Gutters do more than channel rainwater off of your roof. They divert water away from the foundation of your house and protect it from the wear and tear of erosion and damage that can be caused by water.
Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters. They also help block ice dams that form in the winter on the tops of your gutters. These guards work by sitting in the gutter and extending below the roofline. Some are fixed along the length of the gutter, while others are more mobile and can move if needed.
When it comes to gutter guards, the cost varies based on a few different factors. Today, we're going to look at those cost drivers to help you understand how much you might end up paying for gutter guards.
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Installing Gutter Guards
Gutter guards come in lots of different variations and can be installed by homeowners or professional contractors.
Here is a breakdown of the factors that affect the cost of installing gutter guards:
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
Installing gutter guards yourself is a great way to save money, but make sure you hire a professional installation service if you don't know what you're doing. If you don't install them correctly, you could end up with water leaking into your home, causing serious damage.
Gutter Material (Aluminum vs. Steel)
Stainless steel gutters are typically more expensive than aluminum gutters, and they're more durable. At the same time, they are heavier in weight and more likely to rust. Aluminum gutters are a good choice if you live in an area that's prone to hail or ice damage or if you live in a humid area where other types of materials could corrode.
Snap-on vs. Screw On
Gutter guards can be mounted in two different ways: screw-on or snap-on. Screw-on guards are typically used for metal gutters, while snap-on guards can be used on metal or plastic gutters. Which type you use will depend on the type of gutter you have and the type of gutter guard you are installing.
They both work great, but the snap-ons are easier to install. Screw-on gutters are a great alternative to snap on and are also said to be more secure, making them ideal for more extreme weather conditions.
Accessibility and Home Height
Gutter guards are less expensive to install on a single-story home than they are on a multi-story home. If the contractor uses lifts or scaffolding, or if any off-site work is required, costs will escalate.
Roof Configuration & Roof Type
Roof configuration is one of the key factors that influence the cost of gutter guards. It is really important to understand the type of roof you have before you install gutter guards. If you have a low pitch roof, then this is a relatively easy project.
Certain roof styles, such as flat or tiled, make installation more difficult and so increase expenses.
Contractor Provided Materials
When dealing with a contractor on a project, they will typically provide you with a single quotation that includes all supplies and labor needed to complete the job.
If you buy material and then pay someone to professionally install it, you'll have to price these two services separately. Using the contractor's supplies has the extra benefit of providing a warranty on the products as well as the labor.
Types of Gutter Guards Ranked by Cost
PVC Gutter Guards
PVC gutter guards are among the most affordable gutter guards but also offer the lowest quality. They're particularly well-suited for harsh, windy conditions. If cost is an issue, they're a quick and inexpensive fix to keep your gutters protected.
Average Cost per linear foot: $0.60 - $1.50
Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh gutter guards are great for keeping out leaves, but the larger holes may not work well for smaller objects such as pine needles, allowing them to slip through. These types of gutter guards last for 3 to 12 years.
Average Cost per linear foot: $0.80 - $1.25
Aluminum Gutter Guards
The perforations in aluminum gutter guards allow water to pass through easily, but the material is susceptible to becoming blocked by leaves. Aluminum covers have the benefit of being very durable, last between 10 to 20 years, and are well suited for all debris types.
Average Cost per linear foot: $1.00 - $1.50
Stainless Steel Gutter Guards
Steel guards are far more durable than PVC and aluminum guards, making them the top choice for harsh weather conditions where they will need to stand up to the elements. If they are powder coated, expect your guards to last 10 years or more.
Average Cost per linear foot: $1.50 - $3.50
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Micro-mesh gutter guards are much better than standard mesh at keeping out smaller particles. The downside is that these gutter guards are less flexible and more costly compared to standard mesh. They are a bit more difficult to install, but those who do it will be rewarded with greater security.
Average Cost per linear foot: $1.75 - $2.50
Foam Gutter Guards
Foam gutter guards are a quick, effective solution to clogged gutters. The foam roll is placed directly in your gutter. However, its ease of installation comes with a downside. Foam guards tend to not block everything from falling into the drain, and so regular cleaning is required.
Average Cost per linear foot: $2.50 - $3.50
Brush Gutter Guards
Brush guards work by catching pieces of debris and leaves, just like foam or rubber guards. These guards are placed in the gutter and work with existing gutters, making them easy to install.
Average Cost per linear foot: $2.50 - $3.50
Gutter Guards Installation Cost
Minimum Installation Cost (DIY)
You can save a lot of money by tackling the installation yourself. However, given that heights are involved, it's not a job to be taken lightly.
If you're going for a DIY approach, we recommend foam gutter guards as they are the easiest to install as well as being pretty cost-effective. Expect to pay upwards of a few dollars per linear foot of materials, but don't forget to factor in your own time. After all, time is money.
Average Installation Cost (Professional + your Purchase Costs)
If you prefer a more permanent solution, aluminum or stainless steel gutter guards are a good choice. They are also a little trickier to install, so it makes sense to call in a professional.
Still, you can save a pretty penny by sourcing the materials yourself. Expect to pay between $3 - $8 per square foot for the materials, with labor costing between $2 - $4 per foot. All in, a 300-foot roof should cost in the range of $1.5k - $2k.
Maximum Installation Cost (Professional company does everything)
If you're looking for a low hassle installation and have a bit of cash to spare, you may prefer a hands-off approach. Relying on an experienced professional is a wise move, as the job will often be completed far quicker. You can also rely on the fact that most professional installations that use their own equipment will often cover parts and labor under warranty.
As a rough estimate, a 300-foot roof would cost in the region of $3-$4k.
How Much Do Gutter Guards Installation Cost Per Foot
There are a variety of ways to have a gutter guard installed in your home. The most cost-effective is to source the materials yourself and see it as a DIY project. Alternatively, you can hire a handyman who can install them for about $2-$4 per linear foot.
Alternatively, you can also hire a full-service gutter guard company that provides and installs its own gutter guards.
Gutter Guard Cost per Linear Foot
Measure the perimeter of your roofline to determine the linear feet of your gutters. The below table will give you an idea of the typical costs you should pay per linear foot for materials only.
Gutter Guard Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
PVC / Plastic | $0.50 - $1.50 |
Aluminum | $0.50 - $1.25 |
Stainless Steel | $1.50 - $3.00 |
Gutter Guard Cost per Square Foot
The industry norm for gutter guard quotes is in linear feet, but you may be asked for the square footage of your home by installation professionals. As a rough estimate, expect to pay between $2 - $10 per square foot.
Cost Comparison of Popular Gutter Guard Brands
Check out the guide below for a rough estimate of the cost of the most popular gutter guard brands.
Keep in mind that The cost of installing a gutter guard depends on many factors, including location and the size of the job, so for an accurate estimate, it's best to contact a professional or navigate to the sites mentioned below.
LeafFilter Gutter Guard Cost
LeafFilter is one of the most famous gutter guard brands in the US, having installed over 100m feet of gutter guards in the US alone.
For a cost estimate, head on over to the Leaf Filter website. Depending on your own circumstances, expect to pay between $15 - $40 per foot.
LeafFilter offers discounts for seniors as well as flexible payment options.
Mastershield Gutter Guard Cost
Mastershield gutter guards boast an automatic cleaning mechanism, making use of rainwater to clean your gutter as it drains away. What's more, copper filters will kill bacteria and fungus that forms on gutters over time.
Mastershield gutter guard ranges between $17 - $20 per foot, but the price for a single application varies greatly depending on the size of the house and the length of the gutter system.
For an accurate quote, head on over to the Mastershield website.
Leaf Guard Gutter System Cost
LeafGuard is an innovative gutter system that contains a large gutter bottom and a unique curved deflector hood. This means that the system can be easily installed in any size or shape of the roof, and it creates a beautiful complement to the surrounding roofline.
LeafGuard gutters rely on the powerful principle of water tension and gravity to siphon water off of your roof and into your guttering.
On average, LeafGuard materials cost between $10 - $30 per foot. Installed costs range between $12 - $35 per foot.
Valor Gutter Guard Cost
Valor offer four different types of gutter guards:
Naturally, the final cost of your gutter guard will depend on which option you choose. You can find details of your local installation expert on the Valor website. Expect to pay between $8 - $15 per foot.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does it cost to remove gutter guards?
Removing gutter guards can cost between $150 and $500, depending on the material the guards are made from and the size of your home.
You can save some money by doing the job yourself, but if you're not sure what you're doing, it's better to hire a professional.
Should I remove gutter guards in winter?
Gutter covers are a popular way to protect your home, but there's a lot of conflicting information out there on when you should remove them in winter. As a general rule, you should take them off during the winter, but there are some exceptions.
The best way to answer that question is to look at the way your gutters are constructed. If they are made of metal, they probably have an aluminum channel at the top of the gutter that holds the gutter guard in place. If that's the case, you can leave the gutter guards in place year-round.
Is it normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain?
No, it isn't normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain. If your gutters seem to be overflowing, you might be having trouble with a clog. Clogs can be caused by many things, including leaves, twigs, insects, and more.
This is a good indication that your home can benefit from having a gutter guard installed.
Do gutter guards prevent ice dams?
Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging up your gutters, but they don't prevent ice dams.
Gutter guards certainly don't solve the problem of ice dams. That's because ice dams form from the top down, not the bottom up. Ice dams happen when warm air rises into the snow-lined gutters. The snow melts and then refreezes at the top of the gutter, forming a dam.
Which brand is the most popular with homeowners?
LeafFilter is the most popular brand of gutter guard in the US, boasting almost 800,000 customers and over 100 million feet of gutter guards installed.
Conclusion
Gutter guards are an excellent way to prevent your gutters from becoming clogged and causing expensive water damage to your home. Spending some time deciding the best gutter guard for your circumstance is a wise choice.
We hope this article has been useful in helping you pick between the many available options on the market today.
Holly Curell is the editor extraordinaire for Plumbing Lab. Having grown up in Michigan, Holly has spent time living in New York, Virginia, & currently North Carolina, where she lives with her husband & family. Holly loves DIY & has years of experience with at-home plumbing problems that arise from having 3 kids & living in colder climates. When she’s not writing about her plumbing knowledge, Holly enjoys reading, hiking & relaxing with family.