What Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost? | 2024 Guide
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Gutter guard installation costs typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, but many homeowners will pay around $1,400 on average. Breaking this down further, the average cost range for gutter guard installation is $5 to $10 per linear foot of material or $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot of a home. Therefore, a typical home of approximately 2,000 square feet would require 200 linear feet of materials.
Gutter guards provide a protective layer to your gutters that prevent leaves, pine needles, and other debris from making their way into the gutters which can cause them to clog and overflow. Below, we’ll break down the installation cost of different types of gutter guards to help you determine which are the best gutter guards for your home and budget.
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Gutter Installation
Gutter installation can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,600.
Gutter Guards
The average cost of gutter guard installation is typically between $1,000 and $2,000.
Gutter Repair
The average cost of gutter repair can range from $150 to $630.
Side-By-Side Comparison: Top Gutter Guard Companies
Major Cost Factors of Gutter Guard Installation
Gutter guard installation can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,800. The expense of gutter guard installation is based on several factors, such as the length of gutter guard you need, materials used, and what type of gutter guard you have installed. Below is a breakdown of gutter guard material costs, installation labor costs, and estimated total costs for professionally installed gutter guards.
| Cost | Material Price Per Linear Foot | Material Cost for 200 Linear Feet | Labor Cost for Installation* | Total Projected Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam | $2–$3.25 | $400–$650 | $300–$700 | $700–$1,350 |
| Brush | $3–$4.25 | $600–$850 | $600–$900 | $1200–$1,750 |
| Plastic screen | $0.40–$1 | $80–$200 | $50–$200 | $130–$400 |
| Steel screen | $1.50–$3.50 | $300–$700 | $800–$1,500 | $1,100–$2,200 |
| Reverse Curve | $3.50–$6.50 | $700–$1,900 | $1,000–$5,000 | $1,700–$6,900 |
| Micro-Mesh | $2–$4 | $400–$800 | $900–$2,000 | $1,300–$2,800 |
*This cost data was based on the national average for a 2,300-square-foot home across multiple sources.
Keep in mind that material prices and installation costs may vary from location to location. Therefore, we suggest you gather a few quotes from general contractors and gutter guard services in your area to compare pricing and products.
Other Gutter Guard Installation Factors to Consider
We have listed some of the most significant factors to consider when looking for the right gutter guard for you. Each of these factors can impact the effectiveness of gutter guards, as well as their installation cost.
Materials Used
For a higher-quality gutter guard, we recommend heavy-duty metals. Gutter guards that use plastics are more susceptible to swelling and cracking, while foam gutter guards are susceptible to mold growth and fire hazards from seedlings. This can increase the price of installation, but will be more durable and longer lasting than more affordable options.
Depending on the gutter guard installation company, heating elements can be installed within the gutter guard to combat ice dams. This option is available only for guards that use metal materials, and you typically find them in mesh, micro-mesh, and surface tension gutter guards.
- Stainless steel: Popular in micro-mesh and reverse-curve gutter guards, stainless steel is one of the most durable options. It avoids rust, corrosion, expansion, and warping.
- Copper: Cooper offers similar results but is a rarer material. It’s a great option if your home already features copper gutters and you’re looking to preserve the elegant look.
- Aluminum: Aluminum also helps avoid rust and corrosion, but it is not as rugged as stainless steel. Tree branches and pine cones might pierce aluminum guards.
- Plastic: Screen gutter guards are typically available in either plastic or steel. Often plastic is used to create the curve in reverse-curve guards and the frame of guards.
Warranty Included
Gutter guards installed by professional full-service companies will usually come with a warranty that extends 20 years or longer. Many companies also provide transferable lifetime warranties, which are a great option if you plan to sell your home.
Types of Gutter Guards
Each type of gutter guard provides a different approach to keeping debris out of your gutters. It’s essential to take note of the debris building up in your gutters to find a gutter guard that’s worth it for your home.
Also, gutter guards are susceptible to ice dams. If you reside in a snowy or icy climate, you may want to look into a gutter guard company that offers heating elements.
Learn more about each type of gutter guard below.
Foam
This gutter guard is an easy-to-install piece of foam that fits into your gutters. The foam lets water flow through it while debris sits on top of the gutter. However, debris may still fall from the foam into your gutters, and clogging may still occur with significant leaf buildup. It’s also possible for seedlings and trees to take root and grow inside the foam guard, causing damage to gutters and becoming a fire hazard. As a result, these guards require yearly cleaning—on par with typical gutter cleanings.
Recommendation: Overall, this type of gutter guard should be viewed as a short-term solution.
Brush
Brush gutter guards use large bristles to capture debris, allowing water to pass through easily. Like foam guards, they are easy to install by inserting them into your existing gutter.
Brush gutter guards are best suited for large debris, such as leaves and pine cones. Smaller debris, such as maple spinners and pine needles, may get stuck in the bristles and cause clogging. As a result, you’ll need to remove the brush guards completely to clean them annually.
Recommendation: Brush guards are a low-cost option for homeowners on a budget and those with fewer linear feet of gutters to cover.
Screen
Screen gutter guards are similar to a screen door and snap onto your existing gutters. They can be made of plastic or metal and feature large holes that rainwater flows through while keeping larger debris out. Because the holes in the screen are larger than some other types of gutter guards, smaller debris may still get through.
Recommendation: Screen guards require yearly cleaning and are not ideal for homeowners in windy areas, as they may blow off gutters.
Reverse Curve or Surface Tension
Reverse curve, also known as surface tension, gutter guards feature a design that moves rainwater down into your gutters but utilizes the flow of water and surface tension to push leaves and other debris to drop down to the ground. Though some debris may stick during heavy downpours, you should be able to brush this debris off or wait until it dries and falls to the ground.
Often, reverse curve gutter guards require the entire replacement of your gutter system and for roof shingles to be moved to install them. This installation may conflict with your roof warranty. Additionally, these gutter guards are typically visible from the ground, so they are often considered less aesthetically appealing than other guards.
Recommendation: Reverse curve guards are best for homeowners who are less concerned with aesthetic appeal and care more about efficiency. It’s also an option if you reside around heavier foliage.
Mesh or Micro-Mesh
Mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards are similar to screen guards but feature a more compact design that blocks more debris, including small debris such as pine needles. As a result, mesh and micro-mesh gutter guards are the most effective guards. However, they typically require professional installation and are not suited for DIYers.
Mesh and micro-mesh gutter guard companies claim you’ll never have to clean your gutters again. This is a bit of an overstatement—you may still have debris accumulate after a bout of inclement weather. However, you should be able to brush the remaining debris off after the weather has cleared, or you might wait for it to dry up and fall to the ground.
Recommendation: Mesh and micro-mesh screen guards are our top recommendations for gutter guards. They are good for homeowners with various foliage types and those who care about efficiency and the aesthetic appeal of their home.
Professional vs. DIY Gutter Guard Installation
Depending on your choice of gutter guards, you can elect to do it yourself. Drop-in type guards, such as foam and brush, are the simplest to install. Unfortunately, these guards require the most frequent routine maintenance and cleaning. If you’re looking for the easiest and most efficient system, DIY options will probably come up short.
Higher-quality gutter guards—such as surface tension, mesh, and micro-mesh—are more difficult to install and should be handled by a professional. These types of gutter covers tend to use hidden fasteners that attach your guard to your roof’s fascia, leading to a more durable and secure gutter guard.
Professional gutter guard installation also includes other gutter services, such as installing new gutters, downspouts, and downspout extensions. Additionally, a full-service gutter company is more likely to include a warranty on the materials and the installation. Gutter Guard installation can be expensive as the expertise required to install gutters of different materials on homes of all types takes significant experience to develop. As a result, professional gutter guard installation can bring peace of mind that your project is being handled by skilled hands, at the cost of a more expensive installation than DIY alternatives.
Our Recommended Gutter Guards
We recommend you consider the information above to determine whether a DIY or professional installation is right for you. After choosing an installation method, you’ll need to decide on a gutter guard to purchase based on your home’s needs. Here are some of our top recommendations for gutter guards:
LeafFilter
Best Overall
Material: Stainless Steel micro-mesh
Warranty Length: Transferable lifetime
Get a Quick Quote: Visit LeafFilter site
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pro Item275-micron screen filters smaller debris than competitors
- The low-profile design is barely visible from the ground
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- The product still needs periodic maintenance, despite some advertising suggesting otherwise
- Extremely heavy rain will sometimes not be captured in the gutters
Cost Information
LeafFilter’s cost range is between $15 and $45 per linear foot of gutters. The higher end of this range includes the cost of adding new gutters along with gutter guards.
What We Like
LeafFilter offers a three-piece micro-mesh gutter guard system. It utilizes surface tension to pull water through your gutters but push debris off. LeafFilter claims that its design can catch small debris such as pollen and shingle grit. In addition, LeafFilter pitches the gutter cover so that it is flush with your roof. This installation helps the guard appear more visually appealing. LeafFilter’s gutters come in various colors to match your home’s aesthetic, such as off-white and beige.
Gutter Guards America
Best Customer Reviews
Type: Micro-mesh
Material: Stainless steel mesh and aluminum base
Sizes: 5 or 6-inch
Warranty Length: Transferable lifetime
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable materials including stainless steel and aluminum
- Innovative design captures more water runoff
- Micro-mesh design prevents small debris from entering gutters
Cons
- Only available in a limited number of states currently
- Some customer reviews mention difficulty with scheduling an inspection and installation.
Cost Information
Gutter Guards America does not provide specific pricing information over the phone or online as they need to be able to complete a home and gutter inspection first. However, through research, we have determined that the cost range for gutter guards would be between $12-$35 per linear foot.
What We Like
Gutter Guards America produces a corrosion-resistant micro-mesh gutter guard that will last for the life of your home covered by a transferable lifetime warranty. It features a seamless aluminum body and surgical-grade stainless steel mesh that prevents leaves, pests, and fine debris from entering your gutter. Plastics, vinyl, and adhesives are absent from the construction, so you know your gutter guards won’t fail from abrupt seasonal changes.
Installation is handled by professional contractors, providing you peace of mind that everything is in place and working correctly. Work crews also address issues with your existing gutters by cleaning, aligning, and re-sealing them as necessary.
HomeCraft
Best Add-On Services
Material: Steel micro-mesh
Warranty Length: Transferable lifetime
Get a Quick Quote: Visit HomeCraft site
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gutter guard fits most gutter systems
- Raised-diamond design sheds debris
- Reviews are complimentary about the customer service experience
Cons
- Limited availability, serving only 14 states
- Customer experience may vary among HomeCraft locations
Cost Information
The cost for installation of HomeCraft’s gutter guards can range between $10-$35 per linear foot. This is consistent with the cost of many micro-mesh gutter guard companies. A home inspection is needed to determine the exact cost of installation.
What We Like
HomeCraft Gutter Protection helps with gutter installation and replacement, and it offers a marine-grade, stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard with raised diamonds throughout its cover. This guard also features a powder-coated aluminum frame that allows it to fit almost any gutter size without hidden hangers.
HomeCraft also further secures its gutter guard during installation by using hidden reinforced metal hangers attached to your fascia boards. The company does not offer information online about its pricing because it prefers to tailor each quote according to a home’s needs.
How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider’s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options.
We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.
We evaluated each provider’s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.
