Leafguard and Gutter Helmet are two full-service companies that install their own gutter guard systems. Both companies provide reverse-curve gutter guards that allow proper water flow while keeping debris out. They also offer lifetime warranties, making them reputable companies that stand by their products.
After an in-depth review of each company, we recommend Leafguard due to its one-piece design and higher average customer ratings. Gutter Helmet is still worth considering if your current gutters are in good condition, as the company’s product goes directly on top of your gutters. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of both companies to help you choose the best gutter guards for your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Leafguard gutter guards cost $11–$20 per linear foot nationwide, according to data we analyzed from our 2025 gutter guards survey.
- Gutter Helmet gutter guards cost $38 per linear foot, based on a quote we received from an authorized installer.
- Both gutter guard systems have a similar reverse-curve design. The one that best suits your needs will depend on the condition of your gutters, your budget, and where you live.
Our Take on Leafguard vs. Gutter Helmet
Leafguard and Gutter Helmet use a similar design philosophy with their gutter guards. Both systems have a helmet-like cover that goes over a gutter trough to let water pass through while preventing debris from falling into the gutter. Leafguard and Gutter Helmet use quality materials to build their systems, such as aluminum and durable paint finishes. These providers also pair their systems with a lifetime no-clog warranty.
Regarding cost and customer satisfaction, we found that Leafguard costs less on average and has higher customer ratings overall on Google Reviews than Gutter Helmet.
What Are the Main Differences Between Leafguard and Gutter Helmet?
Although Leafguard and Gutter Helmet offer similar gutter guard systems and warranties, each provider’s approach to their guard design and installation differs significantly. In the sections below, we highlight the main differences between Leafguard and Gutter Helmet.
Gutter Guard Design
Leafguard designs its reverse-curve gutter guards as a one-piece gutter system, with a gutter helmet integrated into the gutter opening. The helmet covers the entire gutter opening, except for a tiny section near the edge, which allows water to flow through. The guards also use a liquid adhesion to draw rainwater into the gutter while simultaneously pushing debris away. With this design, Leafguard claims its gutter system eliminates the need for routine cleanings. The company also builds its gutter guard system using thicker, .032-gauge aluminum for added durability.
Gutter Helmet, on the other hand, doesn’t use a one-piece design. The provider’s guard design is a helmet-style cap that goes over your existing gutters. While Gutter Helmet also uses aluminum as its main material, its website doesn’t specify the gauge thickness of its guards.
Gutter Helmet marketing director Sandy Kruse explained the principle behind these covers to This Old House Magazine: “Tilt a glass of water so that the water just starts to come out. Notice how it hugs the outside of the glass as it pours over the lip? Gutter covers work the same way.”
Pro Tip
- This Old House Magazine has noted a key distinction between these two design approaches: a gutter with an integral cap—like Leafguard’s one-piece system—requires professional installation after old gutters are removed and can’t be easily cleaned, but the maker guarantees to clean it if it ever clogs. An add-on cap design—like Gutter Helmet’s—slips under roof shingles and clips onto an existing gutter, blocking leaves while preserving your current gutter system.
Gutter Guard Installation
Leafguard’s installation process is significantly different from Gutter Helmet’s. Since Leaguard designs its gutter guards as a one-piece system, installers need to remove your home’s current gutters in order to attach a Leafguard system correctly. For this reason, Leafguard is a good choice if you’re already planning on replacing your gutters due to wear, age, or poor functionality.
Gutter Helmet doesn’t require removing your current gutter system, as installers bolt on the guard on top of the gutter itself. Based on our review of the company’s website, the system goes over your entire gutter and attaches to the edge of your roof, which allows liquid adhesion to direct water into your gutters and push debris off. We recommend Gutter Helmet if your existing gutter system is functional and in good condition.
How Do Leafguard and Gutter Helmet Costs Compare?
According to our research, the average cost of Leafguard gutter guards is $16.31 per linear foot, the metric for measuring gutters. Gutter Helmet charges roughly $38 per linear foot. We break down each provider’s costs in the section below. Note that these prices are estimates, meaning the cost of gutter guard installation will depend on where you live, how much linear feet you purchase, and the brand you buy.
How Much Does Leafguard Cost?
We surveyed hundreds of homeowners who have installed a Leafguard system in our 2025 survey and found that the provider charged $3,262 for 200 linear feet on average. During our research, we noticed that Leafguard doesn’t provide pricing figures online since it requires you to submit a quote and schedule an in-person consultation, during which a representative can measure your home and provide a more accurate pricing estimate.
Homeowner Insights
- In the 2025 This Old House Gutter Guards Survey, nearly 60% of respondents said cost was the top feature they prioritized when choosing a gutter guard installer—making it the most commonly cited factor alongside gutter guard effectiveness. If you’re requesting a Leafguard quote, come prepared with questions about what’s included in the price so you can make a true apples-to-apples comparison.
How Much Does Gutter Helmet Cost?
Gutter Helmet charges $38 per linear foot, which amounts to $7,600 for a 200-linear-foot system. Similar to Leafguard, Gutter Helmet doesn’t display pricing information on its website. That said, we were able to get a ballpark estimate by requesting an online quote from the provider. Shortly after submitting the quote form on Gutter Helmet’s website, an affiliated gutter installer followed up and provided us with an estimate. The contractor said the price included materials and labor.
What Is the Quote and Installation Process for Leafguard and Gutter Helmet?
Since both Leafguard and Gutter Helmet are full-service gutter guard installation companies that build and install custom-fitting guards, they require an in-person consultation to take measurements of your home. Each company accepts online and over-the-phone inquiries. We go over each provider’s quote and installation process in the sections below.
Leafguard’s Quote and Installation Process
Leafguard’s quote and installation process is fairly straightforward. It typically goes as follows:
- Contact Leafguard: Call Leafguard or fill out its online form to connect with a customer service representative. The rep will schedule a free in-home inspection and walk you through next steps.
- Gutter assessment: On inspection day, a sales representative visits your home to examine your roof, gutters, and surrounding areas. They identify any factors that could affect pricing, explain the Leafguard system in detail, provide a written quote, and answer your questions. If you accept the quote, you can book your installation date.
- Gutter installation: On installation day, a professional crew arrives to remove your old gutters, then uses an on-site roll-forming machine to measure, cut, and install new seamless Leafguard gutters with built-in covers. The team places Leafguard’s patented internal hangers every two feet for added strength, then fastens the system directly to your fascia board. They also check the pitch on each gutter section and connect the downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
- Debris removal: After finishing the installation, the crew clears away all equipment and debris. The crew then shows you photos of the completed work and answers any final questions before leaving the site.
Gutter Helmet’s Quote and Installation Process
Gutter Helmet has a similar quote and installation process when compared to Leafguard.
- Contact Gutter Helmet: You can contact Gutter Helmet using its online quote form, toll-free number, or live chat feature. If you call or use the live chat feature, a representative will connect you with an authorized local installer. A verified installer will contact you directly if you submit the online quote form.
- Gutter assessment: A verified installer will visit your home and provide a free inspection of your gutter system. They’ll confirm how many linear feet of guards you’ll need, check the pitch of your roof, and come up with a detailed estimate. If you agree with the estimated price, the contractor will schedule an installation appointment.
- Gutter installation: On installation day, the contractor will arrive at your home and begin installing the guards onto your current gutters. Gutter Helmet systems use aluminum brackets throughout for added support. Gutter Helmet contractors will also seal and clean your gutters to ensure a seamless fit.
- Clean-up services: Once the contractor completes the job, they will clean up any debris from the installation. From there, you can register your product on Gutter Helmet’s website to activate your lifetime warranty.
What Do Customers Say About Leafguard and Gutter Helmet?
In addition to comparing each brand’s gutter guard offerings, we reviewed Leafguard and Gutter Helmet’s online ratings to get a better understanding of how they handle customer inquiries. We provide more details about each company’s overall customer sentiments below.
Leafguard Reviews
Leafguard has mixed reviews on two of the three third-party review websites we checked. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Leafguard has an A+ rating but a poor customer score of nearly 1.5 out of 5 stars. Most of the complaints we found on BBB stemmed from Leafguard’s high original estimates and aggressive sales tactics. We found similar reviews for Leafguard on its Trustpilot profile.
On Google Reviews, customers feel much more positive about Leafguard, rating local and individual branches. Most of the branches we researched have 4.3 out of 5-star ratings or higher.
Here’s a sample of Leafguard’s positive and negative reviews:
Gutter Helmet Reviews
Gutter Helmet currently holds an A+ rating on BBB. Similar to Leafguard, Gutter Helmet has poor customer reviews on the site, although it has much fewer individual ratings than Leafguard. We looked at the provider’s Trustpilot profile and found a slightly higher average customer rating. Main complaints centered around Gutter Helmet’s refusal to honor its lifetime clog-free warranty, with several customers reporting that Gutter Helmet would request payment for unclogging their gutters.
On Google Reviews, we found more positive average ratings overall, although not as positive as Leafguard. Customers rated individual Gutter Helmet branches, with many having an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars or higher.
Here’s a sample of Gutter Helmet’s positive and negative reviews:
Note: The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings shown in this comparison are accurate as of August 2025.
Comparing Leafguard and Gutter Helmet to Other Top Companies
Leafguard and Gutter Helmet differ significantly from other top gutter guard companies in terms of gutter guard type. While these companies offer reverse-curve gutter guards, other providers, such as LeafFilter, offer micro-mesh gutter guards that can better filter small debris.
We recommend both Leafguard and Gutter Helmet for areas where leaves, twigs, and other types of large debris are typically present. If you live in a location where small debris frequently clogs your gutters, LeafFilter’s micro-mesh gutter guards are a safer bet.
| Company | Our Rating | Average Cost Per Linear Foot | Material | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39.59 per linear foot | Aluminum | Lifetime transferable | ||
 | $38 per linear foot | Aluminum | Lifetime transferable | |
$41.72 per linear foot | Stainless steel mesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$46.77 per linear foot | Stainless steel mesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$61.61 per linear foot | Stainless steel mesh | Lifetime transferable |
Note: Average gutter guard prices for all providers except Gutter Helmet are based on our 2025 survey of 1,000 recent gutter guard buyers. The amount you pay can vary depending on your location, the brand you select, and the number of linear feet you purchase.
Is Leafguard or Gutter Helmet Right for You?
Choosing between Leafguard and Gutter Helmet depends on your home’s layout, budget, and the level of maintenance you prefer. Leafguard works best if you want a fully integrated, low-maintenance solution that includes the gutter and guard in a single system. Gutter Helmet, on the other hand, fits over existing gutters, which makes it a good fit for homeowners who own functioning gutters and don’t want to replace their entire system. For most homeowners seeking a permanent fix and professional-grade protection, Leafguard stands out as the stronger all-in-one option.
Before buying gutter guards from Leafguard, Gutter Helmet, or any gutter guard installer, we recommend requesting quotes from three providers to compare guard options, costs, and product guarantees.
FAQs About Leafguard and Gutter Helmet
What is the number one rated gutter guard?
LeafFilter is our top-rated gutter guard because of its durable construction, excellent water flow, and debris blocking capabilities. During our team’s gutter guard testing, we found that LeafFilter was the easiest to clean and least likely to overflow. Leafguard and Gutter Helmet are also solid choices in areas with larger debris due to their reverse-curve guard design. Based on our testing, however, reverse-curve guards are prone to overflowing.
Do roofers recommend gutter guards?
Yes, many professional roofers recommend gutter guards because they can help prevent common roofing problems caused by poorly-functioning gutters. Gutter guards work by keeping your gutters clog-free, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of water damage and other structural issues to your roof.
Does installing Leafguard and Gutter Helmet guards void your roofing warranty?
According to each provider’s website, their gutter guard systems don’t void your roofing warranty. However, we recommend contacting your roofing company before installing gutter guards to confirm existing warranty coverage or guarantees.
How much do gutter guards cost?
According to our research, the average cost of installing 200 linear feet of gutter guards is $3,232. The exact amount you pay can vary depending on where you live, the length of gutter guard you buy, and the brand you choose.
How We Evaluated Gutter Guard Brands
To provide fair and accurate comparisons of top brands, we developed a comprehensive gutter guard review methodology to measure and score companies. To develop our gutter guard company rating system, we interviewed industry experts, tested products firsthand, read customer reviews, and conducted homeowner surveys on the factors that determine purchase decisions, including material and design, warranty coverage, value, services offered, and debris mitigation effectiveness.
Here are a few details about our research methodology:
- First-party research: We comprehensively researched each provider’s website to learn about its products, services, warranty, payment options, and more. We also collected proprietary data by surveying homeowners who have had gutter guards installed.
- Third-party ratings: We read and analyzed consumer reviews and ratings on reputable third-party sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. This revealed potential patterns of customer complaints and favorable outcomes.
- Hands-on testing: For do-it-yourself (DIY) products, we ordered and tested for filtration effectiveness, durability, and more. For installation companies, we requested a showroom floor and performed a series of tests to determine performance and quality.
