How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

By Tom Scalisi

If you’re like most homeowners, you loathe the idea of climbing a ladder and fetching the junk and gunk out of your gutters. And with gutter guard manufacturers proposing that these helpful devices require fewer calls to the gutter cleaners near you, it’s no wonder so many folks are asking, “How much do gutter guards cost?”

If they’re cost-effective, gutter guards make a lot of sense. However, if they’re going to cost an arm and a leg, you might want to consider another alternative. We’ll look at how much gutter guards cost and some points to consider in this article.

Types of Gutter Guards

Before we dive too deeply into the cost of gutter guards, it’s helpful to get an idea of the different types available. You’ll have a much better idea of what the gutter cleaners quote you to install these devices.

Brush Gutter Guards

Brush gutter guards are, as the name implies, a lot like wire-bristle brushes. The gutter guards keep gutters clear by suspending debris on the end of their bristles. This allows water to penetrate while keeping leaves and other large objects out of the gutter. When they become too clogged, they need to be removed for cleaning.

Foam Gutter Guards

Foam gutter guards install inside your gutters and work by allowing water to flow through the foam cells while keeping debris out. They’re straightforward to install, but they require complete removal for a proper cleaning if they eventually clog.

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

Reverse curve gutter guards typically install under a course of shingles and cover the gutters rather than sit inside them. They utilize surface tension to direct water over their lip and back into the gutter while sending debris down into the yard. Some models have slits, as well. They’re more difficult to install than other options but can go longer without cleanings.

Screen and Micro Mesh

Screen and micro mesh install over top of gutters and block debris, catching it on the surface of the screen or mesh while still allowing water to pass through. Micro mesh does a better job of keeping small debris out, while screens are usually a bit more expensive and easier to install. Both are effective and easy to clean off.

How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?

The cost of gutter guards varies based on the type chosen, the region in which you live, and a host of other factors. For instance, a particularly high run of gutters which requires a contractor to use a lift will cost significantly more than a set of foam gutter guards you install yourself.

Also, prices are according to linear feet of gutters on the home. While roof design plays a major role in determining how much gutter guard material is necessary, the average home has roughly 160 linear feet of gutters.

Do-It-Yourself Pricing

Homeowners who would prefer to install their own gutter guards can expect to pay somewhere between $0.35 and $7.00 per linear foot, or $56 and $1,120. This price is based on 160 linear feet of gutters, and it fluctuates depending on the product chosen.

This covers just the cost of the material, not any tools or hardware that installation might require. Also, keep in mind that DIY gutter guard installations might void warranties.

Professional Installation Pricing

Obviously, it’ll cost more to have a professional contractor install gutter guards. Having a pro install your system can cost between $5 and $13 per linear foot, or $800 and $2,080 for 160 linear feet of gutter. This price depends on the product, the height of the gutters, and other factors.

The major benefit of professional installation is the warranty with which the product is likely to come. Should there be an issue with the gutter guards within the warranty period, the manufacturer will likely honor the cost, lessening the homeowner’s burden.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Understand this: gutter guards will minimize clogs, but they don’t prevent them altogether. Gutter cleaning costs should still be a factor in the decision. But, if you’d prefer to call the gutter cleaners once every two or three years rather than annually, gutter guards might be worth the investment.