durable option. Foam gutter guards usually come with some kind of UV (ultraviolet radiation) protection to mitigate deterioration from the sun, but they still won’t last long. They’re also not recyclable or environmentally friendly, so we don’t recommend them.
Our Recommendations: Best Gutter Guard Installation Companies
Finding the best gutter guards for your home can be challenging — especially finding ones that aren’t made from toxic materials that can harm the environment. The EcoWatch reviews team has vetted the best gutter guard companies based on quality, customer experience, and environmental impact to help you decide which gutter guard is best for your home.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of our top picks for gutter guard installations. If you like what you see, click on the link to get a free quote from one of our recommended installers. If you’d like to learn more, check out our article on the best gutter guards, where we review these three companies — along with our favorite DIY gutter guard suppliers — in greater detail.
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Watch this quick video to learn more about the LeafFilter product:
Quick Facts
- Steel micro mesh gutter guard with uPVC frame
- Customizable sizing and several color options
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Transferable lifetime warranty
Materials
LeafFilter gutter guards are made of recyclable stainless steel mesh with uPVC sides. While regular PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made of harmful toxins, research shows that uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) has one the lowest global warming impacts when compared to steel and aluminum.1 (You can read more about LeafFilter’s commitment to sustainability here.)
Availability
LeafFilter is available in every state except Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Wyoming.
What We Like
LeafFilter is one of the most trusted names for gutter guards, with a 15-year-plus reputation for professional installations of high-quality gutter guards. It upholds an A+ rating with the BBB and delivers on being both efficient and environmentally friendly — two of our favorite qualities here are EcoWatch.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
Check out this video to hear about HomeCraft’s product information:
Quick Facts
- Stainless steel micro mesh screen with raised diamond design
- Works with wide variety of roofs, including metal
- B rating with the BBB
- Transferable lifetime warranty
Materials
HomeCraft’s micro mesh guard sits on the top of the gutter and is made from marine-grade stainless steel held together by a powder-coated aluminum frame that can fit all different types of roofs. The steel and aluminum are easily recyclable.
Availability
The downside to HomeCraft Gutter Protection is that it’s only available in 10 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
What We Like
There’s no denying HomeCraft Gutter Protection has one of the best gutter guard designs on the market. Its patented, diamond-raised screen design performs much better than the typical hooded or reverse curve designs offered by most other companies, nearly guaranteeing clean gutters.
Although its prices aren’t available online, many of HomeCraft’s customers have praised the company for its affordability and competitive pricing.
All American Gutter Protection
Watch this short video to see their gutter guard installation process:
Quick Facts
- High-quality stainless steel micro mesh
- Over 30 colors to choose from
- A+ rating with the BBB
- Available in 15 states
- Lifetime performance guarantee
Materials
All American’s gutter guards feature a 100% aluminum frame with a stainless steel micro mesh guard, all of which can be recycled. The aluminum is rust-proof and makes the frame extremely long-lasting and durable for harsh weather. The steel micro mesh allows water to flow through the guard while blocking out large pieces of debris and maintaining the guards’ shape in harsh conditions.
Availability
All American Gutter Protection offers professional installation in 15 states across the U.S. including Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
What We Like
All American Gutter Protection might just make the most customizable gutter guards on the market. As most gutter guards are visible from the ground, you’ll want to consider aesthetics.
With over 30 colors to choose from and a guarantee that its gutter guards will fit the specific needs of your home, All American is an excellent choice for gutter guards. Plus, the company is unique in that it offers military and senior discounts and often has other deals on gutter guard installations.
Read our review of the Top 8 Best Gutter Guards For Your Home
FAQ: Gutter Guards Installation Cost
Yes, many people find that gutter protection is a worthwhile investment for the following reasons:
- Keeps debris, pests and animals out of your gutters
- Can protect the foundation of your home
- Allows for proper water flow
- Reduces the amount of maintenance and gutter cleaning needed
- Can eliminate stains and watermarks on your home
The longevity of your gutter guards will depend on the type of material you choose and the climate where you live. Metal gutter guards tend to last longer — on average between 10 and 20 years. On the other end of the scale, plastic gutter guards only last between three and six years.
Most homeowners only have to clean their gutter guards once a year to once every other year. However, the frequency of gutter guard maintenance will also depend on the amount of tree and other debris that falls on your home.
You should regularly check your gutter guards for debris build-up and be sure to brush them if you see accumulation. Too much buildup may block water flow, which could lead to water overflow in the event of heavy rain.
Whether a professional gutter guard installation is worth it for existing gutters or new gutters depends entirely on your preferences and capabilities. While some DIY gutter guard products come with the tools you need to properly install your gutter guards, others may require additional tools. Plus, you’ll need a ladder.
If you’re not careful, DIY installations can be dangerous, which is why we don’t recommend them unless you feel confident in the process. In analyzing hundreds of reviews, the EcoWatch reviews team found homeowners who were able to complete a DIY gutter guard installation with no hiccups along with many homeowners who preferred the quality and convenience of a professional installation.
Compare Gutter Installers
Average cost
Pros
Cons
-
- Made from sustainable materials
- Materials are recyclable
- Positive customer reviews
- Has green initiatives
- Competitive pricing
- Not DIY-friendly