LeafFilter Gutter Protection is a professional gutter guard manufacturing and installation company that operates in 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). To evaluate its effectiveness, we tested a floor model of its product in heavy debris and rainfall conditions. We also surveyed 129 LeafFilter customers, read hundreds of customer reviews, spoke to real homeowners who have LeafFilter installed, and analyzed its warranty and service offerings.
After testing LeafFilter’s gutter protection system, we found that it effectively blocks debris like pine needles and leaves. Its reviews on consumer websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot are among the more favorable in the industry, and our survey results reflect overall positive consumer sentiment.
We recommend LeafFilter as one of the best gutter guards on the market and believe it’s worth the cost for most homeowners. In the guide below, we share our findings to help you decide whether LeafFilter is the right gutter guard system for your home.
How We Rated LeafFilter Gutter Protection
We rated LeafFilter 4.7 out of 5 stars based on its high material and design quality, generous warranty coverage, effectiveness, and high average customer reviews. It lost some points for not offering a full range of additional gutter services and for lacking a heating element, which can promote the formation of ice dams.
We’re impressed by the effectiveness of LeafFilter’s gutter guards. The company provided us with a floor model to test the guards firsthand. Its micro-mesh screen and uPVC frame blocked various types of debris while efficiently filtering water through its aluminum gutters. Small dirt particles were the only materials that penetrated the filter. The system filtered downpour levels of water and was easy to clean. Overall, LeafFilter performed as advertised.
We also like LeafFilter’s warranty. It lasts for the lifetime of your home and is transferable to new owners, making it one of the most generous gutter guard warranties we’ve seen. LeafFilter will refund the entire material cost of your system if it overflows or causes water damage due to manufacturer error. Most gutter guard companies only offer vague “no-clog guarantees.”
While we like LeafFilter’s product quality, the company falls short in two major areas: its sales tactics and its product’s susceptibility to ice dams. Reviewers frequently mention aggressive sales tactics. The main complaint is that sales reps quote extremely high prices only to decrease them after negotiation.
LeafFilter, like many gutter guards, can make your gutters more susceptible to ice dams. Ice dams form when your gutters freeze over and produce large dam-like clogs. LeafFilter’s mesh frame and other components provide more areas for moisture to become trapped and build up. When combined with issues like poor attic ventilation, LeafFilter’s gutter guards can cause ice dams to form on your gutter system. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or cold winters, we recommend installing products such as heat tape and making sure your attic is properly ventilated to avoid this issue.
LeafFilter Pros and Cons
Here are the upsides and potential downsides of LeafFilter gutter guards:
Pros
- Uses a 275-micron stainless steel micro-mesh screen that blocked more than 90% of debris during testing.
- Has the highest average customer review score of any national gutter guard brand.
- Offers a lifetime transferable warranty, unlike many gutter guard companies that offer vague “no-clog guarantees”
Cons
- Has customer reviews that indicate aggressive sales tactics
- Doesn’t offer services such as gutter repair and cleaning outside of the purchase of a new gutter or gutter guard system
How Does LeafFilter Compare to Competitors?
LeafFilter received the highest score of any professionally installed gutter guard provider in our review standards, 4.7 stars out of 5. LeafFilter’s gutter guard system stands out because of the quality of its materials and design. While most other professional products use stainless steel, few have mesh screens that are as fine as LeafFilter’s.
LeafFilter’s design also boasts very little space between its frame and filter, creating a slick surface for easy cleaning. Compare this to a product like Gutter Guards America, which uses a wave-like pattern on its screen. While this pattern adds a nice aesthetic flair, the waves create small gaps between the frame and screen, which can trap pine needles and lead to clogs.
While we rated LeafFilter as the best overall, other companies offer unique benefits that may make them a better fit for your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a company that offers a suite of additional services like gutter cleaning or repair, you may want to choose HomeCraft or Gutter Guards America. Both of these companies offer more additional services than LeafFilter. Plus, LeafFilter only provides gutter cleaning and repairs during the initial installation, so companies like Gutter Guards America and HomeCraft are more helpful later on.
The table below provides a comparison of some of the leading gutter guard providers:
| Brand | Our Rating | Average Cost (Per 200 Linear Feet) | Guard Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$5,528 | Micromesh with uPVC frame | Lifetime transferable | ||
$7,900 | Integrated with gutters, micromesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$5,270 | Micromesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$5,868 | Micromesh | Lifetime | ||
$6,338 | Micromesh | Lifetime transferable |
*Cost data in this table was sourced from our 2024 survey of 1,000 homeowners who have had gutter guards installed.
LeafFilter vs. DIY Gutter Guards
In addition to testing LeafFilter, we tested 11 DIY gutter guards firsthand by installing them on a model of a roof and gutter system. LeafFilter performed the best out of the products we tested based on its impressive debris filtration and ability to withstand heavy water flow.
However, two DIY micro-mesh gutter guards stood out during testing: Waterlock Pro and Raptor. Both guards, like LeafFilter, use a stainless-steel micro-mesh screen that effectively blocks large and small debris. Based on Amazon pricing, Waterlock costs $1,054 for enough material to cover a 200-linear-foot gutter system, while Raptor costs $624.95. These guards could be a good option if you’re looking for a more cost-effective alternative to professionally installed gutter guards. However, you’ll need to be comfortable working on a ladder to install them yourself.
How Much Does LeafFilter Cost?
According to our research and survey responses, the average cost of a 200-foot LeafFilter system is $5,528, or roughly $28 per linear foot. We surveyed 129 LeafFilter customers and asked how much they paid for their installation to determine this average. In addition to our survey, we also analyzed customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We noted any reviews that mentioned price and recorded the total linear feet of their gutter systems if mentioned, finding that customers cited prices in line with our survey results.
LeafFilter Cost Factors
Note that all of these figures are estimates. Every gutter installation is different, and factors such as your home’s height, your gutter system’s current condition and total length, and even your landscaping can affect the cost of your gutter guard installation. To get an accurate estimate, contact LeafFilter to schedule a free inspection.
LeafFilter’s price is in line with the industry average cost of professional gutter guard installation, which is $4,000–$6,000. Other gutter guard brands such as HomeCraft, Gutter Guards America, and All American Gutter Protection cost between $5,200 and $6,300, according to our survey results, putting LeafFilter squarely in the middle.
LeafGuard, another high-end brand, charges up to $10,000 for its gutter guard system, according to customer reviews. However, keep in mind that LeafGuard is an all-in-one system that comes bundled with a seamless aluminum gutter, which helps account for its higher-than-average price tag.
Read More: LeafFilter vs Leafguard Review
LeafFilter Quote Process
LeafFilter’s gutter guard system can only be installed by a trained LeafFilter technician. The company doesn’t sell its guards as a DIY product. LeafFilter’s quote and installation process is quick and easy. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you sign up for LeafFilter gutter guard installation:
- Initial contact: Reach out to LeafFilter via its website or phone number.
- Free quote: LeafFilter will reach out to you and schedule a time for a free inspection and quote. A LeafFilter salesperson will arrive at your home and assess the factors that can impact your quote, such as your current gutter condition, roof slope, and total length of guttering. The sales rep will then generate a quote and answer any questions you may have. LeafFilter’s quotes are guaranteed for one year, so you can get a quote and then shop around and compare it to other offers.
- Quote agreement follow-up: If you decide that LeafFilter’s system is right for you, contact LeafFilter and schedule an appointment for gutter guard installation.
LeafFilter Customer Reviews
After researching LeafFilter and other gutter guard providers, we discovered that it has one of the highest customer review scores in the industry. LeafFilter has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB page and nearly 7,000 BBB reviews, averaging 3.7 out of 5 stars. LeafFilter has more than 126,000 reviews with a score of 4.3 to 5 stars on Trustpilot. LeafFilter has more reviews than any company we’ve seen and a higher overall customer rating than the industry average, which is 2–3 out of 5 stars.
We also scoured Reddit for threads mentioning LeafFilter’s performance and found customer sentiments here were more mixed. Some commenters praise its performance, while many claim the product experienced problems. This isn’t surprising, as Reddit comments tend to skew negative when it comes to brands.
Positive reviews noted the professionalism and friendliness of LeafFilter’s staff and installation crews. Others praised the effectiveness of LeafFilter’s product and the speed with which the installers work. Common negative themes included aggressive sales tactics and inconsistent installation quality. The main complaint we saw was that LeafFilter sales reps would present an initially inflated price (typically around $7,000) only to drop it to a more reasonable range after negotiations. Unfortunately, this practice isn’t uncommon in the gutter guard industry.
To avoid this issue, we recommend being firm with your LeafFilter sales representative and installation crew. Be direct and clear regarding your budget during the free quote process, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Knowing that there’s no rush to sign up can help. LeafFilter’s quotes are good for one year, so you’re free to shop around and compare multiple quotes before making a final decision.
Here are two reviews pulled from consumer review sites in January 2025 that provide a glimpse into online sentiments on LeafFilter:
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
How Did LeafFilter Perform in Firsthand Testing?
When testing LeafFilter’s gutter guard system, we applied an assortment of debris to the guard and the roof shingles above it, including deciduous tree leaves, pine needles, twigs, pine cones, and shingle grit. The filter blocked all the debris other than minute dirt particles.
We applied water to the system at varying speeds to see if it could withstand heavy rain without overflowing. The system performed well, overflowing only in extreme downpour conditions and pushing most debris to the ground. Some material, including pine needles and small tree leaves, remained on the guard despite LeafFilter’s built-in pitch. What material remained was easy to clean.
We removed debris from the system using a brush, gloved hands, and direct water application. During our water passage and cleanability tests, LeafFilter’s self-cleaning capabilities removed 70% of the debris. We removed the remaining 30% with light brushing.
We concluded that a LeafFilter system could be cleaned from a ladder with a garden hose or brush attached to an extendable pole or wand. Of the dozen products we tested, LeafFilter was one of the easiest to clean.
What To Know Before Installing LeafFilter
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LeafFilter’s warranty, installation process, and design.
What Are LeafFilter’s Warranty Options?
We read LeafFilter’s entire warranty and found it to be generous, especially compared to other gutter guard providers. Most gutter guard companies offer a no-clog guarantee, which is a loose agreement that promises the company will clean or repair the system in the event of clogging. Few companies provide warranties that offer tangible financial protection. LeafFilters warranty promises to repair, replace, or refund the system if it clogs and overflows.
We found several major warranty exclusions you should be aware of:
- The warranty doesn’t cover damage to gutters, fascia boards, roof substrates, or surfaces caused by the installation of LeafFilter products.
- The warranty is void if the LeafFilter product sustains damage from structural changes, adjacent trees or plant life, or an uncontrollable act of nature.
- The warranty is void if the product is modified or altered from its original installation or if any willful action is taken to impede or restrict the flow of water through the gutter system.
- An improper number of downspouts may limit the water-carrying capacity of the gutter system, and the warranty does not cover the resulting overflow.
What Is LeafFilter’s Installation Process?
On the agreed-upon installation date, one or more technicians will arrive at your home. The installation process begins with thorough gutter cleaning and repairs. The technicians will clean your entire system and identify and fix any damaged spots. Once repairs are complete, they’ll begin installing your new system.
If you purchased new gutters along with the guards, they’ll start by uninstalling your old gutters and installing your new ones. Once your gutters are ready, they’ll screw the hidden hangers directly into the fascia board, then place the micro-mesh gutter guard on top. This process takes one full workday.
After the technicians install your gutter guard, they’ll clean up the remaining debris, including any old gutter sections that were replaced. The installer will present photos of the newly installed gutter guard and answer any questions you may have before departing.
What Type of Gutter Guards Does LeafFilter Use?
LeafFilter uses a patented three-piece system composed of a screen, a frame, and hidden hangers.
LeafFilter’s screen is made from surgical-grade stainless steel woven into a 275-micron micro-mesh. A micron is a unit of measurement that’s 1 millionth of a meter or 39 millionths of an inch. For context, a human hair is between 10 and 100 microns in diameter. As its name suggests, surgical-grade steel is the same material used in biomedical applications.
LeafFilter’s screen uses corrosion-resistant, high-grade metal that will last for 20 years or more and withstand frequent moisture. Its fineness allows it to filter out extremely small debris, such as shingle grit and pollen. During our testing, we confirmed that the screen was well constructed and blocked small debris.
LeafFilter’s screen is set with a uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frame and supported by a series of hidden hangers. We’re not a fan of its uPVC frame since uPVC doesn’t last as long as materials like stainless steel or aluminum and is less durable overall. While stainless steel and aluminum last at least 20 years, uPVC lasts an average of 10–25 years.
Advice From a Homeowner
We spoke to a homeowner named Kaitlynn D. to learn more about common issues homeowners face with gutters and gutter guards. Kaitlynn owns a LeafFilter gutter guard system, which was installed on her home six months ago. Her house has trees around it, and the most common debris she encounters is leaves. She explained that her one-story home is very easy to manage and that she uses a cleaning service that handles her gutters once per year. So far, she’s been impressed by the LeafFilter guards, noting that they’ve performed well and haven’t clogged.
When asked what advice she would give to homeowners about gutter maintenance and upkeep, she emphasized the importance of budgeting for gutter and home maintenance. “The cost of gutter guards [and] cleaning surprised me. Maintaining a home comes at a price tag, which is why saving is so important,” she said.
It’s a good idea to regularly contribute to a rainy-day fund to prepare for unexpected home costs. “Put aside a set amount of money each month into a home maintenance fund,” said Kaitlynn. “These expenses will add up quickly, and it’s easier if you already have money set aside.”
Is LeafFilter Worth It?
LeafFilter is worth it for homeowners who want to mitigate the buildup of debris in their gutter system, thereby reducing the need for cleaning and ensuring the free flow of rainwater through their gutter system. Its debris-blocking steel micro-screen is among the most effective materials in the industry, and its prices are around the industry average. LeafFilter might not be the right choice for homes that experience frigid winters because the system—like many micro-mesh gutter guards—struggles to prevent ice dams in wintry weather. Homeowners who live among pines and other types of tall trees or whose gutters are frequently clogged by squirrels or birds might also benefit from LeafFilter’s gutter guards.
FAQ About LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Does LeafFilter install gutters?
Yes, LeafFilter installs gutters. LeafFilter’s technicians are fully trained gutter technicians capable of installing new gutters and downspouts.
Can you install LeafFilter on existing gutters?
Yes, LeafFilter can be installed on existing gutters. However, LeafFilter can’t be installed DIY. A LeafFilter technician must install the gutter guards on your gutter system.
Can LeafFilter handle heavy rain?
Yes, LeafFilter is one of the best gutter guards for heavy rain. We tested LeafFilter’s gutter guards firsthand and noted that they were able to filter all but the heaviest water applications without overflowing.
What are the negatives of LeafFilter?
LeafFilter has two main downsides: its high cost and lack of additional service offerings. Customer responses indicate that LeafFilter’s gutter guards cost more than industry standards. Also, while LeafFilter offers gutter repairs, cleaning, and installations, it only performs these additional services when you purchase a gutter guard system.
Our Rating Methodology
To provide fair and accurate comparisons of the top gutter guard installers, we developed a comprehensive review methodology to measure and score brands.
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.
Our Rating System
- Our rating system was derived from thorough research and hands-on experience. We analyzed gutter guard installers’ websites, tracked third-party ratings, and gauged consumer sentiment to complete our understanding of each gutter guard company. We reinforced this research with firsthand data by purchasing, installing, and testing gutter guard systems.
- 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, Google Reviews, and Yelp. This revealed potential patterns of customer complaints and favorable outcomes.
- Hands-on testing: For 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.
