How Much Does Gutter Protection Cost?
One of the hardest working features of your home may be the gutter system, and you should protect it at all costs.
Cracked foundations, ruined landscaping, stained or discolored siding, decaying exterior walls, peeling paint, rotting roofing, animal nesting and insect invasions can all be attributed, in part, to faulty or inadequate gutter drainage systems.
Protecting your gutters drastically reduces the risk of getting gutter-related water damage repair bills that commonly cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars to fix.
That leads both residential and commercial property owners to struggle to find ways to protect their first line of defense against water damage.
The national average cost of installing gutter protection varies depending on a number of factors. Here are approximate prices according to Home Guide.
| Average Cost of Gutter Guards per Linear Foot (material only) | $0.25 to $6.00 |
| Average Cost of Gutter Guard Installation by a Handyman per Linear Foot | $1.85 to $3.75 |
| Average Cost of Complex Gutter Guard Installation by Professional Gutter Company per Linear Foot | $7.50 to $12.00 |
| Total Averages (Material and Installation) | $570 to $1,529 |
Here’s what you’ll find in our Gutter Protection Cost Guide:
- What is Gutter Protection?
- How are Gutter Protection Costs Calculated?
- Types of Gutter Protection Materials and Costs
- Well-Known Gutter Protection Brands and Costs
- DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Gutter Installer
- Additional Ways to Protect Your Gutters
What is Gutter Protection?
Gutter protection, also known as gutter guards, leaf filters or gutter covers are installed over existing gutter lines to prevent large-scale debris like leaves, pine needles, tree branches, twigs and animals from settling (or making habitats) in your drainage system. Gutter protection comes in various styles, colors and materials to suit every aesthetic and budget.
These types of debris often create dense clogs that block water from being channelled away from the house, which can lead to extensive water damage.
How are Gutter Protection Costs Calculated?
Many factors go into calculating an accurate quote for gutter protection. An expert will consider the following aspects when determining the actual cost of materials and installation.
- Type of material selected (aluminum, foam, steel, plastic, etc.)
- Brand of gutter guard selected (some require more intensive installation processes)
- Gutter accessibility (steep cliff, overgrown landscaping, etc.)
- Location of services (urban vs. rural, cost of living, etc.)
- Length of gutters required
- How many stories of gutters are currently installed on the home
- Length of time since your last gutter cleaning (they must be cleaned before gutter protection is installed)
- Roof size and pitch
- Gutter width/size
If planning to install your own gutter guards, take accurate measurements and ensure you purchase enough material. If you decide to hire a professional service to buy and install, you can expect them to visit your home to gather information for an estimate.
Types of Gutter Protection Materials and Costs
Various gutter protection materials available on the market today, each with very different features, looks and price points. However, all claim to function in similar ways – they work to keep the large debris items Mother Nature throws our way from accumulating and clogging your gutters.
Depending on where you live, the cost per linear foot of material, as well as the installation cost, can differ but below are the average prices of material only according to Home Advisor.
For example, if your house resides near the coast, you may need to consider a material that can withstand excess salt in the air. Or, if your home is preserved as a historical site, you may be required to choose a different type of gutter guard material.
Mesh and Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Mesh and Micro-Mesh gutter guards contain a tight weave that doesn’t allow large debris to penetrate the gutter runs – it tends to lay on top. This cover requires professional installation, and we don’t recommend it as a DIY project.
Foam Gutter Guards
Perfect for homeowners who are great with do-it-yourself home projects, foam gutter guards are easily installed over current gutter runs and keep leaves and branches from falling into your gutters. However, they will not keep dirt, dust and pollen away, so they require the homeowner to clean these regularly.
Screen Gutter Guards
Screen-type gutter guards are similar to the screens on your windows or storm doors. They can be ordered in either plastic or steel-screen material to keep out leaves, large pine needles and other large debris.
Brush Gutter Guards
Bristle-laden gutter guards, also called brush gutter guards, capture leaves and other types of debris from entering the gutter runs and are great at keeping out large items. But, small pieces often still accumulate in the lines.
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-$4 | $400-$800 |
| Foam Gutter Guards | $2-$3.50 | $400-$650 |
| Plastic Screen Gutter Guards | $0.40-$1 | $50-$200 |
| Steel Screen Gutter Guards | $1.50-$3.50 | $300-$700 |
| Brush Gutter Guards | $3-$4.25 | $600-$900 |
Well-Known Gutter Protection Brands and Costs
There is a slew of well-known gutter protection brands, each with its own features and styles to match varying customer preferences and budgets.
Leaf Relief
Supported in the front and back of your gutters, Leaf Relief gutter guards protect from debris, snow and ice from getting inside the gutter basins while permitting water flow. Made of aluminum or copper, Leaf Relief comes with a warranty that does not void your existing roof warranty.
EasyOn
With two easy installation options (tape or screw), EasyOn gutter guards lend themselves to DIY installation and are made from aluminum or stainless-steel mesh. They work with any style of roof, and the kit includes everything you need.
RainDrop
RainDrop gutter guards are more of a tight, grill-style polypropylene that blocks large leaves and branches from entering gutters. RainDrop is made with durable materials and works with any type of roof. In addition, its Flex Range system can be modified for gutter widths between four and ten inches.
Gutterglove
Made of stainless steel or aluminum micro-mesh, Gutterglove gutter guards keep out debris and even roof grit from traditional shingles while allowing water to flow through your gutters as intended. They can be professionally installed or completed as a DIY project.
K-Guard
K-Guard offers a Lifetime No-Clog Warranty through their individual dealers. These are shaped more like a helmet for your gutters and are secured with polymer hangers. K-Guard gutter guards guide water into the gutters and debris slides off the top.
Valor
With a raised “S” design on the mesh gutter guards, Valor keeps water flowing while stopping debris from entering the gutters. They also have a strip of zinc to keep moss and algae from growing.
MasterShield
MasterShield gutters are pitched like your roof to ensure everything falls off the front – except rainwater. They are made with pure copper material to take care of roofing oils. Their micro-mesh guards use HydroVortex technology to keep water from overflowing and clogs from accumulating.
Gutter Helmet
Just as the name describes, Gutter Helmet gutter guards do not have mesh or screen inserts but are more like a helmet installed over existing gutters to guide water in and keep junk out. If installed by a local dealer, they come with a lifetime warranty.
Bulldog
An aluminum insert with a design similar to a colander, Bulldog gutter guards fit snugly into your gutters and protect them from getting clogged with debris. Available in different colors, they fit any gutter style and do not damage existing roofing because they are attached to the front and back of gutters.
LeafFilter
LeafFilter gutter guards are also guaranteed with a lifetime, transferable warranty and are made from stainless steel micro-mesh. Unlike traditional micro-mesh designs, LeafFilter guards offer a finished look to your gutters, covering them from under the shingles to the front of your gutters.
LeafGuard
LeafGuard isn’t just a gutter guard but an entire seamless gutter system that also come with a guarantee. It has a patented debris-shedding design that channels water into the gutters while keeping the junk out. However, they must be professionally installed and are not conducive to DIY projects.
| Average Cost per Linear Foot of Gutter Guards per Brand | |
| Leaf Relief | $1.60-$3.00 |
| EasyOn | $2.00-$3.00 |
| RainDrop | $2.00-$5.00 |
| Gutterglove | $1.70-$2.50 |
| K-Guard | $7.00-$10.00 |
| Valor | $8.00-$11.00 |
| MasterShield | $17.00-$20.00 |
| Gutter Helmet | $15.00-$17.00 |
| Bulldog | $10.00-$14.00 |
| LeafFilter | $15.00-$35.00 |
| LeafGuard | $9.00-$32.00 |
DIY vs. Hiring an Expert Gutter Protection Installation Company
Some types and brands of gutter guards require professional installation to grant an installation and material warranty, while others are for DIY gurus. On average, the installation will add approximately $9.00 per linear foot of gutter guards to your final invoice.
Before making your final decision on contracting a pro or getting your hands dirty on your own, take note of your skillset and choose whether or not you might be doing more harm than good. Optimism is not your friend when it comes to making updates to the one feature that keeps your home repair costs down and your water damage prevention up.
Also, consider whether you have the tools needed to install them safely and accurately on your own. The costs could skyrocket for you if you have to purchase expensive equipment to get them installed, including two to three-story extension ladders, ladder stabilizers, attachment tools and safety gear.
While it costs more to have them installed by a professional, it will take them a fraction of the time it would for you to do the job. In addition, their work is protected by company liability insurance to ensure your home, your family and the contractors are safe.
Additional Ways to Protect Your Gutters
Aside from installing gutter guards or covers at your home, there are additional ways to protect them from devastating clogs.
First, create a seasonal gutter maintenance routine. With the changing weather comes a great reason to take a stroll around the property and check for signs of water damage and gutter health. Cleaning the gutters, fixing small leaks and checking that gutter and downspout fasteners are secure will ensure small issues are taken care of before they become much larger, more expensive ones.
Another tip is to keep trees and bushes trimmed near your gutter lines to avoid excess debris from getting in the gutters in the first place. While creating a beautiful property, trees are the leading cause of gutter debris and damage, but annually maintaining your foliage can help.
Final Thoughts
Gutter guards come in many shapes, sizes, styles, widths and installation requirements, which, of course, have different price points.
Analyze your specific needs, and review the costs associated with gutter guards and installation methods before finally deciding whether gutter guards are suitable for your home. Remember, cleaning your gutters twice a year (or more) can be a bit of a drag for homeowners who cannot clean their gutters or who just have other plans for their weekend.
Additional references used for inspiration: