Gutter guards cost $1,514 on average, but the cost ranges between $652 and $2,462 for most homeowners, depending on their type and length.
When it rains, it pours, but your gutters—and gutter guards—have your back. Gutter guard installation costs $1,514 on average, and most Angi customers report spending $652 and $2,462 depending on a few factors, like their length and material.
You can install gutter guards to help prevent the buildup of leaves, twigs, and other materials in your gutters. While they don’t eliminate the need for gutter maintenance, they can minimize how much time you spend cleaning them out. And for many homeowners, that makes gutter guards worth the price.
Gutter guards cost between $1 and $9 per linear foot for the materials. For a house with about 150 linear feet of gutters, the cost of gutter guards would be $150 to $1,350.
Different gutter guard materials have different price points, and what you should expect to pay for gutter guard installation will depend on the length of your gutters and the type of guards you need to purchase.
| Gutter Guard Material | Gutter Guard Cost per Linear Foot | Gutter Guard Cost per 200 Linear Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Screen | $1.50–$3.50 | $300–$700 |
| Micro-Mesh | $2–$4 | $400–$800 |
| Foam | $2–$3.25 | $400–$650 |
| Plastic | $0.40–$1 | $80–$200 |
| Perforated Aluminum | $0.50–$1.50 | $100–$300 |
| Brush | $3–$4.25 | $600–$850 |
There are a few types of gutter guards to choose from, with the most popular options being mesh screens and grids made of metal, mesh, or vinyl.
| Gutter Guard Type | Cost for 150 Linear Feet | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal mesh screens | $150–$600 | Durability, keeping out larger debris like leaves |
| Micro-mesh screens | $1,000–$1,350 | Blocking fine debris like pine needles and grit |
| Vinyl grid | $150–$600 | Cost-effective protection, suitable for mild climates |
| Full surface tension covers | $600–$1,200 | Managing heavy rainfall and blocking all debris |
| Gutter brushes | $400–$500 | Easy installation, preventing larger debris |
| Foam inserts | $200–$400 | DIY-friendly option for blocking larger debris |
| Plastic screen | $80–$200 | Budget-friendly, suitable for mild climates |
| Reverse curve | $550–$1,000 | Effective for areas with heavy leaf fall, allowing debris to slide off |
Metal mesh screens are a popular option for gutter guards. They’re usually made from stainless steel or aluminum and typically cost between $1 and $4 per linear foot to install. Because they’re not as fine as some other gutter guards, they may still allow small amounts of debris to pass through.
Micro-mesh screens are one of the more expensive types of gutter guards, but they’re incredibly effective. They cost an average of $9 per linear foot to install. They feature a metal screen covered with wire mesh, which stops almost all types of debris. Micro-mesh screens may require professional installation.
Wondering if these types of gutter guards are worth the higher cost? Weigh the pros and cons of micro-mesh gutter guards before making a decision.
A vinyl grid gutter guard is another affordable option. These vinyl grids cost between $1 and $4 per linear foot to install. While they cost less, they’re not as durable as metal gutter guards.
Full surface tension covers are made from a solid sheet of metal and block debris while still allowing water to pass through a small gap. This gutter guard is on the more expensive end at $4 to $8 per linear foot.
Gutter brushes work like a filter to trap leaves and debris while allowing water to pass through. They cost an average of $3 per linear foot. To keep them functioning correctly, you’ll need to remove and clean the brushes periodically.
Foam inserts are an affordable option at around $2 per linear foot. This type of gutter guard allows water to pass through the gutter while blocking leaves and other debris on top of the insert, where it washes away.
You should learn the pros and cons of foam gutter guards before you decide. For example, they’re inexpensive and easy to install, but not ideal for all climates. You may need to remove them in the winter season, and not all homeowners are up to that annual task. They also have a shorter life span overall.
PVC is a new player in the gutter guard industry. They are the most inexpensive option in the market and an affordable alternative in areas with milder weather. However, plastic screens are fragile and can shatter upon impact. Plastic gutter guards cost $0.40 to $1 per linear foot and $80 to $200 with installation.
Reverse curve gutter guards completely cover the gutter, pointing water to the edge, where it can run down the helmet. These types of gutter guards are quite durable, but they are physically attached to the fascia of the roof, which makes installation more challenging. Small debris may still be able to get past reverse curve gutter guards, which cost between $3.50 and $6.50 per linear foot.
In addition to type and length, there are several other factors to consider when budgeting for a new gutter guard installation. For instance, if your gutters aren't in great shape, you might need to pay to repair them before installing guards.
Depending on what type of gutter guard you choose, costs can range from about $1 to $9 per linear foot. Popular material options include steel, micro-mesh, foam, plastic, perforated aluminum, brush, and gutter helmets.
Labor to install gutter guards costs between $2 and $6 per linear foot, not including the cost of materials. Labor costs can vary from location to location, so if you live in a high cost-of-living area, like New York City, you're likely to pay closer to the higher end of that range, while a more rural area is likely to cost less. It’s a good idea to reach out to a gutter installation company near you to see what prices are like in your area.
The height of your home can also affect gutter guard installation costs. Multi-story homes are more challenging to install, therefore, expect a higher cost for houses with two or more stories.
The attachment type of your gutter guard is important to ensure they function properly. In general, gutter guards promote the natural effects of wind or gravity for debris to naturally flow off the tops of the gutter guards. Good gutter guards will be securely fastened, rather than clipped on, to make sure they can handle that job. The less secure the attachment, the less expensive the gutter guard will be—but they won’t be as effective.
Gutter guard installation prices vary from location to location. For instance, it can cost between $6 and $16 per linear foot to install gutter guards if you live in New York, NY.
But prices drop to between $4 and $7 per linear foot if you live in Des Moines, Iowa.
Gutter professionals are typically busiest during the spring and fall, so labor prices might be higher during these seasons. You can potentially save money by installing gutter guards during the winter or summer, but if your region gets a lot of snow and ice, it might make gutter guard installation impossible during the winter.
You'll want to make sure your existing gutters are in good condition so that your new gutter guards can work properly. Gutters can last anywhere from 10 to 100 years depending on the material. Copper gutters usually last the longest, while vinyl gutters have the shortest lifespan. If your gutters aren't in good shape, you should budget for repairs or replacements. Gutter repairs typically range from $200 to $650, while gutter replacements cost $1,150 on average.
Gutter and downspout cleaning will make your gutter guard installation easier and more effective, so consider hiring a pro to clean your gutters before installing new guards. The cost to clean gutters ranges from $120 to $230.
You can learn how to clean the outside of your gutters for a manageable DIY project. Some homeowners don’t realize they can clean gutters with a pressure washer.
If you live in an area with frequent inclement weather, you may want to add a warranty on your gutter guards. Each company provides different warranties. Larger, more established brands may provide a transferable warranty or lifetime warranty without additional charges. Some brands may provide a conditioned warranty, such as a no-clog warranty. Some brands also provide tiered warranty services as an add-on. It’s best to consult with your sales rep or contractor if you have questions regarding your gutter guards’ warranty coverages.
The top three gutter guard suppliers in the U.S are: LeafFilter, HomeCraft, and All American.
LeafFilter: A popular gutter guard system that uses a micromesh material.
HomeCraft: One of the largest gutter guard companies in the Southeast.
All American: Gutter guards are backed by a lifetime performance guarantee.
Depending on what type you choose, you can take a DIY approach to gutter guards if you’re looking to save money. On average, you’ll save about $9 per linear foot on labor costs. You’ll still need to pay for the materials, and you’ll also need equipment, including a ladder, safety glasses, gloves, and more.
All in all, expect to spend between $1 and $9 per linear foot for the gutter guard material. You’ll also need to budget for any tools and supplies needed to get the job done. For 200 linear feet of gutter, that’s between $200 and $1,800 total.
While it’s possible to install gutter guards yourself, the work can be complicated. Because it involves getting on the roof and climbing a ladder and/or scaffolding, there’s also an element of danger involved. Unless you have plenty of experience working on gutters, we recommend leaving this job to a professional to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Get quotes from at least three gutter guard companies near you. Go with a company that has affordable pricing, a reasonable timeline, and an abundance of positive customer reviews.
When choosing a gutter guard company, we recommend picking a contractor with their own in-house crew. This guarantees consistent quality and can save you money. When a company uses subcontractors for their work, their labor costs end up being much higher than if their technicians are in-house.
Ready to hire a gutter guard installation company? Here are a few questions you should ask a pro when deciding whether to hire them:
Are you licensed and insured? Is the person who will actually be handling the installation also licensed and insured?
How long have you been in business, and do you have a portfolio of past projects I can review? Can you also provide testimonials from past customers?
Based on my gutters and roof and our local climate, can you recommend the right type, material, and brand of gutter guards?
How soon can you start the work, and how long will it take?
What kinds of unexpected costs do you expect we might encounter during the installation?
Does the gutter guard come with a warranty? Does your installation also come with a warranty?
Can you walk me through how to maintain my new gutter guards, and does your company offer gutter cleaning services?
While going the DIY route is one way to save on gutter guard costs, it’s not always the best option, since installing gutter guards requires climbing up to the roof. Here are some alternative practical tips for saving on the costs:
Consider Snap-In Guards: Snap-in or drop-in gutter guards are easier and quicker to install, potentially reducing labor costs when you hire a pro.
Install During Off-Season: Schedule your installation during the off-peak season, which is typically around late Winter or early Spring, when contractors may offer lower rates.
Opt for Lower-Maintenance Materials: Some durable materials, like metal mesh or micro-mesh, may have higher upfront costs but require less frequent replacement, saving you money in the long run.
Limit Installation to High-Risk Areas: If budget is a concern, consider installing gutter guards only in areas most prone to clogging, such as under trees, rather than along the entire gutter system.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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If you don't want to install gutter guards, the most inexpensive alternative is to clean your gutters as soon as they start to fill up. You can use a leaf blower attachment to make this process easier. You can also install gutter screens, which are typically made of wire mesh, nylon, or foam. These usually cost much less than a full gutter guard installation and can reduce regular gutter cleanings.
Gutter guards may seem like a significant investment initially, but they can save you money by removing the need for professional cleaning. If you usually clean your gutters, gutter guards are worth it because they can give you back the time you spend scooping leaves, seeds, and other debris for more enjoyable plans.
Although having gutter guards and hoods dramatically reduces the number of times you will have to clean out your gutters, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't ever have to clean your gutters. Experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least once every two years, even with gutter guards and hoods installed. If you don’t want to clean them yourself, you can hire a gutter cleaning company near you to complete the job.
Yes, they can! Since gutter guards provide additional protection to your gutters, it eventually helps reduce water damage risks. As long as your gutter grads are installed by a professional, they can increase your home’s value especially in areas with a lot of rain and snow. Therefore, although gutter guards may be a sizable investment at first glance, their functionality and long-term value are well worth the upfront cost.
