Gutter guard installation costs $3,000 to $9,000 total on average for 200 linear feet of gutters, professionally installed. If you are DIY-savvy, gutter guard materials alone cost about $1 to $5 per linear foot, or $200 to $1,000 for 200 linear feet. Keep in mind, however, that DIY gutter guard installation may require additional tools that will increase your total cost of you don't already have them on hand.

Most gutter guards attach to the top of your gutters and act like a filter, letting water run through them into the gutters while simultaneously keeping leaves, pine needles, nests, and other debris from getting in. While you'll still probably still need to clean the gutters occasionally, gutters with gutter guards typically require less frequent maintenance than gutters alone.

Gutter guards might be worth it if your gutters tend to clog, if they need cleaning frequently, or if you have trouble reaching the gutters to be able to clean them safely. The upfront cost for professional gutter guard installation can be quite high depending on the brand and material, but the long-term benefits are worth considering. If your home has very few trees around it and you don't have to clean the gutters more than every year or two, gutter guards might not be worth the extra cost.

Yes! Gutters with guards typically need less maintenance than gutters without guards, but most still require some care to keep them functioning properly. This might involve keeping an eye on them and occasionally sweeping accumulated debris off the tops of the gutters. The amount and type of maintenance required depends on local conditions and the type of gutter guards you have, but most experts recommend cleaning the gutters at least once per year.

Most gutter guard companies state the products work in heavy rain, some claiming they work in rain heavier than the heaviest rainfall ever recorded. However, customer reports show that some surface tension and fine mesh gutter guards don't perform as well during heavy rainfall—the water falls off them instead of into the gutters.

Before installing gutter guards, talk to neighbors who have gutter guards or ask several gutter guard installation companies for local references to confirm the effectiveness of different gutter guard types in your region.

Follow these guidelines to help you choose the best gutter guard installation company near you:

• Compare 3 to 5 in-person estimates from companies that have been in business for more than 5 years.
• Choose a gutter guard company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and has positive customer feedback on sites like HomeGuide and Google.
• Get a contract and warranty from the company in writing before they begin the installation.
• Avoid the cheapest gutter guard installation quote, as this may indicate lower quality.
• Never pay in full until the job is complete.

The best gutter guard for your home greatly depends on your local climate and the type of debris you are dealing with. Ask these important questions to help you select the best gutter guard installer near you:

• How long have you been installing gutter guards in this area?
• What type of gutter guards do you recommend for my house, and why?
• How much rain can this gutter guard system handle?
• Will the installation affect my roofing?
• What does the estimate include?
• What additional costs might come up during the installation?
• Who will be installing the gutter guards, and what type of training do they have?
• How long will the installation take?
• Do you guarantee clog-free gutters?
• What does the warranty cover?
• What maintenance, if any, is needed once the gutter guards are installed?
• How do you protect the yard during the installation?
• Who is my point of contact during and after the installation?