A gutter guard is a cover preventing leaves, branches, and other debris from getting in the gutter. Gutter guards eliminate the need to clean out the gutters and aid in preventing cracks and clogs. There are many styles of gutter guards available, each with its own appearance, function, and cost. For this reason, there is a wide range of costs associated with this project.
The national average for installing gutter guards costs between $1,200 and $2,000, with the average homeowner spending around $1,500 on mesh covers installed on 200 linear feet of gutters with downspout screens. The low cost for this project includes PVC covers on 100 linear feet of gutter for $400, while the high cost is around $3,500 for surface tension guards with downspout screens on 300 linear feet of gutter.
Gutter guards installation prices | |
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National average cost | $1,500 |
Average range | $1,200-$2,000 |
Minimum cost | $400 |
Maximum cost | $3,500 |
Leaf guards and gutter guards are sold and installed by the linear foot. There are several types of guards and materials, meaning there is a range of costs for the project. The average cost range for the material is between $0.60 and $6.50 a linear foot, with installation costing an additional $2 to $12 a linear foot, depending on who installs it. This makes a total cost range of $2.60 to $18.50 a linear foot. Below are the average cost ranges for installing different lengths of guards.
Gutter Length | Average Cost Range (Installed) |
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50 linear feet | $130 - $925 |
75 linear feet | $195 - $1,388 |
100 linear feet | $260 - $1,850 |
200 linear feet | $520 - $3,700 |
300 linear feet | $780 - $5,550 |
Gutter guards range in price depending on the material type. Each type differs in cost, durability, and effectiveness. Before choosing a type, understand the pros and cons of each.
Material | Average Costs per Foot (Material Only) |
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PVC Screen | $0.60 - $1.50 |
Mesh Guard | $0.80 - $1.25 |
Aluminum Perforated Cover | $1.00 - $1.50 |
Steel Screen | $1.50 - $3.50 |
Micro Mesh | $1.75 - $2.50 |
Foam Guard | $2.50 - $3.50 |
Brush Guard | $2.50 - $3.50 |
Surface Tension/Gutter Helmets | $3.50 - $6.50 |
PVC/vinyl screens are the lowest quality screens. The guards lay on the gutters and can be tucked under the eave or drip edge without any fasteners. They are usually sold in lengths of 3 to 4 feet long. They are also easy to install. Lay them into the gutter and snap under the edge. They are best for leaves and needles, and you can expect durability up to 6 years or 3 years in harsh climates. They cost between $0.60 and $1.50 a linear foot.
Mesh gutter guards come in stainless steel and aluminum. Like surface tension/gutter helmets, these mesh screens keep out most debris but may have trouble with small debris slipping through. Mesh gutter guards are best for hardwood leaves and last for 3 to 12 years, depending on the material, with plastic being the least durable and aluminum the most durable. Depending on the material, prices range from $0.80 to $1.25 a linear foot.
Perforated aluminum covers come in lengths of 4’-8’. They also install easily, laying directly on the gutter and tucking beneath the eaves without fasteners. The perforations allow water to go through easily, but they can get blocked by wet leaves. Perforated aluminum covers are best for all debris types and last 10 to 20 years. They cost between $1 and $1.50 a linear foot.
Steel screens are more durable than PVC and aluminum screens. Most come in pre-cut widths and lengths but can easily be cut using tin snips. Some types of steel screens curl down between the gutter and fascia. Some types tuck under the first layer of the shingle and should be avoided to prevent damage. Steel screens are best for both leaves and needles, and expect 7 to 10 years of use if they are powder-coated. If not powder-coated, expect a 5-10-year lifespan. Expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.50 a linear foot.
Micro-mesh covers are a much tighter guard than standard mesh. While a standard mesh cover can let smaller debris through, a micro-mesh cover keeps out all but the tiniest particles. Unlike regular mesh, these guards are stiff and inflexible. They are more difficult to install, but they still tuck under the eaves without fasteners. They are usually sold in lengths of about 4 -feet. They cost between $1.75 and $2.50 a linear foot.
When looking for a fast solution, a foam gutter guard can be a good choice. This is a roll of foam that you place inside the gutter. It does not block everything, but it keeps the larger pieces and leaves out. This system needs to be cleaned regularly, but it helps solve clogging problems. Prices range from $2.50 to $3.50 a linear foot and are designed for DIY installation.
Brush gutter guards work on the same principle as the foam guard. You place the brush inside the gutter, and it catches the larger pieces of leaves and debris. Like the foam guard, you need to periodically clean off the brush. However, the installation is fast and easy and designed to be done DIY, so there are no additional installation fees. They cost between $2.50 and $3.50 a linear foot.
Surface tension gutter guards, or gutter helmets, are made from a solid piece of metal covering the entire gutter. The outside edge curves downward to the gutter. Gutter helmets must be installed at an angle similar to that of the roof and work best on mild and moderately sloped roofs. These gutter guards last an average of 10 to 20 years, with some offering a lifetime warranty. Expect to pay between $3.50 and $6.50 per linear foot.
There are several manufacturers of gutter guards. Some are designed for professional installation and are made to fit your gutters and home, while others can be put in DIY or by your handyman. Each brand is known for making one or more specific types that may or may not fit your needs:
Brand | Average Cost Range per Feet (Material Only) |
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Leaf Relief | $1.60 - $3.00 |
Gutterglove | $1.70 - $2.50 |
EasyOn | $2 - $3 |
LeafGuard | $9 - $32 |
Gutter Helmet | $15 - $17 |
MasterShield | $17 - $20 |
Valor | Call for pricing |
K-Guard | Call for pricing |
Leaf Relief is an aluminum perforated gutter guard. It goes over the top of your gutter and tucks beneath the edge. They are visible from the street because they are not a flat cover. They are designed to help drain the maximum amount of water possible while keeping leaves out of the gutter. Each is about 4 feet long, and you can purchase them in packs of 20 for a lower cost. They average $1.60 to $3 a linear foot.
Gutterglove makes a type of micro-mesh screen that snaps over the top of the gutter. These are flat, low-profile screens that are fairly easy to install. They come in 4-foot lengths and can be purchased in packs of 20 to get as many as 80 linear feet at once. They are made of durable aluminum and are fairly readily available at most big-box stores. Prices range from $1.70 to $2.50 a linear foot.
Easy On gutter guards are a type of micro-mesh guard designed to be easy to install. They are readily available in lengths of about 4 feet, and you can purchase them in packs for a small discount. These guards are fairly flat and less easily seen from the street. They cost between $2 to $3 a linear foot and are available in packs of up to 24 feet.
If you want to have your gutter guards professionally installed with no seams, consider LeafGuard. These are a solid, gutter cover or cap, rather than a mesh or perforated cover. The water flows over the top and under a lip to enter your gutter, where the leaves and debris cannot follow. This means that you never need to clean them off. They are custom made and installed to your gutters, so they tend to cost more than other brands. They average $9 to $32 a linear foot.
Another custom-made gutter guard with a seamless appearance on your roof is the Gutter Helmet. This is a flat guard with a slightly rounded lip that provides an opening for water to drain. The guards are fairly unobtrusive but do a superior job of keeping leaves and other debris out of your gutters. They are made of solid material, so they last longer than thinner guards. Expect to pay between $15 and $17 a linear foot.
If you live in an area where blue/green algae grows on your home and gutters, investing in a guard system from MasterShield can help. These are micro-mesh guards made with steel and infused with copper. The copper kills blue/green algae and stops the black streaks that can discolor gutters and the areas below them. The guards also do a superior job of keeping debris out of the gutters. They cost between $17 and $20 a linear foot.
If you are looking for options from stainless steel to copper filters in a range of styles, contact Valor. This company custom makes guards for your home. This means that they are guaranteed to fit and work no matter what size or style your gutters are. They also have options for filters and finishes, including several color options. However, this means that they do not offer any upfront pricing. Call and speak to a representative about what kind of gutter guard you want and your gutters’ length and type to get a quote.
K-Guard fully integrates all of its guards with your home’s gutter system. This means that there is a perfect fit each time and no chance for debris to get in. You must purchase your guards directly from the company and have them professionally installed. Because the guards are dependent on your gutter’s type and the installation for the best fit, they do not offer upfront pricing. Call and speak to a representative to find out more about their offerings.
There are a few options to choose from when installing gutter guards. If you purchase your own gutter guards, you can hire a handyman to install them, averaging in cost from $2-$4 per linear foot. You can also hire a full-service gutter guard company that provides its own gutter guards and pro installation. This costs anywhere from $8-$12 per linear foot for the installation, but some companies roll the installation cost into the gutters’ cost, depending on the project type. The duration of the work depends on your home’s size. Each type of gutter guard is designed to install differently. Some snap on, some hinge, and others require custom cuts with screws or bolts. A few companies make the guards to fit exactly, meaning they are cut on-site.
There are many gutter guard systems to choose from. When selecting the best system for your home, consider accessibility, roof type and configuration, home height, location, and climate because they impact your project’s cost. Accessibility plays a role in the installation of gutter guards on a home. On homes higher than a single story, it can cost more and require a professional to install. The installation of gutter guards also costs more if you have many rooflines or a steep roof. Shallower or flat roofs are safer, easier to work on, and cheaper. Location and climate also play a role in selecting gutter guards. Homes in colder climates with snow and ice need gutters and screens to withstand the weight, such as a perforated aluminum material.
Gutter guards offer many positives for homeowners, but they also have a few drawbacks. A clogged gutter can lead to issues like water around your home and foundation, which can lead to cracks. Having a gutter guard means that your gutters function properly, avoiding these issues. Gutter guards also mean that you do not have to clean your gutters as frequently, saving time and money. Some gutter guards also have added benefits, such as heat to prevent ice dams and copper to prevent algae. These attributes may help your gutters last longer.
However, gutter guards need to be cleaned on occasion, so they do not make your gutters completely maintenance-free. Some are visible from the street, which can detract from your home’s curb appeal. They can also bend or dent upon impact, which can make them less effective. If your roof is very steep, they also need to have proper installation so that the water does not overshoot them.
Seamless gutters have many advantages. They offer a better appearance and are less likely to develop leaks and other issues. A seamless gutter can be installed with a leaf guard system, either a seamless system made just for the gutters or a basic system fitted on top. The average cost of seamless gutters is around $3 to $30 a linear foot, depending on the material. Gutter guards cost $0.60 to $6.50 a linear foot. The cost to install seamless gutters with a leaf guard ranges from $3.60 to $60 a linear foot.
Cleaning the gutters prevents future leaks and water pooling. Many companies offer semi-annual cleaning to avoid water pooling. The average cost to have the gutters cleaned is $188.
There are some accessories to consider that enhance your gutter guards’ performance and save you money. These accessories include heated gutter guards, downspout screens, and downspout extensions.
Heated gutter guards are great for homeowners in cold regions. The heated gutter guards prevent snow and ice from building up in the system to eliminate any issues associated with ice dams and keep water from entering the home. The average cost to install heated gutter guards ranges from $1,500-$5,000. If gutter guards are already installed, the heated system can be installed on the existing gutters to save money.
Downspout screens, also known as foam filters, prevent leaves and other large debris from clogging the gutter downspouts. Many of the screens are designed to fit in any downspout to ensure smooth drainage. These screens can prevent you from having to manually clean the downspouts. The cost for a downspout screen is approximately $2-$5 each.
Downspout extensions are a great investment for your gutters. A downspout extension controls how water falls from your gutters and diverts water away from your home’s foundation. The average cost for a downspout extension is approximately $8-$12 each.
Gutter guards are effective at doing their job. There may be times that small debris slips through the mesh, but the gutters do not need cleaning as often.
Yes, gutter guards can be installed on existing gutters.
Based on client reviews and ratings, the best gutter guards on the market for their effectiveness and cost are LeafGuard and Gutter Helmet.
Expect to pay from $70 for a basic gutter cleaning to $450 for gutter cleaning on difficult-to-reach gutters with clogged spouts. The average homeowner pays $188 to have 150 feet of gutter cleaned on a one-story house.
Gutter guards are worth it for homes that are constantly exposed to leaves and debris. Gutter guards can reduce how often you have to clean out your gutters and will pay for themselves over a short period.
Cost to install gutter guards varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.