LeafFilter Review for 2024
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LeafFilter is one of our highest-rated gutter guard providers. When we reviewed popular gutter guard brands, LeafFilter stood out for its low-profile micro-mesh product, which prevents debris, including tiny particles such as shingle grit and pollen, from entering and clogging gutters. The company’s three-piece gutter guard design is also more aesthetically pleasing than other styles we examined.
We used a comprehensive research process and methodology to compare gutter guard providers. Our team looked at the materials they use, how well their systems block debris, each company’s reputation, and the warranties offered. Keep reading our detailed LeafFilter review to learn more about the company and if it’s right for you.
Our Rating of LeafFilter
Based on our scoring system, LeafFilter earned a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. We used a specific rating methodology to score gutter guard companies in four main categories.
- Services and features: We evaluated the company’s materials and how well they block various types of debris from entering the gutters. We also considered additional features, such as gutter installations or cleaning.
- Reliability: This involved reviewing each company’s reliability, including its reputation, experience, and expertise. We also looked at how long each company has been in business, whether there are any active lawsuits, and how a company’s financing is verified.
- Cost and value: Our team checked each company’s pricing, whether discounts are available, and how warranties work.
- Flexibility: We looked for easy-to-access customer service, simplicity of upkeep, and ease of installing the gutter guard system.
Keep reading to see how LeafFilter performed in each area.
Cost and Value
In this category, LeafFilter scored a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. You’ll like the 100% money-back guarantee, which is a perk that neither All American Gutter Protection or HomeCraft offers. There’s also a financing option for those who prefer to make payments rather than paying for the project upfront.
If you’re military or a senior, you’ll enjoy 10% off, a benefit Leafguard and HomeCraft don’t offer. You can also take advantage of a limited lifetime warranty that you can transfer to the next homeowner if you decide to sell. Two of its biggest competitors, Gutter Guards America and All American Gutter Protection, don’t offer this.
Note: We rated for cost and value by looking at the company’s pricing, discounts available, and warranties offered by the provider.
Services and Features
LeafFilter scored 4.7 out of 5 stars in this category. The gutter guards are made from 275-micron micro-mesh, which has tiny openings to block all debris while allowing water through. The material is also corrosion-resistant, so you won’t need to replace the product due to rust.
The micro-mesh guards catch leaves, pine needles, seedpods, and twigs effectively. LeafFilter will also catch the smallest debris, such as shingle grit and pollen, which Leafguard struggles with.
We liked the design of these gutter guards; it’s low-profile, and you won’t see them from the road. This is good for homeowners who take pride in their home’s appearance and enjoy a streamlined aesthetic.
Finally, LeafFilter will clean or replace your existing gutters, so you’ll start with a clean slate. Downspout replacements are also available if you want a full overhaul.
Note: When scoring for services and features, we looked at the types of materials used, their effectiveness at blocking debris from the gutters and downspouts, and the extra services available.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, LeafFilter scored 4.3 out of 5 stars. We felt very comfortable with the company’s reputation. There are no active lawsuits, and it’s won lots of awards and recognition. For example, it ranked number one as a Qualified Remodeler on the HIP 200 list and was named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Reno Awards.
We also liked LeafFilter’s longevity; it’s been in business since 2005, making it more established than Gutter Guards America and All American Gutter Protection. It’s also available in more states than most of its competitors.
One drawback is that the company doesn’t hire in-house employees for each installation. Instead, it partners with contractors. This could lead to differences in how each location handles customer service. However, LeafFilter provides the products and training.
Note: When scoring for reliability, we looked at reputation, years in business, and the employees’ expertise.
Flexibility
LeafFilter scored 5 out of 5 stars for flexibility. We loved that the gutter guards can fit into your current gutters, which is a relief if you aren’t planning on replacing them. This isn’t always possible if you’re using reverse-curve gutter guards like those provided by Leafguard.
Upkeep is simple: The mesh guards are self-cleaning, as there’s a built-in pitch to allow twigs, leaves, and other debris to roll off. This is helpful if you prefer not to clean your guards.
LeafFilter’s customer service is comparable to that of other major gutter guard brands, and you can reach a representative by phone. Overall, reviews we read showed satisfaction with its customer service, though each location may differ. The website also has online resources and photos to help you see how the system may look on your home.
Note: When rating a company for flexibility, we looked at how it handles customer support, how easy it is to maintain the gutter guards, and the difficulty of the installation.
Pros and Cons of LeafFilter Gutter Guards
- Material: Stainless steel, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
- Style: Micro-mesh screen
- Durability: Rust- and corrosion-resistant
- Debris Blockage: Twigs, insects, bird nests, leaves, pine needles, shingle grit, and pollen
Homeowners buy gutter guards to keep debris out, and LeafFilter’s system does this better than most competitors, especially Leafguard, which is known for allowing pine needles into gutters. The guards block large debris, such as twigs and leaves, but even the tiniest particles, including shingle grit and pollen, are no match for the micro-mesh design.
The company has served customers since 2005 and is active in 46 states, telling us that LeafFilter is a reputable company with tried and true processes and a large customer base. Something else you might appreciate is that its gutter guards aren’t apparent from the road. Their low-profile design won’t detract from the style of your house.
The company’s biggest drawback is its reputation for high-pressure sales tactics. Our team read quite a few customer reviews that mentioned relentless phone calls and sales reps. These tactics are similar to those described in Leafguard’s reviews, but they’re more aggressive than those described in Gutter Guards America’s reviews.
Pros
- Can install the system on existing gutters and various roof types
- Features a low-profile design that won’t take away from your home’s aesthetic appeal
- Offers financing options through a verified banking service
- Product is self-cleaning thanks to its angle that allows debris to roll off
Cons
- Hires contractors—not in-house employees—to perform installations
- We found reviews mentioning high price tags
- Reviews mentioned high-pressure, aggressive sales tactics
LeafFilter Gutter Guard Product Overview
LeafFilter offers a gutter guard system of micro-mesh screens that fit onto your existing gutters and prevent debris from entering. This can avert clogs, ice dams, and interior water damage.
Specs
LeafFilter uses a three-piece micro-mesh system to allow water into the gutters while keeping debris out.
Gutter Guard Screen
- 275-micron opening
- Resists pollen and shingle grit
- Rust- and corrosion-resistant
- Stainless steel micro-mesh
Gutter Guard Frame
- Allows for a built-in pitch
- Resists warping and bending
- Sits flush with your roof for a low-profile design
- uPVC
Gutter Guard Hangers
- Hidden hangers behind the gutter system attached to the fascia board
- Reinforcement for the home’s gutters
Maintenance
The LeafFilter system uses micro-mesh with a built-in pitch, allowing all debris to simply roll or fall off. It’s sealed so that no debris can enter your gutters. You should inspect them periodically to ensure nothing is damaged; once or twice per year is recommended.
Customer Reviews of LeafFilter
LeafFilter has at least 140,000 online reviews, and we looked at dozens of them on various platforms. Overall, we discovered that many reviewers were happy with the customer service, the installation process, and the gutter guards. Some people noted high-pressure sales pitches or changes in pricing. A few mentioned that the gutter covers (not the gutters) became clogged, and they had to pay for a service call to remove debris.
We chose these reviews to give a good representation of the types of experiences past customers had with LeafFilter. Doug brought up the issue of the gutter guards getting clogged, which wasn’t a common complaint we found when reading hundreds of reviews. You can avoid clogs by carefully hosing or brushing off the guards periodically.
Steve and Mary expressed their confidence in the installation and the product itself, which was similar to most other comments and reviews.
Breakdown by Review Site
We looked at LeafFilter’s reviews across various platforms, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Here’s what our team found:
- BBB: LeafFilter’s headquarters in Hudson, OH, holds an A+ BBB rating, with an average rating of 3.84 out of 5 stars. The company responds to complaints on its profile. However, it has BBB profiles for its different locations, so you should to check your local branch’s profile before proceeding.
- Trustpilot: LeafFilter is verified by Trustpilot and has a 4.4 out of 5 rating. The company has replied to 99% of negative reviews and some of the positive ones.
- Google Reviews: LeafFilter has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. The Hudson, OH, location has responded to most negative reviews and most commonly requests that the reviewers contact customer service for individualized assistance.
We noticed a few trends when looking at how LeafFilter compares to its competitors on these review sites. The company has scores similar to those of HomeCraft and All American Gutter Protection, and it has higher ratings on some platforms than Gutter Guards America and Leafguard. Overwhelmingly, customers reviewed LeafFilter’s gutter guards positively, but a good number also mentioned high-pressure sales tactics, among other less frequently cited issues. LeafFilter has responded to these complaints by referring the customer to its service department rather than publicly addressing the situation, which may feel ineffective and frustrating to unhappy customers.
*All review scores were accurate when published.
Compare LeafFilter to Other Gutter Guard Companies
LeafFilter meets or exceeds the standards set by its competitors in almost all cases. The micro-mesh gutter guards block all debris, and the company offers a no-clog guarantee, which means if the gutters clog and overflow or cause interior water damage, LeafFilter will repair the problem or refund your purchase.
However, customer reviews indicateded LeafFilter sometimes uses high-pressure sales tactics and unwanted phone calls to attract business, which is common throughout the industry.
Company | Star Rating | Best For | BBB Rating | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Reverse Curve | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Customer Reviews | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Customization Options | A | GET ESTIMATE | ||
Add-On Services | B | GET ESTIMATE |
Are LeafFilter Gutter Guards Right for You?
A LeafFilter gutter guard system is worth the investment if you want to reduce the need for gutter cleaning or don’t want to worry about frequent clogs and overflows.
The micro-mesh guards are low-profile, so they won’t be obtrusive. This is important if you live in a homeowners association or simply don’t want to install a product that negatively impacts your home’s curb appeal. The gutter guards are also efficient: Even pollen and shingle grit won’t make their way into your gutters.
Additionally, financing is available to those who prefer it, and the no-clog guarantee can set your mind at ease during the autumn or when debris is settling on your roof and on top of your gutter guards.
Though LeafFilter has a strong value proposition, there are some downsides to be aware of. While customer reviews are mainly positive, be aware of potential high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also important to understand that the no-clog guarantee only applies to the gutters and not the gutter guards. For this reason, you still need to assess your gutters after storms to make sure your gutter guards are in good condition.
Overall, if you’re looking for a permanent solution to gutter clogs and prefer the low-profile design of micro-mesh gutter guards, LeafFilter is a good home improvement investment.
LeafFilter FAQ
Will LeafFilter install gutters for me?
Yes, LeafFilter will install new gutters during its installation process if it finds that it is necessary or if the homeowner requests it.
Do I need to clean LeafFilter gutter guards?
You will rarely have to clean LeafFilter’s gutter guards. Some debris can remain on top of the gutter covers during heavy downpours. However, gutter guards from LeafFilter are very easy to clean. Given that the guard has a built-in pitch, you can use a blower or broom if you notice debris piled on top. You could also wait for the debris to dry and see if it falls independently. However, this will rarely happen, given that the guard uses surface tension in its design to pull debris off of it.
What colors are LeafFilter’s gutters?
LeafFilter gutters come in several colors. Some examples are beige, brown, gray, and white.
What is LeafFilter’s gutter installation process?
After you accept your quote from a salesperson, your LeafFilter installer will inspect your gutter system to determine whether you need new gutters, repairs, or downspouts. Then, they’ll clean out your existing gutters before installing the new gutter guards with hidden hangers.
Do LeafFilter’s gutter guards ever get clogged?
No, but sometimes small debris can cover the gutter guards. You can clean them yourself or ask LeafFilter to clean them at a cost. The gutters themselves are guaranteed not to get clogged.
Is Leafguard better than LeafFilter?
According to our methodology, LeafFilter offers a superior product to Leafguard. LeafFilter scored 4.8 out of 5 stars in our rating system, while Leafguard scored 3.8. It’s important to understand that Leafguard offers reverse-curve gutter guards, which work by directing debris to the ground with water tension rather than physically blocking the debris with micro-mesh. If you want the best gutter guards for effective debris blockage, we recommend the micro-mesh gutter guards carried by LeafFilter, among other companies. You can read our more comprehensive comparison of Leafguard and LeafFilter.
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.