Are you tired of having to clean out your gutters every year? Are you looking for an easier way to care for the exterior of your home with minimal maintenance effort? If so, gutter guards could be just what you need. Gutter protection systems are designed to prevent clogs by blocking leaves and other debris from entering and getting stuck in the gutters. But how much do gutter guards cost, and how can they benefit your home?

This blog post will explore the cost of gutter guards and tips to keep costs down when shopping around for different options. Read on to get the answer to the question, “how much do gutter guards’ cost.”

What are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards are protective covers that fit over the top of your gutters and prevent leaves and other debris from getting inside. They come in many shapes and sizes, but their main idea is to allow water to flow into the gutters while keeping leaves, pine needles, twigs, shingle grit, and other forms of debris out of your gutters.

That way, you don’t have to worry about constantly cleaning out your gutters or dealing with the potential damage caused by clogged gutters.

Indeed, leaf guards create a physical barrier between your roof and your gutters. The most common type of gutter guard is a mesh screen that fits snugly over the top of the gutter. This mesh allows water to pass through while blocking out leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter system.

Other types of gutter guards include foam inserts, sloped hoods, and reverse curves that all work in different ways to keep debris out of your gutters.

The primary benefit of gutter guards is that they effectively keep debris out of your gutters without manually cleaning them every few weeks or months. Additionally, they can help reduce mold growth on siding and erosion around foundations due to clogged downspouts which can cause flooding around the house if not taken care of properly.

Remember, proper installation can also help protect against pests such as mosquitoes or birds nesting in areas near unprotected open gutters. Considering these benefits, installing a gutter protection system in your home or commercial property is a great investment. But how much do gutter guards cost?

Gutter Guard Installation Cost

The cost of installing gutter guards varies widely across the United States. Installing a leaf filter system will cost you between $597 and $2,211, with an average gutter guard installation cost of $1,403. Thus, the cost per linear foot ranges from $0.5 to $20, depending on the gutter guard type and material.

For an average home with approximately 200 feet of gutter system, the total cost of buying and installing gutter guards ranges from $100 for the cheapest gutter covers to $2,000 for high-end gutter protection systems.

How much do Gutter Guards Cost?

One of the main factors that will affect the cost of gutter guards is the material they are made from. Gutter guards can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and mesh. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the cost will vary depending on the material you choose.

For example, plastic gutter guards are generally the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 for 200 linear feet of gutters. However, plastic guards may not be as durable as stainless-steel micro-mesh screens and may not be suitable for use in areas with heavy rain or snowfall. So consult with a reputable gutter guard installer to determine if plastic gutter covers are suitable for your property.

Aluminum gutter guards are also relatively affordable. These guards are lightweight and easy to install, but they may not be as strong as other materials like stainless steel and may not be as effective at keeping out heavy debris.

Stainless steel gutter guards tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,500 for 200 linear feet of gutters. Thus, the cost of a stainless steel micro-mesh screen starts from about $4 per linear foot. These guards are extremely durable and can withstand heavy rain and snow. However, it would help if you had a professional installer to fit them on your gutter system.

Finally, mesh gutter guards are made from a fine mesh material that allows water to pass through while blocking debris. These guards are generally more expensive than other options, with prices starting at around $5 per foot. However, they are extremely effective at keeping out leaves and other debris, and they are easy to install.

In addition to the material, the cost of gutter guards will also be influenced by the type of system you choose. There are several different types of gutter protection systems on the market, including:

Snap-on gutter guards: These guards are designed to snap onto the front of your gutters and are held in place with clips or screws. Snap-on guards are generally easy to install and are suitable for use on most types of gutters. Prices for snap-on guards vary widely depending on the gutter guard brand, material, the size of your gutter system, and more.

Screw-in gutter guards: These guards are installed by screwing them into the front of your gutters. They are generally more secure than snap-on guards and are suitable for use on most types of gutters. Considering the ease of installation, they’re an affordable option for most homeowners.

Micro-mesh screens: Mesh screens are made from a fine mesh material that is stretched over the top of your gutters. They are held in place with clips or screws and are suitable for use on most types of gutters. Remember, some micro-mesh screens have a metallic frame while others don’t.

Gutter helmets: This is a type of gutter protection system installed on top of your existing gutters. It consists of a series of channels and a curved hood that channels water into your gutters while keeping out debris. Prices for gutter helmets vary widely.

Finally, the cost of gutter guards will also be influenced by the size and complexity of your gutter system. If you have a large, complex gutter system, it may cost more to install gutter guards than if you have a smaller, simpler system. Similarly, if you have a multi-story home, it may be more expensive to buy a gutter protection system fit for the entire gutter system.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Gutter Guards and Installation?

The average cost of professional gutter guard installation is $9 per linear foot. However, many factors impact the total cost of gutter guard installation. These factors include;

1. Cost per Foot

As mentioned earlier, the average cost of gutter cover installation is $9 per linear foot. Thus, you will pay $130 (lower end) for installing gutter guards on a 200 linear feet gutter system. If you choose to install high-end gutter covers, you will pay $5,000 to $7,000 to install about 200 linear feet of gutter guards made of stainless steel and other high-end materials.

2. Type of Gutter Guard

There are several different types of gutter guards, each with its own unique features and benefits. The ease of installation varies depending on the gutter guard type and other factors, which means the installation cost varies too.

Screen gutter guards: These are the most affordable option and consist of a screen that fits over the gutter and is held in place with clips or screws. They are effective at keeping leaves and small debris out of the gutter but may not be as effective at blocking small debris as they have large holes. Plastic models can easily blow off in windy weather. They can easily snap onto a gutter system, allowing for DIY installation.

Foam gutter guards: These are made of a spongy foam material that is inserted into the gutter and expands to fill the space. They are effective at blocking debris and are relatively easy to install but may not be as durable as other options. Also, you will need to clean the foam gutter guards annually.

Reverse curve gutter guards: These have a curved surface that diverts water into the gutter while deflecting debris away. They are more expensive than other types of gutter guards but are highly effective at blocking the debris and are durable. Remember, their installation cost is higher than snap-on gutter covers.

3. Gutter Guard Material

Gutter guards can be made from various materials, including plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel. The type of material can impact the cost of the gutter guard installation, with aluminum and stainless steel being more expensive to install than plastic. The material can also affect the durability and effectiveness of the gutter guard, with stainless steel being the most durable option.

4. Your Gutter Size and Shape

The size and shape of your gutters will impact the cost of gutter guard installation, as custom-fit guards may be required for odd-shaped or oversized gutters. This can increase the cost of the gutter guards and the installation process.

5. Labor and installation

The cost of gutter guard installation can vary significantly depending on the type of gutter guard and the complexity of the installation process. Some gutter guards can be installed by homeowners, while others may require professional installation. If you choose to hire a professional, be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best price.

6. Snap-on vs. Screw-on

Snap-on gutter guards feature a simple design with no screws or nails necessary for installation. They’re easy to install—all you need to do is snap them into place on top of your existing gutters using a locking mechanism that firmly grips the edge of the gutter. This makes them ideal for homeowners who want an inexpensive yet effective solution for their gutter system.

Screw-on gutter guards, however, require some drilling but offer a more secure fit than snap-on gutter covers due to their rigid construction and use of rust-proof screws that help keep them in place. This type of guard also tends to last longer than its snap-on counterpart due to its reinforced construction and durable materials. However, this installation approach is costlier than snap-on.

DIY vs. Calling a Professional

Installing gutter guards, yourself can save you money, but it also requires some knowledge and skill. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it might be best to call in a professional. For those who are comfortable tackling the task, there are a few advantages to going the DIY route.

First, you won’t have to pay for labor costs associated with hiring a professional. Second, if something goes wrong during the installation process, you can take full responsibility for correcting it without worrying about pointing fingers or blaming someone else for the mistake.

If you do decide to hire a professional later on down the line, having experience with installing gutter guards yourself can help you understand exactly what needs to be done and how long it should take.

Hiring a professional gutter guard installer comes with its own set of benefits as well. When you call in an expert, they will have the necessary tools and equipment to install your gutters correctly and safely. Additionally, professionals come with years of experience that can give them insight into any potential issues that might arise during or after installation—knowledge that could be invaluable when it comes time to clean out or repair your gutters down the road.

Of course, these benefits come at a cost; hiring a professional usually means paying more than doing it yourself would cost. That being said, many homeowners feel that the savings from not having to make expensive repairs due to improper installation more than makes up for this expense over time.

Gutter Guard Installation Cost: is it worth it?

Gutter guard installation can be costly but could save money in the long run by preventing potential water damage caused by clogs or blockages in your guttering system. It can also add value to your home if installed correctly, but only if there are no pre existing issues with the existing system.

For those who don’t want or cannot afford gutter guard installation, there are alternatives such as regular cleaning and investing in a rainwater collection system that can still help protect against costly water damage down the road without breaking the bank upfront.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to invest in gutter guards depends on both budget constraints and personal preference when weighing out all available options, so do some research before making any decisions.

FAQs

How much do gutter guards cost to install?

The cost of installing gutter guards can vary significantly depending on the type of gutter guard, the size and shape of the gutters, and the complexity of the installation process. That’s why it’s recommend requesting a free estimate to get a quotation for your gutter guard installation.

Are gutter guards worth the cost?

Gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners, as they can help to prevent water damage to the roof, foundation, and other parts of the home. However, the cost of gutter guards can vary significantly, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the cost to determine if they are worth it for your specific situation.

Can I install gutter guards myself?

Some types of gutter guards, like snap-on options, are designed to be installed by homeowners, while others may require professional installation. If you are considering installing gutter guards yourself, be sure to carefully read the instructions and consider your own skills and abilities before attempting the installation. If you are not confident in your ability to install the gutter guards properly, it may be best to hire a professional.