Gutter systems channel rainwater away from your home, safeguarding it from damage. If you don’t maintain your gutters, debris can build up, leading to blockages that result in overflowing, water damage, rot, and sometimes even structural damage. This is where gutter guards can help. Of course, there is the financial investment to consider.
We’ll explore gutter guard costs and the factors that impact its pricing. But first, let’s look more in-depth at gutter guards and what they can do for you and your home.
While gutter guards aren’t a permanent solution to gutter maintenance, they can help buy time between cleanings.
Gutter guards block debris from entering your gutter system so that rain can enter your gutters and flow easily out of your gutters, into the downspouts, and away from your home’s foundation and siding.
This process prevents debris from accumulating in your gutters and blocking them, hindering water flow.
The result is a reduced need for frequent gutter cleanings. More importantly, it minimizes the risk of water-related damages that are time-consuming and costly.
We’ll review gutter guard cost differences between hiring a professional vs. a DIY approach and show you how to save money so you can worry less about how much gutter guards will cost you.
Factors That Affect The Cost of Gutter Guards
Gutter guard costs can be nuanced. Understanding the factors impacting gutter guard cost can help determine where your investment in new gutter guards is best spent.
These factors include:
- Type and Material of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t just one size fits all. There are various types and materials to choose from that each offer advantages and drawbacks. Each material also has a different price point.
For example, basic mesh screens start around $0.50 per linear foot, whereas a premium option like micro-mesh or solid surface guards can cost up to $20 per linear foot.
The cost of the gutter guards correlates to the material’s durability, ease of maintenance, and the level of protection from debris it provides.
- Length and Width of Your Gutters
You’re probably not surprised to learn this, but larger gutters naturally require more material to cover, costing more money overall.
Moreover, extra wide gutters may require specialized guards to cover them completely, raising the final cost.
- Condition and Design of Your Roof
A more intricate roof design with many valleys, corners, and slopes could require more labor or a specialized installation technique.
Additionally, if your roof is older or has existing damage, you may have to perform some repairs or a replacement before installing your gutter guards. These factors will influence the cost of the total project.
- Labor and Installation Fees
If you have your gutter guards professionally installed, you’ll pay for the gutters and materials and the labor required to install them.
Opting to take the DIY approach may save you money on the cost of labor. But there are considerations where DIY gutter guard installation is concerned. We’ll discuss those pros and cons later, but first, more on the ins and outs of professional installation.
Regarding professional installation, the price can vary depending on your location, the complexity of your roof/the installation, the contractor you choose, and the type of guards installed.
While the cost of professional installation is higher upfront, you’re almost guaranteed that your installation is done correctly and your gutter guards will perform optimally for the long term.
- Warranty and Maintenance Costs
Sometimes, higher upfront costs are worth it. Some gutter guard manufacturers offer warranties alongside their products that protect you if there are defects or premature failures. However, some brands require professional installation to receive a warranty.
Also, the more extended the warranty, the higher the cost. It’s also helpful to consider the long-term costs associated with gutter guards. Some guards require occasional maintenance, but others are almost maintenance-free, which helps offset future costs.
Price for Gutter Guards by Types and Materials
The type of gutter guards and material used also impact the price of gutter guards.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive table detailing the cost, pros, and cons of various types and materials of your gutter guards.
Gutter Guard Types
| Type | Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
| Screen | $0.50- $2 | -Affordable-Easy to install and remove-Decent protection for the price | -Limited protection against smaller debris-May sag over time |
| Foam | $1 – $3 | -Affordable-Blocks larger debris-Simple installation | -More conducive to mold or algae growth-May deteriorate quicker |
| Brush | $2 – $5 | -Easy to install-Blocks leaves and larger debris-Relatively budget-friendly | -Limited protection against small debris-Requires frequent cleaning |
| Reverse Curve | $3 – $7 | -Aesthetically-pleasing-Prevents debris accumulation | -May not be effective against heavy rainfall or larger debris-Costlier option |
| Micro-mesh | $6 – $20 | -Excellent protection against all types of debris | -Higher upfront cost-Requires precise installation-May still require periodic maintenance |
Gutter Guard Materials
| Material | Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
| Aluminum | $1 – $4 | -Lightweight -Resists rust and corrosion-Affordable | -Less durable compared to other materials |
| Copper | $8 – $15 | -Aesthetically beautiful-Exceptional durability | -Expensive-Changes color with age |
| Steel | $2 – $5 | -Strong and durable-Resistant to impact and weather | -Susceptible to rust over time |
| Plastic | $0.50 – $2 | -Lightweight-Won’t corrode-Affordable | -Will eventually degrade due to UV exposure |
DIY vs. Professional Installation
As we’ve discussed, DIY installation of gutter guards can potentially save you money. However, there is more to consider than just the financial aspect.
Each approach has its own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision that aligns best with your skill set, time, and budget.
DIY Installation – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Savings – Since you’re not paying for professional labor, it’s usually cheaper to DIY.
- Satisfaction & learning opportunity – It’ll be gratifying if you successfully complete the job. Plus, you’ll likely have picked up new skills and gained a better understanding of your gutter system and how it protects your home.
- Ability to work at your own pace – If you’re taking the DIY approach, you have more flexibility when to complete the project. You can install the gutters around your schedule, not the installation company’s schedule. That said, a worthwhile gutter company will accommodate your schedule as well.
Cons:
- Skill and experience – You’ll want to understand how to install the gutters correctly before you start and have the skills to do it, as mistakes can lead to faulty gutters.
- Time-consuming – While you can work at your own pace, this is a time-intensive project, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
- Quality concerns – Without professional installation, your gutter guards could be improperly installed, reducing their effectiveness. This can lead to clogs, which can cause water damage if not caught in time. In the best-case scenario, you notice the mistake and have to redo the time-consuming installation. But, in the worst case, the damage has already been done.
Professional Installation – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Expertise and safety – A professional installer will have the experience and training to get the job done correctly. Additionally, they have the proper tools and equipment to perform the job safely. Working on roofs can be extremely dangerous.
- Efficiency – While you may not get to pick the most optimal time for your gutter guard installation, a professional installer will be able to finish the job more efficiently than someone without their level of experience. Plus, a professional installation frees up your time to do other things.
- Quality assurance – A professionally installed gutter guard is guaranteed to be of higher quality, helping to avoid future problems from improper installation.
Cons:
- Cost – The biggest downside of professional installation is that you have to pay for labor in addition to materials. But at least mistakes are likely to be avoided, and you can have your gutter system up and running quickly.
- Having to coordinate with gutter installers – It can sometimes be a pain to wait on professional installers or meet them at your house when they’re getting the job done. This is especially true if you have to leave an appointment or work. Still, a professional gutter guard installation will take just take one day.
- Miss out on the fun of a DIY project – This can be a pro or a con, depending on how you see it. But, hiring a professional means you won’t have a hands-on role in the project. At least you’ll be safe, not having to be 10 feet up in the air, risking a fall.
How to Save Money on Gutter Guard Installation Cost
Even if you opt for professional gutter installation, there are ways to save money. But, first remember that having gutter guards installed saves you money in the long run because they help protect your home from water damage, foundation issues, and even energy inefficiencies.
They also help reduce gutter cleaning and repair expenses since they usually allow you to go longer between maintenance periods.
Here’s how you can save money on gutter installation costs:
- Compare quotes from different companies.
To get the best bang for your buck, it’s best to obtain quotes from multiple gutter guard companies. In doing so, you can compare each company’s features, materials, warranties, and installation services against their quoted price, helping you ensure you’re spending your money wisely.
- Seek Referrals and Check Reviews.
Another excellent way to get the most out of your money is to ask friends and family who have had gutter guards installed about the company they used and if they’d recommend them. This offers insights into the service quality and how effective the products are.
If you don’t have anyone who can give you a referral, or you just want to look for further proof of a quality company, head online to check reviews and testimonials from other customers to gauge the experience.
- Negotiate for Discounts and Incentives.
Did you know that you can negotiate with a price quoted to you? This is especially true if you prefer one gutter cleaning company, but another is less expensive. Some companies will match the price of another. Sometimes, they may not match a price but offer a longer warranty for the same price.
You can also inquire about discounts, including bulk pricing for multiple projects (such as a roof installation and gutter guards) or a seasonal discount. These little things can help you reduce the overall cost of the service or get more for your money!
- Choose the Appropriate Type and Material.
Be sure to consider the best material and type of guard for your roof. Doing so can help you avoid unnecessary expenses for choosing poor-fitting or shoddy guards. Consult with a reputable and experienced gutter company to help determine the best match for your home so you know your investment is worthwhile.
- Maintain and Inspect Your Gutters.
You can keep long-term costs in check by regular maintaining and inspecting your gutters and gutter guards. Keep them free of debris so they continue functioning efficiently, which will help prevent issues. Routine inspections will also help you catch any problems that arise early to help you prevent costly repairs down the road.
For Premier Gutter Guard Installation, Contact Our Team
Now you understand the factors that influence gutter guard cost, like the types and materials of the gutter guards, whether or not DIY installation is right for you, and how to save money if you have your gutters professionally installed.
Consider the long-term benefits of investing in gutter guards. Reducing gutter maintenance costs and protecting your home and landscape against water damage are huge benefits when installing gutter guards on your home.
Entrusting this task with a professional offers peace of mind that the installation is correct and the work is guaranteed. That’s something you don’t get from a DIY job.
Contact our gutter professionals for a free estimate. We serve homeowners nationwide and would love to add you to our list of happy customers.
