Average Gutter Guard Cost in 2024 [Materials & Installation]

Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. So, naturally, you want to take the best possible care of it! Homeowners are always looking for the next tip or trick to help their home last longer with minimal upkeep. But with so many tools and gadgets on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth the money.

One thing we think your home absolutely needs? Gutter guards.

These nifty tools come in a variety of forms but serve the same purpose. Also known as leaf guards, gutter guards are designed to keep debris out of your gutters so that rainwater is able to flow freely. But how do you choose the best gutter guards to install on your home?

There are a lot o f different gutter guards on the market, each of them with different pros, cons, and price points. Today, we’ll be breaking down how much gutter guards cost, on average, and help you decide which style is right for your home.

Why Do I Need Gutter Guards?

Many homeowners think that gutter guards are redundant. After all, why would they want to pay for a leaf guard when they could simply clean out their gutters themselves? The truth is that gutter guards do much more than just keep debris out of your house. They also:

• Make your home more fire resistant by preventing build-up of dry debris
• Extend the life of your gutters
• Reduce cleaning time
• Protect your siding and foundation by guarding against water damage
• Prevent pests like bees and wasps from nesting in your gutters

What Does a Gutter Guard Cost?

One of the great things about purchasing gutter guards is the variety in the market. Depending on your needs and budget, there is a gutter guard that will work perfectly for you!

Below, we’re breaking down the five most popular types of gutter guards, their price points, and why we like them.

1. Brush Gutter Guards

Looking for a gutter solution that you can install in minutes? Brush guards might be the right choice for you.

Unlike many of the other options on this list, brush guards are not installed on top of your gutters. Rather, they are placed inside them. Their unique brush design keeps debris away from the bottom of your gutters, allowing rainwater to pass through uninterrupted.

While they are easy to install, brush gutter guards do require more upkeep than some other types of gutter guards. Large pieces of debris have a tendency to get stuck in the bristles, which can cause clogged gutters. Routine gutter cleanings are still necessary with this method in order to ensure that your gutter system stays in tip-top shape!

Brush gutter guards are a more affordable type of gutter guard, costing only $3-5 per linear foot. Most homes would only cost around $500 for a full installation. You can also save on installation costs, as this is a guard that is easy to install by yourself.

2. Foam Gutter Guards

If budget is your main concern, foam guards are a perfect solution. Foam gutter guards cost only $2-4 per linear foot, coming in for an average total of $300 to protect a whole home.

Foam gutter guards also help you save money by being easy to install on your own. All they require is the ability to cut them to size. Then, you simply place them in your gutters.

While you save in the short term, foam gutter guards may end up costing you more in the long run. They will require you to replace them every 1-2 years in order to ensure that your gutters remain protected.

3. Micro Mesh Gutter Guards

In terms of keeping debris out of your gutters, micro-mesh guards are one of the most effective options on the market. They can be bought in a variety of different materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. The key is the super fine mesh that keeps the overwhelming majority of the debris out of your gutters. They are also known for their durability. This type of gutter guard can last up to twenty years! Many popular brands, like Leaffilter gutter guards, sell micro mesh as their main protection system.

For these features, you will end up paying slightly more. While the price range varies widely, depending on the type of mesh you choose, most require professional installation. You can expect to pay close to $600-$800 for material and labor costs.

4. Steel Screen Gutter Guards

Steel screen guards are relatively simple in concept. They lay on top of your gutter and stop debris from entering. Unlike micro mesh, these screens have wider openings, making them slightly less effective. That being said, they are significantly cheaper than their micro mesh counterparts.

This type of gutter guard can cost anywhere from $1.50-4 per linear foot. With most homes requiring 150-200 feet of gutter protection, you can expect to pay around $500-600 for your gutter protection system. If you are looking to save even more, you can also opt for the plastic screen gutter guards, which serve the same purpose but are slightly less durable.

5. Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Looking for heavy-duty protection against debris? Look no further than a reverse curve gutter guard. Also sometimes referred to as gutter helmets, this is one of the higher quality gutter guards available on the market.

With other gutter guards, debris is often kept out of the actual gutter but still allowed to build up on top. Reverse curve gutter guards cover the entirety of your home’s gutters, using surface tension to divert water into the gutter and keep the debris out. When it comes to expensive gutter guards, gutter helmets take the cake. Coverage for your entire home can cost between $800-$1200. With that price, though, comes a gutter guard that will last your whole lifetime.

Where Do I Purchase Gutter Guards?

Ready to purchase gutter guards of your own? While you can certainly do it yourself, we recommend reaching out to a professional gutter guard installation company to assess your home and its needs. Northface Construction offers free quotes on all your gutter installation and protection needs. Reach out today to get started!