LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet (2024)
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Installing a high-quality gutter guard is a home improvement task that every homeowner should consider. We’ve evaluated the country’s best gutter guards on several key metrics, including their performance and installation process. For this guide, we extensively researched LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet—two major industry names—to determine how their products compare.
LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet: How Do They Compare?
Here are a few facts about LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet.
| Quick Facts | LeafFilter | Gutter Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Gutter Guard Options | Stainless steel micro-mesh | Aluminum reverse-curve |
| Warranty Length | Lifetime transferable | Lifetime transferable |
| Pricing | Requires free inspection | Requires free inspection |
| State Availability | 44 | 41 |
| Years in Business | 18 | 36 |
| BBB Score | A+ | A+ |
**Southeastern Metals Manufacturing Company (SEMCO) makes the Gutter Helmet product. Gutter Helmet dealers in various locations have their own Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.
LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet: Our Take on Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
LeafFilter Pros and Cons
We like LeafFilter’s durable design, but the product can be pricey. Here are some more of LeafFilter’s main pros and cons:
Pros
- ProHas a lifetime transferable warranty Item 1
- Is built with a durable micro-mesh screen and strong unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) frame
- Can filter debris as small as pine needles and shingle grit
Cons
- Often provides high initial estimates
- Has mixed reviews about the customer service experience
Gutter Helmet Pros and Cons
Gutter Helmet has decades of industry experience, but its product may not be the best for areas that get heavy downpours. Here are some more of Gutter Helmet’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Has a lifetime transferable warranty
- Has more than three decades of experience in the industry
- Sheds debris better than most DIY gutter guard designs
Cons
- Can accumulate debris residue on the curve of the gutter guard
- May spill water over onto the side of the home in torrential rain
LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet: Comparison of Each Gutter Guard System
The LeafFilter gutter guard features a micro-mesh design made from surgical-grade stainless steel that fits onto your existing gutter system. It filters debris using surface tension, directing water through the mesh and into the gutter while discarding debris onto the ground below.
Gutter Helmet’s gutter guard has an aluminum reverse-curve design that fits over the top of your gutter. It relies on the design’s curvature and liquid adhesion to funnel water into the gutter without accepting debris.
Both gutter guard companies require a home inspection from an authorized dealer before providing an estimate.
Product Specs
LeafFilter Product Specs
- 275-micron openings, small enough to block shingle grit and pollen
- Hidden hangers to reinforce the existing gutter system
- Low-profile design that is difficult to see from the ground
Gutter Helmet Product Specs
- Available in 10 colors
- One-piece, reverse-curve design that attaches atop the existing gutter
- Textured frame that improves durability
Installation Process
LeafFilter Installation Process
A LeafFilter representative will perform a free inspection of your home to assess the existing gutter system and provide an estimate.
On the scheduled date, the LeafFilter representative will perform any agreed-upon gutter removal, repair, or installation services. This includes gutter sealing as necessary.
The LeafFilter representative will then reinforce the existing gutter system with hidden hangers and install the LeafFilter gutter guard, cleaning up any debris.
Gutter Helmet Installation Process
Your local Gutter Helmet dealer will send a representative to conduct a free inspection of your home and provide an estimate.
If you sign the contract, a technician will come on the scheduled date to adjust and seal your existing gutter system as necessary for the performance and support of the gutter guard.
The Gutter Helmet technician will install the gutter guard and clean up any debris.
Maintenance and Cleaning
LeafFilter vs Gutter Helmet Maintenance and Cleaning
Whether you choose LeafFilter or Gutter Helmet for your home’s gutter protection needs, you should still plan on conducting regular gutter cleaning. Gutter guards reduce necessary gutter cleaning maintenance, but debris will still build up over time. No gutter guard can ensure clog-free gutters for the life of your home.
LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet Warranty
Both LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet offer transferable lifetime warranties. You should carefully review the terms and conditions of each warranty before you decide which gutter guard to purchase. Both companies should provide additional warranty details with a written estimate.
LeafFilter vs. Gutter Helmet: Customer Reviews
Many positive third-party customer reviews acknowledge LeafFilter’s effective gutter guard design. We’ve also come across more critical reviews that discuss pushy sales tactics and high initial estimates.
Gutter Helmet reviews vary among local dealers but generally express positive sentiments about the professionalism of company representatives. More negative reviews mention that Gutter Helmet’s gutter guard performs worse than expected.
LeafFilter Reviews
Here are a couple of recent LeafFilter reviews:
Gutter Helmet Reviews
Here are some recent Gutter Helmet reviews:
Our Recommendation
LeafFilter and Gutter Helmet both offer quality gutter guard solutions that include professional installation. Based on our research, we recommend micro-mesh gutter guards to maximize your home’s protection from heavy rain and debris. LeafFilter has one of the most heavy-duty micro-mesh solutions available, blocking many types of debris buildup. This gutter guard can even shed small debris such as grit from roof shingles and pine needles.
Gutter Guards FAQ
Are foam gutter guards a good option?
Compared to micro-mesh and reverse-curve gutter guard designs, foam gutter guards provide limited protection from debris and water damage. Heavy rainfall and sun exposure can deteriorate the foam material over time, so you should expect to replace it frequently.
Do gutter guards cause ice dams?
Most well-designed gutter guards should not contribute to ice dams when cleaned regularly.
How much does it cost for a professionally installed gutter guard?
Installation costs vary significantly for professional gutter guard installation. Many gutter guard companies offer free estimates that require an inspection of your home’s exterior.
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.
