MasterShield Gutter Guards changed its business model from a gutter guard installation company to a manufacturer-supplier of gutter protection products for independently owned and operated local dealers. The company’s sales and marketing efforts focus on business-to-business recruiting of new dealers to install its copper-infused steel micro-mesh gutter guards.
The company leans heavily into its message that its product’s inventor, Alex Higginbotham, developed the first steel micro-mesh gutter screen, along with innovative water flow techniques and self-cleaning technology. Higginbotham holds multiple U.S. patents related to preventing clogs with micro-mesh gutter guards.
We examined MasterShield’s effectiveness, pricing, availability and other factors that might help you decide whether to purchase this gutter guard for your home. Our conclusion: The stainless steel micro-mesh reliably blocks debris and allows water to flow freely, but the uncertainty regarding the company’s transition to a supplier and manufacturer is a concern.
Our Take on MasterShield
We rated MasterShield 3.8 out of 5 stars and consider its product a solid performer. The company’s technology was patented by the inventor of the micro-mesh gutter guard in 2001, which is becoming the industry standard. MasterShield offers the option for heated gutters, which can be key for customers who live in colder climates. The company’s HydroVortex technology keeps gutters strong, and 95% of the product’s aluminum is recycled.
We Recommend MasterShield If You:
- Are looking for a less-expensive, proven micro-mesh screen
- Have used the brand in the past and are satisfied with its performance
- Want to support the environment by using recycled aluminum
We Don’t Recommend MasterShield If You:
- Want to use a type of gutter protection other than steel micro-mesh screens, such as reverse-curve guards
- Are worried about the uncertainty of the company’s transition to supplier-manufacturer
- Want to install gutter guards yourself
MasterShield Overview
As of December 2023, MasterShield had closed all but one of its local offices. Its website says that affiliated dealers are located nationwide. The transition to supplier-manufacturer changed MasterShield’s business model, making it somewhat tricky to find MasterShield installers. To its credit, the company seems to acknowledge this by providing a form to fill out on its website that will help interested customers find a local dealer.
When we followed the links on MasterShield’s website to inquire about becoming a dealer, we were redirected to a parent company or manufacturer. When speaking to a representative from this company, they indicated that MasterShield no longer installs guards but now supplies them to local companies.
As for the product, our testing of the various types of gutter guards showed that stainless steel micro-mesh screens are the most effective material for blocking large and granular debris. As mentioned above, MasterShield was at the forefront of this relatively recent advancement in gutter guard technology, with its leading engineer, Alex Higginbotham, holding multiple U.S. patents for micro-screen systems and water flow techniques.
Cost
Like its competitors, MasterShield doesn’t list prices on its website because the scope of the project differs from customer to customer. However, the site does note that the average cost of gutter guards ranges from $1.20–$10 per foot.
Factors that contribute to the overall cost include whether the gutters are damaged and need to be replaced or whether you want a heated gutter system or other add-on features.
Financing
We found one local MasterShield dealer in Atlanta that offered financing for Atlanta area residents through Enerbank USA and Morehouse Finance Company. No other MasterShield financing information was readily available.
Warranty
MasterShield’s “no-clog” manufacturer warranty includes a guarantee that your gutters will not clog with MasterShield gutter guards installed. The company says it will replace the product or pay a full refund if your gutters become clogged while protected by MasterShield. In addition, the company offers to pay up to $1,500 toward your deductible if the clogging leads to damage covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Fine Print
According to MasterShield’s website, some local dealers match the manufacturer warranty with a workmanship warranty for installation costs. Some dealers also offer what MasterShield calls a “Birds & Bees Nest Guarantee,” which refers to clogs caused by these two common gutter issues.
Materials
MasterShield’s gutter guards have an aluminum frame that can conform to the imperfections near gutters. The guards have self-cleaning features to remove roof oils, a built-in solution to dripping, built-in I-beams for added strength, and a shingle-safe back. The frame and screen panels are attached using stainless steel screws.
Quote and Installation Process
MasterShield installation varies depending on the local dealer who installs the product for you. A local installer will come to your home and evaluate the state of your gutters to determine what needs to happen next. You’ll be provided a free quote for the job, and if you agree, you’ll schedule a day for the installer to come back and do the work.
During the inspection, the information gathered on-site by the installer determines the type of gutter needed, the amount of materials, the potential number of workers required, and any unusual design elements that could complicate the installation.
“I walk around the home and look at the trees,” said Noah Lantz, director of the Rain Gutter Association and founder of Gutter Hunks in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “If they have pine trees, I’m more likely to recommend a micro-mesh system. But if there are maple trees around the property, I’ll typically recommend a more standard aluminum small-hole screen. In short, the fauna around the home usually determines the most suitable gutter guard system for their home.”
MasterShield gutter guards are installed with a special design that allows for vertical flexibility and horizontal rigidity. This means that it can be adapted to the pitch of the roof, and limited shingle shifting is required. Here is a brief description of the installation process:
- Stainless steel screws are used to attach the base to your existing gutters.
- The screen panels are interlocked and screwed securely and levelly to the base.
- The gutter guards are installed to closely match the pitch of the roof, with an optimal angle of 22.5–75 degrees.
- Existing gutters might need to be repositioned so the angle of the gutter guards mirrors the pitch of the roof.
MasterShield Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Yelp, and More
MasterShield’s main corporate page on the Better Business Bureau website says that the company is not BBB accredited and is not rated with a letter grade because the “BBB does not have sufficient information to issue a rating on this business.”
MasterShield’s presence on Yelp is also thin, with only one customer review listed—and that was from 2018. Similarly, it is rarely mentioned at all on Reddit or consumer review sites like Trustpilot.
However, MasterShield Atlanta, located in Woodstock, Georgia, is an accredited dealer that offers MasterShield gutter guards. It is rated A+ by the BBB, but there are no customer reviews or complaints listed for the company.
How MasterShield Compares to Other Top Gutter Guard Companies
As a supplier and manufacturer of micro-mesh gutter guards, MasterShield occupies a unique niche among the country’s top gutter guard companies. This makes an apples-to-apples comparison with the best gutter guard companies difficult, but it’s important as a potential customer to know your options.
The table below displays a list of the top-rated gutter guard installation companies based on our review standards.
| Company | Our Rating | Average Cost per Linear Foot* | BBB Rating** | Guard Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$16.80 per linear foot | A+ | Micromesh with uPVC frame | Lifetime transferable | ||
$16.31 per linear foot | A+ | Integrated with gutters, micromesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$16.25 per linear foot | A+ | Micromesh | Lifetime transferable | ||
$15.77 per linear foot | A | Micromesh | Lifetime | ||
$15.68 per linear foot | A+ | Micromesh | Lifetime transferable |
*Cost figures are from our 2025 gutter guard survey of 1,484 homeowners who bought gutter guard protection systems.
**The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a third-party organization that evaluates businesses’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2025. Note: As of January 2025, BBB revoked HomeCraft’s accreditation and gave it an F rating because it accumulated 93 complaints, three of which weren’t resolved. Our team will provide updates as we find them.
How We Evaluated Gutter Guard Brands
To provide fair and accurate comparisons of the top gutter guard installers, we developed a comprehensive review methodology to measure and score brands based on their 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.
