Your home’s gutters are part of its roof protection system. They’re responsible for collecting any water that runs off your roof and directing it away from the home and towards your drainage system, thus protecting the foundation.
Gutters can require maintenance and may get clogged over time, which are both issues that you may be able to solve with gutter guards.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Gutter guards install over or within your gutters to guard them against debris. Typically, thus debris includes leaves, pine needles, and similar foliage.
However, gutter guards can also prevent larger debris from getting into your gutters, thus ensuring that water flows through them properly.
By preventing clogging, gutter guards ensure that you don’t have to deal with issues like basement flooding, rotting fascia, and foundational damage.
Good gutter guards also protect your home against pets and ensure that mold and mildew won’t become problems over time.
Did you know? The average American home has between 120 and 250 feet of gutters. Multi-story properties tend to have fewer feet because they have smaller roofs.
By contrast, a large single-story property, such as a villa, will usually have more guttering than a two-story family home.
How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?
On the lowest end of the price spectrum, foam gutters guards cost as little as $275 per 200 ln.ft. installed. The most expensive gutter guards such as surface tension and micro mesh guards can cost as much as $1,900 -4,000+ for 200 ln.ft. installed.
On average most homeowners report spending $700-1,400 on various types of gutter guards such as metal, PVC, mesh and brush gutter guards.
The table below provides gutter guards material and installation costs for 200 ln.ft. for the most popular gutter guard brands.
| Type | Cost Per Linear Foot | Cost For 200 Linear Feet | Cost of Installation for 200 Linear Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush | $2.80 to $4.00 | $560 to $800 | $550 to $850 |
| Foam | $1.80 to $3.00 | $360 to $600 | $275 to $650 |
| Surface Tension | $3.30 to $6.00 | $660 to $1,200 | $900 to $4,750 |
| Micro-Mesh | $1.80 to $3.75 | $360 to $750 | $850 to $1,900 |
| PVC Screen | $0.35 to $0.95 | $70 to $190 | $700 to $1,400 |
| Metal Screen | $1.40 to $3.30 | $280 to $660 | $700 to $1,400 |
Gutter Guard Cost Based On Type
There are several types of gutter guards, each of which has its own pros and cons. What’s more, some gutter guards cost more than others, meaning you have to consider the potential issues your gutters face before choosing where to invest your money.
Brush Gutter Guards
As the name suggests, brush gutter guards are brushes that feature heavy bristles. They slot directly into your gutters so they can catch leaves and other debris.
This debris must then be cleaned off manually, though you may find that the wind blows some of it away. These guards also prevent snow from building up and compacting inside your gutters.
Brush gutter guards allow water and small debris to seep through them, meaning they should not cause overflows or leaks.
They’re easy to install, though they have one of the lowest life expectancies of all of the types of gutter guards.
You will likely need to replace brush gutter guards every five years, though you can extend their life expectancy by removing them every winter. Of course, doing so means you’re not getting the full benefit from them.
Brush gutter guards cost between $2.80 and $4.00 per linear foot. If you choose to have a professional handle the installation, you’ll likely pay between $550 and $850 for 200 linear feet.
Key Features:
Foam Gutter Guards
Like brush guards, foam guards install directly into your gutters. They contain small openings that allow water to flow them, though they’re often not a good choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall.
Debris collects along the top of these guards, which allows you to easily sweep it off if the wind doesn’t catch it. Unlike brush gutter guards, foam guards also prevent smaller debris, like pine needles, from getting into your gutters.
Unfortunately, foam guards only last for about three years before the material becomes too brittle to be effective.
This makes them ideal as a temporary solution, though they’re not a great choice for long-term use. They may also freeze during winter, which prevents water from flowing through them.
Foam gutter guards are among the cheapest types on the list, coming in at between $1.80 and $3.00. Installation is also the cheapest of the bunch, costing between $275 and $650 for 200 linear feet of gutter guards.
Did you know? Foam gutter guards are usually made using porous foam polyurethane. This material allows water to flow through, in addition to being lightweight enough to fit inside your gutters without causing them to bend or break.
Foam polyurethane also offers some sound absorption qualities, in addition to high thermal stability.
Key Features:
Surface Tension Gutter Guards
These types of guards are cleverly designed to curve over your gutters without being fitted inside them. They use surface tension to essentially adhere water to them, allowing the water to flow into your gutters while the guards keep debris away.
In most cases, leaves and debris flow right off the edge of these gutter guards, dropping to the floor and reducing the need for manual clearing. They also allow snow to flow off them, which prevents clogging during winter.
Installation is more complex than it is with brush and foam guards. Fitting surface tension guards usually requires the help of a professional, though some DIY options exist.
These guards also last for many years, making them one of the best permanent options as long as you clear them once per year.
The more permanent nature of surface tension guards makes them one of the more expensive options available.
Surface tension guards cost about $3.30 per foot, though this can rise to $6.00 or more, depending on the manufacturer.
Professional installation will set you back further than with any other type of gutter guard, with costs for fitting 200 feet of guttering ranging between $900 and $4,750.
Key Features:
Micro-Mesh Gutter Guards
Made using extremely fine metal mesh, these gutter guards do an excellent job of keeping small debris, such as pine needles, out of your gutters.
They also ensure that pests have nowhere to create their nests. Plus, the mesh material ensures water can easily flow through them and into your gutters.
Many point to mesh gutter guards as being the best choice for those with asphalt roof shingles because they also prevent asphalt particles from gathering in your gutters.
These guards install directly over your gutters, though they require professional installation. Many also come with limited lifetime warranties, making these guards a more permanent option.
They’re not without their problems, though. Micro-mesh guards require semi-regular cleaning as they’re prone to allowing mush to build up on top of them. Many are also vulnerable to the formation of ice.
Plus, the mesh may cause water to flow out of your gutters during heavy rainfalls.
As a permanent option, micro-mesh is quite cost-effective, with material prices ranging from $1.80 to $3.75 per ln.ft.. However, installation is more costly, starting at about $850 and potentially going up to $1,900 for 200 linear feet.
Key Features:
Also known as perforated gutter guards, these guards are similar to micro mesh in terms of how they fit over your gutters and have holes to allow water to flow through.
However, screen guards tend to have larger holes than micro-mesh, making them less than ideal for dealing with fine debris.
These guards can be made using metal or PVC, with the latter material being resistant to the rusting effects of water.
They’re also easy to install, though they require you to lift your roof shingles to fit them. Unfortunately, doing this may void the warranty you have on your shingles.
Both metal and PVC versions have long lifespans, though PVC can become brittle over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance are needed to ensure these guards last as long as possible.
It’s also worth noting that the holes in these guards are just large enough for some types of debris to get caught in them.
Did you know? PVC’s waterproof qualities make it ideal as a temporary gutter guard. However, the material is susceptible to cold temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet light, both of which it will experience when installed outside your home.
Both issues contribute to the material becoming brittle over time, as does PVC’s tendency to lose the plasticizers that give the material its strength and flexibility.
Prices vary depending on the material used. PVC screen gutter guards cost between $0.35 and $0.95 per linear foot, with metal screens going up to between $1.40 and $3.30 per linear foot.
Professional installation usually costs between $700 and $1,400 for 200 linear feet of guttering, though you can eliminate these costs by doing it yourself.
Key Features:
Top Gutter Guard Brands
Many companies manufacture gutter guards, which can make it difficult to choose which one to go for.
If you’re looking for companies that offer solid guards along with long warranties and good installation processes, Gutter Helmet, All American Gutter Protection, and Leaf Guard all offer plenty of options.
Those looking for micro mesh guards should check out Gutterglove, as this product comes with a 40-year warranty and is flexible enough to fit on almost any type of gutter. Raptor also provides exceptional micro mesh guards, with Amerimax Home not too far behind.
GutterBrush is one of the leading brands for brush gutter guards, with their products being cost-effective and easy to install.
If you opt for foam, GutterStuff may be your best option.
Each of these brands offers different products, with many requiring professional installation. Before choosing who to buy from, compare their prices with the averages in our cost table.
You should also consider the type of gutter guard you need, as some people may not need to spend extra on guards that keep out fine debris.
Gutter Guards – The Pros
Gutter guards offer several positives, especially regarding the lifespan of your gutters and the protection they offer.
Pro No. 1 – Reduced Maintenance
While gutter guards do require some maintenance, this tends to be a case of wiping debris off them rather than digging your hand into gutters to pull out sludge and debris.
Having gutter guards reduces the number of times per year that you need to scale a ladder, making them ideal for those with safety concerns.
Pro No. 2 – No More Pests and Nests
Most gutter guards prevent birds and pests from nesting in our gutters. They’re most effective against birds, as the guards stop birds from using twigs and other large debris to build nests.
However, some gutter guards, such as micro-mesh, also prevent smaller pests and insects from getting into your gutters.
Pro No. 3 – Preventing Debris Build-Up
Debris build-up causes water to overflow from your gutters. It also adds weight, which can lead to cracks in your gutters over time.
By eliminating most debris build-up, gutter guards prevent issues related to water and gutter damage.
In turn, this extends the lifespan of your gutters, meaning you don’t have to spend as much on maintenance and replacements.
Pro No. 4 – Straightforward Installation
Several types of gutter guards can be installed without the help of a contractor. Of those that do require professional assistance, most should not require you to make any changes to your existing gutters or roof.
In the majority of cases, fitting gutter guards does not come with added complications.
Pro No. 5 – Preventing Fires
One of the least appreciated benefits of gutter guards is that they can help to reduce the risk of fire if you live in an area that experiences bushfires.
During bushfires, embers can blow away from burning foliage. If these embers land on dry debris, such as leaves and twigs, inside your gutter, they can cause fires to break out.
Gutter guards prevent this by ensuring such flammable materials don’t build up inside your gutters.
Gutter Guards – The Cons
While gutter guards provide plenty of protection, they also have some drawbacks to consider.
Con No. 1 – Warranty Voiding
Gutter guards that fit inside your gutters don’t usually cause any warranty issues related to your roof shingles.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for most permanent gutter guards. These solutions typically require an installer to lift or drill through your existing shingles, often voiding their warranties in the process.
Con No. 2 – Potential Moss Issues
Moss starts to grow if debris is left in the same place for a long time. This can occur with gutter guards if you fail to clean them semi-regularly. Thankfully, this drawback is avoidable with regular maintenance.
Did you know? Moss absorbs and retains moisture, much like a sponge. This water ends up on your roof, which increases the possibility of moisture getting underneath your shingles and affecting the wooden beams that support your roof.
Con No. 3 – The Cost
Installing gutter guards requires you to absorb an upfront cost that can be quite extensive for a permanent solution with professional installation.
Some may prefer to conduct regular maintenance instead of paying for a solution that keeps debris out of their gutters.
Con No. 4 – Potential Ice Issues
While gutter guards generally do a good job of allowing water to flow through gutters, they are often susceptible to freezing cold temperatures. In some cases, this can lead to the formation of icicles or ice dams.
Icicles hand off the side of your roof, presenting a hazard to anybody who walks underneath them. Ice dams stop water from flowing through your gutters, making overflows more likely.
Do You Need to Replace Your Gutters to Install Gutter Guards?
You may need to replace your gutters, especially if you have non-standard gutters. Replacement may also be a requirement if your gutters are cracked or show extensive signs of wear.
Thankfully, this isn’t usually an issue, meaning most gutter guards can be fitted without you making any changes to your gutters.
Is There Any Point in Getting Gutter Guards if I Don’t Have Trees Around My House?
It’s still worth considering gutter guards, even if you don’t have any sources of debris directly around your home.
Guards also prevent heavier debris, such as snow and hail, from collecting in your gutters. Plus, they prevent pests and birds from creating nests.
Finally, some plant materials can get blown up by the wind and into your gutters, which guards also prevent.
What Can I Do About Ice Dams?
While ice dams are not a common problem, they can affect gutter guards installed in particularly cold locations. Some manufacturers make heated gutter guards, which prevent ice from forming.
You may also find that installing insulation in your attic prevents ice from forming in your gutters.
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
Gutter guards come with a lot of positives. They prevent debris build-up, meaning your gutters stay in good condition for longer.
They also prevent pests from forming nests, in addition to ensuring water flows through your gutters unobstructed.
Gutter guards also require less maintenance than unguarded gutters, which can save money you’d otherwise spend on professional cleaning services.
Still, gutter guards aren’t a perfect solution for your gutters. Some types of guards void the warranty on your roof shingles when they’re installed, which could be a costly problem if something goes wrong with the roof.
They also come with high upfront costs, which you may not be able to justify when compared to the occasional cleaning of unprotected gutters.
Generally speaking, gutter guards are a good choice for anybody who lives in an area where debris is a problem.
For example, those living in houses surrounded by trees will usually find that gutter guards prevent several common problems.
Guards are less essential for those living in clearer spaces, though they still offer some benefits in terms of preventing debris build-up and guarding against pests.
