How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?
For many who enjoy the picturesque landscape of wooded areas and have surrounded their properties with foliage that emits the most beautiful autumn colors, it’s a struggle to keep leaves, branches, twigs, and pine needles out of their gutter system.
Not only is junk piled up atop your home an eyesore, but it also prevents gutters from carrying out their primary purpose: keeping your home safe from wallet-busting water damage.
Gutter guards—often metal or vinyl covers installed over existing gutter systems—help prevent large-scale debris from settling inside gutter runs, creating blockages and preventing rainwater from being channeled at least 4 feet away from the home’s foundation.
These blockages can allow water to penetrate under the roofing material, guiding it up and out of the gutters (eroding the soil and exposing more of your foundation to the elements). They also sometimes cause devastating ice damming in locations subject to sub-freezing temperatures.
If you’re considering gutter guard installation for your home, you’re probably digging into the research process and looking into approximate costs.
You’ve come to the right place.
According to HomeAdvisor, average gutter guard costs in the United States range between $589 and $2181: with many homeowners seeing an average final bill of around $1381.
Average Low-End Cost of Gutter Guard Installation | National Average Cost of Gutter Guard Installation | Average High-End Cost of Gutter Guard Installation |
$589 | $1381 | $2181 |
However, it’s important to remember that many factors help determine the actual cost of gutter guard installation for your home.
Signs You Might Need Gutter Guards
If your home is situated in an extremely wooded area and you find that your gutters just aren’t functioning as they should, it may be time to consider gutter guards. When substantial amounts of leaves, twigs, birds’ nests, rodents, and pine needles settle in the gutter runs—or if you find that your gutters resemble window planters with abundant foliage due to accumulated dust and dirt cultivating the seeds therein—it’s time to think about gutter guards.
Here are some telltale signs your home is ripe for gutter guard installation:
Your gutters are beginning to loosen or sag away from fascia attachment points.
You notice staining or discoloration on your vinyl siding, painted exterior, decks, patios, and other outdoor surfaces.
You begin to notice insect infestation (e.g., mosquitoes) and/or animals that have made your gutters their new home.
You begin seeing mold and mildew growth in your attic or basement.
Your roofing shingles are starting to peel up near the gutter system.
Spending your weekends cleaning gutters once a month does not fit into your busy schedule.*
*Note: experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year—with or without gutter guards. Yet, in some rural or wooded areas, homeowners need to clean them on a more frequent basis.
Signs You Might Need Gutter Guards
If your home is situated in an extremely wooded area and you find that your gutters just aren’t functioning as they should, it may be time to consider gutter guards. When substantial amounts of leaves, twigs, birds’ nests, rodents, and pine needles settle in the gutter runs—or if you find that your gutters resemble window planters with abundant foliage due to accumulated dust and dirt cultivating the seeds therein—it’s time to think about gutter guards.
Here are some telltale signs your home is ripe for gutter guard installation:
Your gutters are beginning to loosen or sag away from fascia attachment points.
You notice staining or discoloration on your vinyl siding, painted exterior, decks, patios, and other outdoor surfaces.
You begin to notice insect infestation (e.g., mosquitoes) and/or animals that have made your gutters their new home.
You begin seeing mold and mildew growth in your attic or basement.
Your roofing shingles are starting to peel up near the gutter system.
Spending your weekends cleaning gutters once a month does not fit into your busy schedule.*
*Note: experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year—with or without gutter guards. Yet, in some rural or wooded areas, homeowners need to clean them on a more frequent basis.
How are Gutter Guard Costs Determined?
So many aspects specific to your home, current situation, location, and own personal needs are all wrapped up in both material-only quotes or those including professional installation. The material gutter guards are made of and whether you choose a name-brand manufacturer (with or without installation) will also affect the final bill.
Gutter Guard Types
There are four main types of gutter guards to choose from that differ in material types and, of course, cost. While price is always a significant factor impacting your gutter guard choice, the overall aesthetic look is also worth considering if your home is historic, has a specific architectural flair, or features a unique exterior color palette.
Gutter guards are made of steel, plastic, foam, copper, or aluminum: all of which will affect pricing and require careful consideration. While foam is often the least expensive, it may not hold up to utter cold and scorching hot temperatures whereas copper is great for wide temperature fluctuations but is sometimes rather pricey.
Mesh and Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Requiring professional installation, mesh and micro mesh gutter guards do a decent job keeping out all types of debris but they may still accumulate on top—just like with most gutter guards.
Foam Gutter Guards
Great for DIY enthusiasts, foam gutter guards easily install over existing gutter lines and successfully keep out large debris. Yet, just like other types, they are not great at preventing dirt, pine needles, dust, pollen, and other small leaves from infiltrating gutters.
Screen Gutter Guards
Resembling the screens gracing your windows or storm door, screen gutter guards feature both plastic and steel models. Small debris can still slip through since openings are somewhat larger than other types, but they successfully keep the large stuff out.
Brush Gutter Guards
Just as the name implies, these types of gutter guards use bristles to capture leaves and other debris to keep them out of your gutters. They are great for large items, but smaller pieces of junk often still get through.
Gutter Guard Types | Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Material Only) | Average Cost Per 200 Linear Feet (Average Home Size, Material Only) |
| Mesh Gutter Guards | $2.00-$4.00 | $400-$800 |
| Foam Gutter Guards | $2.00-$3.50 | $400-$650 |
| Plastic Screen Gutter Guards | $0.40-$1.00 | $50-$200 |
| Steel Screen Gutter Guards | $1.50-$3.50 | $300-$700 |
| Brush Gutter Guards | $3.00-$4.25 | $600-$900 |
Gutter Guard Brands
There are plenty of gutter guard brands on the market today, each with slightly different features and pricing depending on personal preference and the look each homeowner is seeking. They all claim to do the same thing: keep leaves, branches, and pine needles from settling in gutters. Many offer a generous warranty.
LeafGuard
LeafGuard’s patented design guides debris off the guard and onto the lawn while channeling water into the gutter runs. Professional installation is required due to their one-piece design that includes both the gutters and guard system covers that are custom-made and fabricated per your specific measurements. The average cost per linear foot (including installation) is between $15 and $45.
Master Shield
Featuring revolutionary technology and micro filter gutter protection, Master Shield gutter covers work to self-clean any roof oils that lead to gutter clogs when mixed with debris. Covers are pitched with roof I-beams for added strength and require professional installation, as an adjustable heating element addresses icing issues as well. Prices range between $15 and $21 per linear foot and include both material and installation costs.
EasyOn
Compatible with any roof or gutter type, EasyOn guards feature stainless steel covers with steel micro mesh and are designed with sturdy tape and screw installation in mind—perfect for any DIY lover. The least expensive among branded options, these gutter guards will set you back between $3 and $4 per linear foot for materials only (installation costs are additional).
RainDrop
Ranging between $4 and $5 per linear foot for only the material, RainDrop gutter guards are also DIY-friendly and contain a polypropylene grid-type system in pre-set lengths with simple mounting options.
All American Gutter Protection
All American Gutter Protection gutter guards are made of aluminum mesh, perfect for massive temperature fluctuations and inclement weather. They will cost homeowners between $15 and $20 for materials and installation (per linear foot).
Professional Installation Costs
Depending on where you live in the United States, gutter guard installation costs will vary. On average, however, expect to pay around $9 per linear foot. For example, professional gutter guard installation in downtown Washington, DC is perhaps more expensive than in rural Oklahoma due to cost-of-living disparities.
Another example: in the event you live in New York City, installation labor costs could range between $6 and $16 per linear foot, but if you’re located in Des Moines, Iowa, you might see lower prices in the $4 to $7 range.
Installation line items on invoicing will also depend on gutter guard type, the attachment process, gutter accessibility at your home, and of course, the height of your home.
DIY vs. Professional Help
If you’re great with home improvement tasks and projects, you may be tempted to DIY your gutter guard installation to save an average of $9 per linear foot. However, before making your final decision, there are a few things to consider.
For example, go in knowing your DIY project success will ultimately depend on the material and branded gutter guard products you choose. As previously mentioned, some gutter guards require professional installation due to an associated warranty and/or complex installation process.
If you select a gutter guard meant for those with home improvement talents, be sure to arm yourself accordingly with ladders that reach your gutter runs on second or third-story areas, safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury, tools appropriate for the gutter guard attachment type, and of course, the time necessary to install them.
When hiring a professional installation company, you will obviously pay more in labor costs but will want to consider the cost of purchasing your own equipment (if you don’t already own it) and that your team of experts perform this work all day, every day—and are thus quite good at it. Professionals can install your gutter guards in a fraction of the time with the added benefit of full liability insurance, should something go wrong.
It’s up to you to set your priorities and make your decision based on all available considerations.
Standard Gutter Guard Installation Process
For any DIYers or homeowners curious about what goes into safe and long-lasting gutter guard installation, let’s examine the standard installation process. Keep in mind that depending on the type of gutter guard chosen, installation steps may vary. This article will zero in on the screw-mounted gutter guard installation method.
Before purchasing gutter guards, it’s important to measure your gutter width to ultimately secure gutter guards that actually fit your gutters. Common gutter widths include 5 and 6 inches. Also measure the length of your gutters to purchase the correct amount of material beforehand.
Screw-Mounted Gutter Guard Installation
Screw-mounted installation is preferable to ensure high winds and other inclement weather conditions won’t disrupt the purpose of your gutter guards and/or detach them from the drainage system: rendering them useless and cluttering your yard.
Step 1
Read all manufacturer instructions for safety risks, necessary tools, and installation requirements before beginning your DIY installation.
Step 2
If mounting brackets are included, the first step is to install them. To ensure a water-tight seal, consider using gutter sealant around the screws when attaching them to the gutters or fascia board.
Step 3
Carefully loosen the last row of shingles (only slightly) to slide the gutter guard up underneath them. Use caution as to not loosen any underlayment or waterproofing paper installed underneath your shingles to protect your roof.
Step 4
Secure the gutter guard lip (facing outward from your home) to the gutter with the included self-tapping metal screws, meaning no pre-drilling is required. If your guards don’t include screws, consult manufacturer directions or use 2-inch self-tapping sheet metal screws from your local home improvement store.
Step 5
Miter the corners, where needed, to ensure full coverage. Use a miter box and cut at a 45-degree angle to match your existing gutter runs. Check your angles with a protractor before cutting to ensure the 45-degree angle is correct—knowing older houses can shift over time. Follow the old adage of “measure twice before cutting” as a good rule of thumb to prevent wasted material.
Step 6
Use gutter sealant or roofing cement to seal around the screws, ensuring water doesn’t seep through the screw holes and out of your gutters.
Step 7
Trim any excess gutter guard material from the end cap areas of your gutter runs. If guards are made of metal, mesh, or any other sharp material, be sure to wear safety gloves and glasses. Tin snips work well for this step.
Is Gutter Cleaning Still Required Following Gutter Guard Installation?
The short answer? Absolutely. While gutter guards and covers do prevent large leaves, sticks, pine needles, and animal nests from accumulating in the gutter lines, it does not stop smaller junk from penetrating guards. Dust, dirt, smaller leaves, and seeds can still get through gutter guard drainage holes—with the small stuff making for the tightest clogs.
Even with gutter guards, it’s crucial to clean your gutters at least twice per year to ensure they function properly and continue to perform their water-channeling duties. The spring after your local storm season passes and again after all autumn leaves render the trees barren are the two times of year ripe for a thorough gutter cleaning. If you live among a plethora of debris-dropping trees and foliage, it may be necessary to engage in cleaning tasks a bit more often.
Final Thoughts
You may find yourself asking: “Are gutter guards worth the expense?”
Answer: That decision is completely up to you and your own specific situation.
If you constantly need to clean your gutters because every time you turn around, they’re chock-full of debris once again, gutter guards might help save you time (and your back!). However, keep in mind that even after gutter guards are installed, you may still have to drag out the ladder, hoses, and safety gear to clean them twice a year. Gutter guards are great for keeping the big junk out, but minute pieces of debris still typically get in.
Once you’ve decided gutter guards are right for you, keep a few things in mind when making your final choice with respect to the type, brand, and installation method. Costs will vary based on your location. Do you live on a steep hill? Is your home surrounded by lush bushes, making it more challenging for a professional to access your gutters? These seemingly small details add to labor costs.
When deciding to install your own gutter guards, use caution to stay safe and install them per manufacturer instructions. Keep in mind that some types of gutter guards may void your roofing warranty, so it’s a great idea to contact your roof warranty company before placing an order or contracting an expert gutter guard installation team.
Cleaning your gutters is often a time-sucker and a bit of a pain, but it’s a necessary home maintenance task that must be performed to preserve your home’s features and reduce the extensive risk of gutter-related water damage. Gutter guards could help.