LeafFilter vs. LeafGuard (2023)
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To extend the life of your home’s gutters and reduce the number of times you need to climb a ladder to clean them, consider installing gutter guards. These gutter coverings protect your home by filtering leaves, sticks, and other large debris.
To help you select a model that’s right for your home, we compared a pair of top gutter guard providers: LeafFilter and LeafGuard. Read on to learn more about each provider, their offerings, and their cost of installation.
Our Take
LeafFilter is an established gutter guard provider, serving homeowners across 43 states for more than 15 years. The company is known for its patented three-piece filter, which consists of a 275-micron micromesh screen, uPVC frame, and supportive structural hanger. LeafFilter also offers a comprehensive limited lifetime warranty, which protects you from a variety of covered damages.
LeafGuard separates itself from many gutter guard companies with its one-piece system. Its aluminum gutter guard is supported every two feet along your existing system and filters up to 32 inches of rain per hour. Similar to LeafFilter, the company has a lifetime clog-free warranty.
| Provider | LeafFilter | LeafGuard |
|---|---|---|
|
Get a free quote |
Visit site |
Visit site |
|
Gutter guard options |
Three-piece system, including micromesh, a uPVC frame, and structural hangers |
One-piece reverse-curve guard made of aluminum that’s 20% thicker than the industry standard |
|
State availability |
43 states (all except Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota) |
36 states (all except Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming) |
|
BBB rating |
A+ |
A+ |
|
Years in business |
16 |
10 |
LeafFilter vs. LeafGuard: Services and Features
While LeafFilter offers a three-piece micromesh guard and LeafGuard uses a one-piece reverse-curved gutter guard, both systems help prevent sticks, leaves, and other debris from clogging your gutters. Check out each provider’s unique features and services below.
LeafFilter Services and Features
LeafFilter helps homeowners across the country protect their gutters from damaging clogs. The provider handles the entire process, from the home inspection to the installation. LeafFilter is known for its comprehensive limited lifetime warranty, which protects you from paying out of pocket for covered damages to its system.
In addition to installing its gutter guard systems, LeafFilter handles gutter repairs and installation. For example, if your current gutters are damaged beyond repair, the provider will install new ones before installing a gutter guard system.
The company’s patented three-piece gutter guard system includes a micromesh screen, a uPVC frame, and structural hangers, detailed below:
- Micromesh: The 275-micron micromesh screen is built with surgical-grade stainless steel. The rust- and corrosion-resistant screen is fine enough to filter small debris, including shingle grit.
- uPVC frame: The warp-resistant uPVC frame supports the micromesh screen and features a built-in pitch that ensures debris is wicked away from the system.
- Structural hangers: LeafFilter’s structural hangers are installed within your gutters and fasten to your home’s fascia boards to secure the entire system.
LeafGuard Services and Features
For more than 10 years, LeafGuard has helped both residential and commercial customers protect their homes and buildings from damage caused by clogged gutters. Like many of its competitors, LeafGuard offers a limited lifetime warranty that protects customers from paying for covered damage to their new systems.
- Unlike other gutter guards, LeafGuard’s one-piece system requires the removal of your current gutters. The company does this on-site, installing a custom system based on the dimensions of your home. Take a look at the benefits of LeafGuard’s one-piece system below:
- One-Piece structure: LeafGuard’s one-piece system includes a gutter connected to a hood filter, which uses liquid adhesive technology to allow only water to flow into your gutters. The system handles up to 32 inches of rain per hour and is made from heavy-duty aluminum.
- Custom Construction: Each LeafGuard gutter cover is crafted based on your home’s exact specifications. Its system works on all types of roofs, no matter the pitch.
- ScratchGuard Paint Finish: Since the system is visible from the ground, it’s coated in a peel-, crack, and chip-resistant paint that can withstand daily wear and tear.
LeafFilter vs. LeafGuard: Cost
Here are a few factors that influence the cost of a LeafFilter and LeafGuard gutter guard system.
LeafFilter Cost
LeafFilter doesn’t list pricing information online, so your exact quote will depend on the condition of your current gutters and the system’s linear footage. However, the provider does offer free in-home inspections and personalized quotes.
LeafGuard Cost
Like most providers, LeafGuard doesn’t disclose pricing information on its website. The price of your system will vary based on the scope of the project and location of problem areas. LeafGuard does offer a free home inspection, where a certified technician will demonstrate how the system works, measure the linear footage you need, and provide a free quote on the spot.
LeafFilter vs. LeafGuard: Reviews
Consumer reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) help provide insight on overall customer satisfaction from each company. Below are customer reviews for both LeafFilter and LeafGuard.
LeafFilter Reviews
LeafFilter is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating from the organization.* The provider has received a mixture of both positive and negative reviews on the site. Customers complained they still had to clean their gutters occasionally despite LeafFilter advertising that you’ll never have to clean your gutters again. Gutter guards do require cleaning every couple of years, but you’d have to clean your gutters much more often without guards.
Benjamin P. via BBB said:
“My experience was excellent. The representative was very professional and pleasant to talk to. He truly gave me a thorough understanding of the different types of gutter protection. I am completely satisfied with the purchase of my gutters from LeafFilter.”
Donna B. via BBB said:
“Our new filter system had to be installed twice. Upon inspection of the first installation by [the] company, it was found to be installed wrong and [in the] meantime, we had rainwater backing up from gutter to roof. This resulted in moisture coming through our master bedroom ceiling. Second corrected installation was just completed, so hopefully that fixed the problem. May have to call our homeowners insurance to figure out the damage.”
LeafGuard Reviews
LeafGuard is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating from the organization.* The provider has mostly negative reviews on the site, though there are a few positive ones.
James H. via BBB said:
“I cannot say enough good things about this company. We had a LeafGuard system installed in 2007 and 14 years later it is still doing great. We have never had to clean out our gutters since that day.”
Jerry N. via BBB said:
“The issue is not with the product but the installation. After the installers left, I found several screws from the old gutters and the new. Some were in the driveway. Fortunately, they’re not in my tires. I called to complain and was told the installation manager would contact me. It never happened. I filed a complaint on their website, no response.”
*BBB ratings accurate as of February 2023
Our Conclusion
While both LeafFilter and LeafGuard offer quality gutter guard systems, they each have unique benefits that are tailored to specific homeowners. For example, if you’re a homeowner whose existing guttering is in good shape, consider the three-piece system from LeafFilter, which can be installed on your current gutters.
Get your quote from LeafFilter today.
However, if your home’s guttering is severely damaged, consider the one-piece system from LeafGuard. This system replaces your old gutters and ensures leaves, twigs, and other debris are filtered to prevent water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gutter guards worth the money?
While gutter guards may seem like an unnecessary expense, they reduce the number of times you need to clean your gutters or hire a professional to service them. Gutters can accumulate pine needles, branches, and other types of debris. Without regular gutter cleanings, you could experience the following problems:
- Foundation damage from pooling water
- Insect infestations
- Roof leaks from improper water drainage
Can I install gutter guards myself?
While there are many DIY brush and foam gutter guards on the market, effective systems from providers like LeafFilter and LeafGuard require professional installation. These systems typically require gutter replacements or repairs, which a professional will have to perform to ensure there are no leaks or cracks.
How much do gutter guards cost?
The cost of gutter guard installation depends on a variety of factors, listed below:
- Width of your gutters—Many gutter guard systems are compatible with standard five-inch gutters. If your gutters are narrower or wider, the total system cost may increase.
- Climate—If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow or heavy rainfall, you may have to pay more for heavy-duty metal guards.
- Roof type—Less accessible roofs that are steep or have long roof lines will typically increase installation costs.
- Type of guard—Gutter guards are available in a variety of materials, from plastic screen guards to stainless-steel micro-mesh systems. The higher quality materials will typically cost you more.
- Linear footage—Most gutter guard providers charge per linear foot, so the longer your system the more you will pay.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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.
