In this guide

Leaf Guard Cost per Linear Foot

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 Guard Cost by Type

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.

PVC Gutter Guard

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 Guard

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.

Aluminum Perforated Gutter Guard

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.

Stainless Steel Gutter Guard

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 Gutter Guard

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.

Foam Gutter Guard

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 Guard

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.

Gutter Helmets Cost

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.

Leaf Guard Price by Brand

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:

Leaf Relief Gutter Guard Cost

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 Prices

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.

EasyOn Gutter Guards

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.

LeafGuard Cost

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.

Gutter Helmet Prices

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.

MasterShield Gutter Guard Cost

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.

Valor Gutter Guard Cost

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 cost

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.

Gutter Guard Installation Cost

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.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Gutter Guards

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 Guard Pros and Cons

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.

Cost of Seamless Gutters with a Leaf Guard

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.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Gutter Cleaning

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.

Accessories

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

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

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

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.