Gutter guards are an investment in your home and gutter system. The initial average investment of $4,760 for professional installation can save you money over time by protecting your gutter system from clogs and water damage and reducing how often you need to clean your gutters. You can choose between professional and DIY gutter guard installation. In addition to surveying 1,000 homeowners, we researched DIY gutter guard pricing on Amazon and found that DIY installation costs range from $170 to $700 or more.

Gutter guard providers typically price installations based on the total linear feet of your gutter system. The average cost per linear foot for a professional gutter guard system is $28.25, according to our survey respondents who purchased from five top-recommended gutter guard providers. In the following guide, we will provide a deeper analysis of the cost of gutter guard installation by type and share additional cost factors along with our recommendations for the gutter guards that perform the best.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install Gutter Guards?

The amount that a professional gutter guard installer will charge will likely range from $4,000 to $6,000. The most popular DIY brands typically cost between $170 to $700. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners, researched DIY product pricing on Amazon, and read hundreds of customer reviews, noting any that mentioned pricing, to determine average installation costs based on gutter guard type. The amount you pay will vary depending on the type of gutter guard you choose. Gutter guard materials are typically priced by linear feet, and the average home has about 200 feet of gutters. Here’s how much gutter guards cost to install by type:

If your house is two stories or higher or you have a steep roof, it is highly advisable to hire a professional gutter installation company to complete the project.

Note: These are average gutter guard installation costs. Material prices and installation costs may vary by location. Request a few quotes from gutter companies in your area to compare pricing.

Keep in mind that some gutter guard brands and types may exceed this average. For example, high-end products such as reverse-curve designs or durable metal micro-mesh screens can cost $7,000 or more for larger homes. A personalized quote for your home is necessary to determine the specific cost. If your current gutters are in disrepair, new gutters may be needed. The cost of gutter installation will be added to the total cost of gutter guard installation,

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Why is Gutter Guard Installation So Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the price of gutter guard installation, including professional labor costs and features of your home such as the width of your gutters and your current climate. These are the most important factors that will impact the amount you pay per linear foot of gutter guard.

Gutter Length and Size

The more gutter guard materials you need to outfit your home, the more the job will cost. You will pay more for additional linear feet of raw materials and extra labor costs for the additional time it takes to install. 

Additionally, measure your gutters before purchasing guards. Most gutters are 5 inches wide, but some houses may have 4- or 6-inch gutters. It will cost extra to fit gutter guards to unusually sized gutters.

Roof Configuration and Type

Gutter guard installation costs more if you have complicated gutter runs with elbow corners or long roof lines that cause workers to have to move ladders often. Installing gutters on simple, straight, and short gutter runs is cheaper. The angle of your roof also plays into your final bill. If it is too steeply pitched, the installers will require extra safety equipment, inflating total labor time and cost.

Accessibility

Do you have a tree you’ve meant to trim for a few seasons? Well, that tree and any other obstructions to the work area will increase the cost of labor. Obstructions can be on the ground, too. Complex landscaping, water features, or uneven ground can limit safe ladder positioning. If your installer has to obtain specialized tools or equipment to complete the job, that will be reflected in your gutter guard installation cost.

Home Height

Multi-story homes are more difficult and dangerous to work on. Expect higher costs for gutter guard installations that include two or more stories.

Location and Climate

Gutter guard installation costs vary depending on where you call home. The local climate and common debris types impact which gutter guard type you should choose and, therefore, the installation cost. For example, flimsy plastic mesh guards probably aren’t the best option for areas with snow and ice, and brush guards won’t stop fine debris like shingle grit and pollen. Additionally, your area’s typical labor cost will inform your final price.

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What Are the Different Types of Gutter Guards?

Most gutter guards are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of the two. They either sit on top of the gutter or rest inside it. “Gutter guards have a few forms, but the most popular are steel cover guards and screen [or] mesh guards,” says Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing. Here are the most common types of gutter guards.

Plastic Screen

The least expensive gutter guards are made out of PVC plastic, and the quality is reflected in the price. Typically, you’ll purchase the material in rolls that are the approximate width of your gutter and cut them before installation. This makes for a fairly easy DIY project since you simply lay the screen on top of the gutter and tuck the edges under the eave.

These gutter guards stand up reasonably well against leaves and pine needles, but they can be easily blown away or knocked out of place. Additionally, the plastic can become brittle or warp under extreme temperatures. On average, plastic guards only last for three to six years.

Foam

While screens and mesh guards sit on top of a gutter to prevent debris from falling in, foam gutter guards sit inside the gutter, making them one of the easiest types of gutter guards to install. These polyurethane foam wedges are porous enough to allow water to flow through the gutter and down the spout, but leaves and other debris stay on top of the foam and slide off.

Unfortunately, even polyurethane breaks down over time, sending microplastics into the runoff and groundwater. Additionally, algae and fungus can grow on the foam, making it unsightly and smelly, so you’ll have to remove the foam and wash it from time to time. While these foam inserts can last up to 10 years, they won’t last nearly as long in wet or sunny climates.

Brush

Similar to foam gutter guards, brushes sit inside the gutters and block the flow of debris. These are metal rods with nylon or plastic bristles attached at all angles, just like a circular brush. They install very easily, though you’ll have to cut them with a hacksaw if they’re too long. They’re durable, lasting 10 to 20 years, but they’re also fairly expensive.

While brush guards protect against large debris and dry leaves, seeds and pine needles can stick to the bristles, making them difficult to clean. You may have to clean the brushes as often as you would the gutters. Additionally, as the bristles degrade, you’ll have the same problem with microplastics as you would with the foam.

Perforated Aluminum

Another affordable gutter guard material is aluminum sheeting perforated with small holes. This guard is also relatively easy to install and fastens onto your gutters either with included fasteners or by bending the edges to fit around the gutter. You’ll need a hacksaw, tin snips, and gloves for maneuvering the guard safely around the sharp edges of your gutter.

Aluminum gutter guards block most debris and don’t rust. They typically last for 10 to 20 years. However, when seeds or other small debris get inside your gutters, you’ll find these guards are difficult to remove for cleaning.

Steel Screen

Steel mesh gutter guards are similar to plastic guards, but they’re more durable and robust. They’re just as easy to install as plastic guards, though you’ll need to use tin snips to fit the gutter guard in your gutter. Steel screen gutter guards are great for blocking leaves and pine needles and are relatively easy to clean—simply wait until the collected debris is dry and brush it away. On average, steel guards last between seven and 10 years.

However, not all steel screen guards are created equal. Make sure you purchase a powder-coated metal guard, as this will repel rust. Avoid the type of steel guard that fastens by tucking under the first layer of shingles, which will expose your roof deck to rain and could void your roof’s warranty.

Micro-Mesh

These gutter guards are made out of plastic, steel, or aluminum, and they’re more expensive than other mesh guards because of the fineness of the mesh. Micro-mesh guards have smaller holes, which prevent debris, but the smaller holes can become blocked more easily. Because of this, micro-mesh guards are a good option for houses in wet climates surrounded by large, leafy trees.
The price and durability of these guards vary by material. Plastic will be the least expensive, but it may only last for three years. Powder-coated metal can last for up to 12 years, but it’s pricier than plastic micro-mesh guards.

Reverse Curve

Unlike other types of gutter covers, solid-surface reverse curve designs cover the entirety of the gutter and feature a metal lip that points down towards the outer edge of the gutter. Water runs down the helmet and onto the lip thanks to surface tension, while leaves and other debris slide off the cover. You can use a broom to remove any debris that doesn’t slide off the cover.

Reverse curve, also referred to as surface tension, guards are highly durable and can last up to 20 years. However, one end of the guard is fastened to the roof’s fascia, which requires a professional installation by a gutter guard company. Add installation costs to material costs, and reverse curve designs are easily the most expensive option on our list.

Note: You may need to purchase surface tension gutter helmets directly from a company that makes and installs them.

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Compare the Top Gutter Guard Brands

Learn more about the best professional gutter guard brands in the table below.

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The Best Gutter Guard Companies

There are so many gutter guard companies in the market that it might be difficult to figure out which company is best for you. We have conducted an in-depth review of dozens of gutter guard providers, including their products and services. Our pick for professional gutter guard installation is LeafFilter, followed by Leafguard.

After surveying 1,000 customers, we found that 84% of homeowners were satisfied or very satisfied with the performance of their gutter guards. LeafFilter had an average satisfaction score of 74%, and Leafguard scored 75%.

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FAQ About Gutter Guard Installation

How long do gutter guards last?

How long gutter guards last varies depending on their material and level of care. A stainless steel or aluminum gutter guard can last between 10 and 20 years with regular cleaning and maintenance. Gutter guards made from lower-quality materials such as plastic typically last between three and five years.  

Are gutter guards worth the money?

Gutter guards are worth the money if you want to reduce how often you need to clean your gutters and simplify the cleaning process. You only need to clean your gutters once every year or so with a good gutter guard system. Plus, you can brush off leaves and twigs from the top of the guard instead of scooping out gunk and debris from inside your gutters. 

Can gutter guards handle heavy rain?

High-quality gutter guards can handle heavy rain. Reverse-curve, screen, and micro-mesh gutter guards can filter large amounts of water. Brush and foam guards are known to clog more easily and have difficulty managing heavy water flow. Learn more about the best gutter guards for heavy rain.

Which gutter guard is the best?

We find LeafFilter and Leafguard to be the best professionally installed gutter guards on the market. We recommend Raptor Gutter Guard for DIY projects. 

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Our Rating Methodology

We back up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.  

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.