How much does gutter guard installation cost?
How much does gutter guard installation cost?
$15 – $45 cost per linear foot (pro installation)
$3,000 – $9,000 average total installed cost (200 LF)
$1 – $5 cost per linear foot (DIY)
$200 – $1,000 average total DIY cost (200 LF)
Average gutter guard cost
Gutter guards cost $3,000 to $9,000 on average with professional installation, or $200 to $1,000 for the materials alone. The cost of gutter guard installation depends on the type, material, and the home size and shape. Professional gutter guard installation typically includes high-quality materials and a lengthy warranty.
The table below reflects the average cost for 200 linear feet of gutter guards with professional installation.
| National Average Cost | $6,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $600 |
| Maximum Cost | $14,000 |
| Average Range | $3,000 to $9,000 |
Most homes have gutter lengths of about 1/10 the home's square footage.
Clogged gutters can cause floods in crawlspaces or basements, cracks in foundations, and ice dams that can lead to dangerously slippery walkways and driveways.
Gutter guard prices by type
Gutter guard prices range from $0.50 to $10.00+per linear foot for the material alone, depending on the type. Brush, foam, and screen style gutter guards are the most DIY friendly options. Reverse curve gutter guards typically require professional installation but may last longer than their DIY alternatives.
| Gutter guard type | Average material price* | Best for | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush | $2.00 – $4.00 |
|
10 – 20 |
| Foam | $1.50 – $3.50 |
|
2 – 5 |
| Micro-mesh | $2.00 – $5.00 |
|
3 – 10+ |
| Perforated aluminum | $0.50 – $2.00 |
|
10 – 20+ |
| Plastic screen | $0.50 – $1.00 |
|
3 – 6 |
| Steel screen | $1.50 – $5.00 |
|
5 – 10+ |
|
Surface tension / reverse curve / gutter helmets |
$3.50 – $10.00 |
|
10 – 20+ |
*Average material price. Installation not included.
Brush
Brush gutter guards cost $2 to $4 per linear foot before installation. This large, heavy, plastic bristle brush sits inside the gutter and protects it from large debris while allowing water to flow through. Smaller debris like pine needles or seeds can collect in the bristles, often requiring frequent maintenance.
Foam
Foam gutter guards cost $1.50 to $3.50 per linear foot and are easy to install DIY. The foam sits in the gutter, letting water through but keeping debris out. Foam gutter guards are budget-friendly but not long lasting and can become breeding grounds for mold and fungus if not maintained properly.
Check foam gutter guards regularly. Seeds can take root in the foam and become a fire hazard.
Micro-mesh
Micro-mesh gutter guard prices range from $2.00 to $5.00 per linear foot before installation, depending on the material. These plastic, steel, or aluminum guards are fine mesh with much smaller holes than typical screens, blocking smaller debris but also more susceptible to clogging.
Reverse curve
Reverse curve gutter guards cost $3.50 to $10.00 per linear foot before labor. These guards cover the gutter top, with the front edge curving backwards into the gutter. When installed correctly, debris falls off but surface tension causes water to flow over the cover and back along the curve into the gutter.
Reverse curve gutter guards are also called "gutter helmets" or "surface tension" gutter guards and typically require professional installation.
Screens
Plastic screen gutter guards cost $0.50 to $1.00 per linear foot and are DIY-friendly to install. Plastic screens work well to keep out large debris, but smaller particles typically still get through. Plastic screen gutter guards are budget friendly but do not last long or hold up well in extreme weather.
Steel screen gutter guards cost $1.50 to $5.00 per linear foot for the material alone. Steel screens install easily and last much longer than plastic screen gutter guards. These guards may protect gutters from both large and small debris, depending on the size of the holes in the screen.
Look for powder coated steel screen gutter guards, otherwise the screen may rust and require more frequent replacing.
Gutter guard cost calculator
Major factors impacting gutter guard installation cost are the size of your home, the gutter guard material, and whether you choose DIY or professional installation.
Other factors that influence gutter guard installation cost include:
Gutter size – Most gutters are 5" or 6" wide, but gutters can range from 4" to 7". Larger gutters are best for areas with frequent heavy rains.
Installation type – Snap-in gutter guards are ideal for DIY installation. Some gutter guards, such as reverse curve systems, are more complicated to install and best left to a professional.
Brand & quality – High-end brands cost more but typically use better quality materials and often come with longer warranties.
Installation complexity – Installing gutter guards on a multiple story home or one with a steep-pitched roof takes longer and requires extra safety measures. Homes with complex structural designs typically require more materials and labor than a simple rectangular home with straight gutter runs.
Roof type – Some gutter guards only work with certain roof types, limiting the options and price range for some homes.
Time of year – Fall and spring tend to be the busiest seasons for gutter guard services, so gutter guard installation may cost more during this time due to the increased demand.
Climate – Installing a heated cable along with the gutter guards increases the cost but helps prevent dangerous ice dams for homes that get a lot of ice and snow.
Talk to a local gutter guard installer to determine which material and style will work best for home and climate. The perfect gutter guard for you depends on your region and the type of debris falling around your home.
DIY vs. professional
The labor cost to install gutter guards is $3 to $20+ per linear foot, depending on the type and job complexity. Installing gutter guards yourself saves money on labor, but you may need additional tools and the installation may be challenging or dangerous if you have a complex or multi-story home.
Professionally installed gutter guards typically use high-quality materials and come with a warranty.
Material costs
Gutter guard material prices range from $0.50 to $5.00+ per linear foot. Options include plastic, vinyl, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. In general, the more durable the material, the higher the cost.
Plastic is the cheapest but breaks and blows away easily.
Stainless steel costs more but is much more durable and resists rust and corrosion.
Aluminum resists rust and corrosion but also dents easier than steel and may need more frequent repairs.
Copper is the most expensive but outlasts other materials and offers a cohesive look for homes with copper gutters.
Additional services
Depending on the condition of your existing gutters and accessibility of the area around them, additional services and costs may include:
Cleaning – Professional gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250, or $0.50 to $2.50 per linear foot.
Landscaping –Tree trimming costs $200 to $1,800 per tree, depending on the size.
Repairs
Gutter repairs cost $100 to $450 on average.
Soffit and fascia repairs cost $500 to $2,600, depending on the damage.
Replacement – New gutter installation costs $750 to $2,300 for 150 linear feet
Gutter guard companies
Professionally installed gutter guards cost more than DIY alternatives, but they typically involve higher-quality materials and come with a longer warranty. The table below shows details of some of the most popular professional gutter guard companies.
| Brand | Average installed cost (200 linear feet) |
Design | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| All American Gutter Protection | $2,000 – $4,000 | Micro-mesh | Lifetime |
| Gutter Helmet | $5,000 – $12,000 | Reverse-curve attachment | Triple lifetime, transferable |
| LeafFilter | $3,600 – $9,000 | Steel micro-mesh filter, uPVC frame | Lifetime, transferable |
| LeafGuard | $4,000 – $14,000 | All-in-one reverse-curve system | Lifetime, transferable |
Local gutter guard installers using lesser-known product brands may charge significantly less than these big-name companies. If you get a much cheaper bid for your gutter guard installation, ask the installer for the brand and type of gutter guards they use, and check reviews to see how they perform.
LeafGuard
LeafGuard costs $20 to $70 per linear foot installed. This higher price point is because LeafGuard is an all-in-one, seamless, reverse curve gutter system that replaces your existing gutters. The LeafGuard system is custom-cut and fitted on site by professionals and comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.
LeafFilter
LeafFilter gutter guards cost $18 to $45 per linear foot total and require professional installation. LeafFilter uses a surgical-grade stainless steel micro-mesh filter, a uPVC frame with a built-in pitch to keep debris from accumulating, and internal hangers that secure the system to the home's fascia board.
LeafFilter requires an in-person estimate appointment to give a total price, but the estimate is then valid for one year, giving you time to compare options and pricing.
Gutter Helmet
Gutter Helmet costs $25 to $60 per linear foot installed on average and is a patented, custom-fit gutter guard system with a "reverse curve" design that uses the principle of surface tension to allow water to flow freely into the gutters while keeping debris out of them.
Rather than a filter or screen that completely covers the gutter tops, Gutter Helmets are covers made from solid aluminum, with a front edge that curves back into the gutter. When angled correctly, debris falls away while water clings to the surface, flowing over the cover and into the gutter.
Gutter Helmet is a trademarked name for the company's patented design. However, other manufacturers make gutter guards that follow the same surface tension principle.
Gutter guard pros and cons
Gutter guards prevent debris build-up in your gutters, which can prevent damage that often comes from clogged gutters, like wall and ceiling damage, basement flooding, foundation problems, and pest issues. However, gutter guard effectiveness varies, and the gutters will still require some maintenance.
Consider the benefits and possible disadvantages of installing gutter guards before making your final decision:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Gutter guards FAQs
How do gutter guards work?
Gutter guards attach to the top of the gutters and act as a filter, letting water through but keeping leaves, pine needles, nests, and other debris from accumulating in the gutters. While material, design, and effectiveness vary, installing gutter guards typically reduces the frequency that your gutters need cleaning.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Gutter guards may be worth it if your gutters clog or need cleaning frequently or if you have trouble reaching the gutters to clean them safely. The initial expense for professional gutter guard installation can be high depending on the brand and material, but the long-term benefits may be worth it.
Do gutters with gutter guards need to be cleaned?
Yes. Gutters with gutter guards typically require less frequent maintenance than gutters without guards, but they still require some care. While the amount of maintenance required depends on local conditions and the type of gutter guards you install, most experts recommend gutter cleaning at least annually.
Do gutter guards work in heavy rain?
Most gutter guard companies state the products work in heavy rain. However, customer reports indicate that some reverse curve and fine mesh gutter guards don't perform as well during heavy rainfall—the fast-falling water falls off them instead of into the gutters.
Talk to neighbors or ask your gutter guard installer for local references to confirm the effectiveness of specific guard types in your area.
Getting estimates from gutter guard installers
Follow these important guidelines when searching for a gutter guard installer near you:
Compare at least 3 in-person estimates from companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Choose a gutter guard installer who is licensed, bonded, insured, and has positive customer feedback on sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Get a written contract and warranty from the company before they begin the installation.
Avoid the cheapest gutter guard installation estimate, as this often signals lower quality.
Don't pay in full until the job is complete.
Questions to ask gutter guard installers
Ask gutter guard installers these questions before the project starts:
How long have you been in business?
What type of gutter guards do you recommend for my home, and why?
How much rain can the gutter guard system handle?
Will the installation affect my roof at all?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs might come up during installation?
Who will be doing the installation, and what type of training do they have?
How long will the installation take?
Do you guarantee my gutters will not clog?
What does the warranty cover?
What ongoing maintenance, if any, is required after installation?
How will you protect my yard during the installation?
Who is my main point of contact during and after the installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.