How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost (2023)

Gutter guards can be a lifesaver for homeowners that have trees surrounding their homes. When tree debris falls on the roof, it eventually falls down into the gutters and gets caught. When gutters get clogged, they don’t work to properly remove water from the roof of the home. Installing gutter guards is a great way to help protect the foundation of your home and to save you the cost of having your gutters cleaned.

It’s important to remember that gutter guards will have two costs associated with them. Those costs include the material and the labor. For some homeowners, the material costs will be the only affordable part of this process, and a DIY installation becomes necessary. However, a few factors must be considered before going the DIY route.

What Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost?

The first major part of this process is deciding which type of gutter guard you would like for your home. Some gutter guards are more expensive than others, so understanding their functionality is vital. 

For instance, a micro-mesh screen is more expensive than a plastic PVC screen, but the longevity and durability of the micro-mesh tend to be a bit better. Micro-mesh gutter guards allow for the best water flow while capturing all the debris that wants to clog the gutters. 

When you hire a professional gutter company to come in and install new gutter guards, they will not break down the material and labor costs for you. These companies try to negotiate a package price that includes labor and materials. 

As a homeowner, it is essential to understand what the materials will cost to know you are getting a good deal on your home gutter guard installation. Remember that some of these gutter guards are easier to install than others. For instance, a foam gutter guard is quite simple to work with, and its pricing is a bit higher; however, the durability is not as good. 

The features and benefits of each gutter guard type need to be weighed before deciding on the next steps of hiring a gutter guard installation company. 

MATERIAL	AVERAGE COST PER LINEAR FOOT FOR MATERIALS	Average Cost for 250 Linear Feet
Plastic PVC Screen	$0.35 to $1.13	$185
Aluminum Perforated Cover	$0.67 to $1.33	$250
Metal Mesh Guard	$1.16 to $2.75	$487
Steel Screen	$1.50 to $3.17	$583
Micro-Mesh	$2 to $3.50	$687
Foam Guard	$2.17 to $4.25	$802
Brush Guard	$3.12 to $4.50	$952
Surface Tension Gutter	$3.58 to $6.69	$1,282

Handyman or Local Contractor Installation

When you hire a local contractor to install gutter guards for you, the rate you pay will be in addition to the materials you have already purchased. The typical labor cost per linear foot will range from $1.93 to $3.88 per linear foot. Remember that these costs will be impacted by the type of gutter guard you are installing. 

It’s also important to remember that the labor costs are slightly lower with a handyman or local contractor. However, they are typically not experts in gutters and gutter guard installation if it’s not the brand product you bought. They will likely not be offering a warranty with the completed project either. 

Full-Service Gutter Guard Installation

The full-service gutter guard installation is the highest-priced option but tends to provide the most benefit. If you do not want to research the materials or try to find and hire a local handyperson, you can use a full-service gutter installation contractor. These contractors will come to your home, handle all the measurements, help you decide on a gutter type and then complete the entire installation of the project. 

The full-service gutter guard companies usually charge between $5.75 and $12.25 per linear foot. The pricing will vary depending on which type of gutter you choose. This is the most expensive of the options that you have when it comes to gutter guard installation. 

However, most gutter guard companies offer a warranty of at least a few years. A contract like this will ensure that any work done will be repairable should an issue arise. 

In addition, these full-service gutter guard installation companies will likely be licensed and insured. Anytime you have people working on ladders around your home, insurance and licensing are crucial factors to consider.  

Average Price of Materials Only (per linear foot)	Average Price of Labor Only (per linear foot)	Average Price of Full-Service Gutter Guard Company (per linear foot)
$0.68 to $7.50	$1.93-$3.88	$5.75 to $12.25
Average Price of Materials Only (per 250 feet)	Average Price of Labor Only (per 250 linear feet)	Average Price of Full-Service Gutter Guard Company (per 250 linear feet)
$1,022	$726	$2,025
Total Cost For Materials And Installation DIY	Total Cost for Labor and Installation Materials Purchased and Local Handyman	Total Cost for Labor and Installation Professional Gutter Service
$1,022	$1,748	$2,025

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Types of Gutter Guards

Some gutter guards are much easier to install than others. If you are worried about the gutter guard installation costs, try to choose a material that is easy to install. Talk to a professional about the variation in labor rates based on the materials selected for the gutter guard. There are six gutter guards available, and installation cost depends on the chosen type.

Micro-mesh and Mesh

Micro-mesh guards are known as the most popular. These are typically high in pricing and call for professional installation, which drives up the price. However, this type is exceptionally durable as they are made from metal with tiny holes to keep debris out of the gutter.

Mesh gutter guards are one of the best leaf guards. Its small holes keep small and large debris out but still allow water flow. These range from mid-high in pricing and usually require professional installation but are durable, much like the micro-mesh guards.

Screen

Screen gutter guards are low to mid-priced but can typically be installed yourself. They are suitable for blocking out large debris but usually require cleaning once per year to maintain their structure and durability.

Reverse Curve/Surface Tension

This type of gutter guard is the most expensive. They are installed underneath roof shingles, making them visible from the ground. However, this type keeps out almost all debris as the scrap falls down its slide, but the surface tension allows the water to flow into the gutter.

Foam

Foam gutter guards are relatively inexpensive and can be installed yourself. Foam guards are not remarkably durable but are easy to install and can be bought on Amazon or your nearest Home Depot. Debris can collect on top of them, so they need to be cleaned a few times yearly.

Brush

Brush gutter guards are like foam because they are DIY guards with a low price point. A brush gutter guard can be installed without professional help and requires cleaning off large debris several times a year. However, brush guards will typically fit into any size gutter.

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Other Installation Cost Factors to Consider

The gutter guard installation cost will vary depending on a few factors. Depending on where you live, the type of home you have, and the gutters you want to be installed, expect to see a fluctuation in labor.  

Local Labor Rates

Depending on your home’s location, how much it costs to install gutter guards will vary. Labor rates are higher in high-income areas where homes are worth quite a bit of money. These homeowners typically expect only the best licensed and insured contractors and will pay higher local labor rates. After being a homeowner for a few years, you should have a good handle on your local labor rates. 

Height of the Roof

The height of the roof can impact the total cost you pay for gutter guard installation. Very high roofs with gutters will increase the risk that a gutter guard contractor has to take. This is a problem because of the increased insurance that they may be subject to. Customers should expect to pay more for gutter guard installation if they have a very high roof.

Obstacles

Sometimes, obstacles around the home make the gutter guard installation process take a bit longer. Whether this includes gutters installed in hard-to-reach areas or trees and other foliage blocking the gutter guard professionals’ way, the labor costs could go up. 

Gutter Guard DIY vs. Professional Installation

Gutter guard professional installation and handling are more costly than installing them yourself due to high labor and material costs. In addition, there is typically a warranty associated with a gutter installation that will ensure you are covered for years to come.

The higher pricing of this option makes many homeowners consider eliminating professional gutter guard installation. You will need to independently handle the gutter guard installation to eliminate these costs. Take a look at the factors to consider before installing your gutter guards yourself. 

• Safety: There is no way around the fact that you will need to be on a ladder while completing this project. Standing on a ladder and working with both hands to install gutter guards takes a bit of understanding and balance. If, for any reason, you feel as though you may not be sturdy enough to make your way around the entire home safely, call in the professionals. 
• Cost: The cost will be quite a bit cheaper to handle gutter guard installation on your own. Although gutter guards bought on Amazon may seem cheaper to purchase and install, gutter guards from a company like LeafFitler are significantly more durable, with better longevity and reliability.
• Product Selection & Measurement: When you order your gutter guards for a DIY installation, you must do your measurements and calculations before ordering. You can take our word for it on this one; if you don’t have extensive experience, there will likely be a few mistakes. There will likely be trial and error in finding the best gutter guards for your existing gutters without professional installation.
• Longevity: Most gutter guard professionals will include a warranty with the installation of their product. For homeowners that do this project independently, the warranty of the materials could even be void. Try to balance your desire to save money with the overall quality of the result.

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Our Recommendation

Finding the perfect gutter guard brand for your home can be difficult when there are several companies to choose from. House Method’s experts have compared costs, installation difficulty, materials, warranty policy, customer reviews, and more on each provider, so you don’t have to. Here are our recommended companies to go with:

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LeafFilter

LeafFilter used patented technology to create its 275-micron steel micro-mesh gutter guard. The company has an A+ with the Better Business Bureau with thousands of positive customer reviews on the BBB and Yelp. LeafFilter’s leading gutter guard keeps all types of debris out of your gutters while allowing water to flow through for proper drainage. Unlike any other company on the market, the company also offers a transferable lifetime warranty.

LeafFilter’s long-lasting and patented system is installed by professionals directly onto your home. By entering your zip code on their website, you can receive a free in-person estimate on the cost of LeafFilter gutter guards. LeafFilter also offers the installation of new gutters if the ones in your home are ineffective or will not work with their gutter guards.

Read our in-depth LeafFilter review for more information.

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All American Gutter Protection

All American Gutter Protection is a well-known gutter manufacturer that makes a 100% Aluminum body with stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard. The aluminum metal used for the guard makes it extremely long-lasting and durable in harsh weather and large debris. The micro-mesh allows water to flow through the guard while blocking out large debris, and the guard won’t bend or warp under pressure.

This company offers full professional installation in 13 states across the US and comes with a lifetime warranty. Another unique offering from this company is military and senior discounts, which all gutter guard providers don’t offer.

Read our All American Gutter Protection review for more information.

Final Verdict: Are Gutter Guards Worth The Cost?

Gutter guard installation costs can be challenging to manage because there are many factors that play into the total price. The price will change depending on where you live, the type of gutter guard chosen, and the individual you select to complete the project. However, even with this variation in cost, homeowners can greatly benefit from gutter guards installed on their homes. Whether you go with DIY or professional installation, gutter guards protect your home’s foundation and keep your gutters clog-free; they are an essential addition to your home. When you get a quote for gutter guard installation on your home, consider how it compares to other options on the market.

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How we Ranked, Reviewed, and Tested the Best Gutter Guards

Here, we’ve broken down our rating methodology for gutter guards. You should know that we’ve taken the utmost care to provide the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you make the best choice for your budgetary and home maintenance needs.

Why Trust House Method? Our Gutter Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 gutter guards so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each gutter guard and gutter guard provider company according to our gutter ranking methodology.

We also dug into the details of each gutter guard to ensure that you could make the best decisions for your home and keep your gutters debris-free for years to come.

To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best gutter guards based on the following criteria:

• Material: Material durability was the single most important factor that went into our rating methodology for gutter guards. Whether they were stainless steel micro-mesh or plastic screening, we gave an in-depth rating for this criteria.
• Debris Resistance: Our testing served as the primary evaluator for this factor. We curated a rating based on customer testimonials and our own in-house testing here.
• Ease of Installation: Most of the gutter guard options listed have some DIY component involved. For this reason, guards that required the fewest specialty tools got the highest rating here.
• Cost: How reasonable are prices in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
• Warranty terms: We looked into the warranty of lifetime warranty terms if it is offered by the provider.
• Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
• Buying process: if the gutter guard is a DIY installation, how easy is the buying process? We looked for shipping costs and shipping time, as well as where the product can be bought from.

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