How much do gutter guards cost to install?

The figures above include labor and materials for installing 50 linear feet of gutter guards.

The total price largely depends on the kind of gutter guard you want for your home and the work needed. Costs for installing a new gutter guard also vary depending on where you live, whether your existing roof or gutters require repairs, and more.

When budgeting for this project, it’s best to get quotes from several nearby contractors. In this guide, we'll explain what to expect and which factors can impact the cost.

The figures above include labor and materials for replacing 50 linear feet of gutter guards.

If you have an existing gutter guard, you can have it replaced. The cost of replacing your gutter guards will also vary depending on where you live, the kind of work required, and other factors.

Check with local gutter guard installation pros for a better grasp of the total costs. Keep reading to know what else can influence the cost.

When considering replacing or installing a new gutter guard, costs will go up or down depending on several factors.

Types of gutter guards.

One of the factors that influence cost is the type of gutter guard you will have installed. Here are several you should know about:

1. Foam gutter guards.
Foam gutter guards are easy to install and come cheap. It's a piece of foam that slides into your gutter and lets water flow through while keeping debris out of your gutter.

However, there’s a chance that debris may still fall into your gutter, leading to clogging. Seedlings and trees may also take root and grow inside your foam guard.

You should clean your foam guard at least once a year to prevent it from getting damaged and becoming a fire hazard.

2. Brush gutter guards.
Brush gutter guards have large bristles to capture the debris. They are easy to install, like foam gutter guards, and let water pass easily.

If you’re trying to prevent large debris like leaves and pine cones from entering, brush gutter guards are the better option. But small debris may get stuck between the bristles, causing it to clog.

3. Screen gutter guards.
There are two kinds of screen gutter guards — plastic and metal. Both are relatively inexpensive.

They are made of the same material as screen doors and have large holes through which the rainwater flows. They are sufficient enough to keep out large debris, but smaller debris may still fall through.

4. Reverse curve gutter guards.
Reverse curve or surface tension gutter guards have a unique design that capitalizes on water flow and surface tension to push the debris to the ground. When the rain is extra heavy, the debris may stick to the gutter guard. However, you can brush it off or wait till it dries and falls to the ground.

Installing a reverse curve gutter guard often requires replacing your entire gutter system and possibly even moving your roof shingles. This may drive up costs further. Moving your shingles may also invalidate your roof warranty. It’s best to consult with a professional whether this is feasible or not.

5. Micro-mesh gutter guards.

If you like the screen-type gutter guard but are looking for something with smaller holes, you can get a mesh or micro-mesh gutter guard. It blocks smaller debris as well as large ones, making them the most effective gutter guards.

Mesh or micro-mesh gutter guards, however, require professional installation and cannot be installed by a simple DIY. You still need to clean accumulated debris after a heavy downpour.

Gutter guard material.

Aside from the type of gutter guard, the material you choose may also drive the cost up or down. You might opt for cheaper materials — like plastic or foam — but they may end up driving up costs because you have to replace them often.

Other materials like stainless steel, copper, and aluminum are more expensive. However, they may last longer. Here’s a look at the national average material costs for different types of gutter guards:

The figures above include materials for installing 50 linear feet of gutter guards.

Gutter size and quantity.

Before getting new gutter guards, you’ll need to measure the size of your gutters to ensure they are a perfect fit. If you have larger gutters or more gutters around the exterior of your home, labor and material costs may go up.

On average, standard-sized homes have 200 linear feet of gutters. Be sure you ask your contractor how much they charge per linear foot to install or replace gutter guards.

Condition of existing gutters.

If you’ve got previously installed gutter guards and want to remove them, you may need to factor in additional labor costs. Contact a local professional to get an idea of the overall costs.

Roof type.

If you have a simple roof, it will be easy to install your gutter guard. However, if your roof is more complex — with long rooflines, steep inclines, gables, and the like — it may cost even more.

If you have a lot of experience with similar DIY projects, you can give it a shot. However, if you have no experience at all, you may want to leave the measuring and installation to professionals.

It may be cheaper to do a DIY installation, but it actually may be more cost-effective in the long run to have a contractor install your gutter guards. A professional will ensure your gutter guards are installed the right way so they can protect your home and your gutters instead of causing more damage. Plus, if you have a steep or oddly shaped roof, a professional installer will be able to get the job done safely.

Is it worth it to install a gutter guard? Read the pros and cons to decide for yourself. Let's start with the pros:

• Prevent your gutter from clogging. The number one benefit of gutter guards is that they prevent debris from building up and clogging your gutters. You can save a lot of time and money with a gutter guard as there is less debris to remove, making maintaining it easier.
• Prevent pest infestation. When stagnant water accumulates in your gutters, it can attract vermin and insects and become a breeding ground for them. With gutter guards, it will be more difficult for mosquitoes, rodents, and cockroaches to thrive. It will also prevent birds and rodents from accessing your roof and entering your home.
• Prolong your gutter’s lifespan. Gutter guards prevent wet debris from staying in your gutters for long periods, which could cause the metal to rust.
• Prevent fire hazards. Gutter guards act as a physical barrier between debris and embers, preventing a possible spark from spreading and causing further damage.
• Keep your home safe from water damage. When you have blocked gutters, water could leak into your home. Gutter guards reduce the amount of water in your drainage channels so pests won’t breed and thrive, resulting in a gutter — and a home — that’s safe and secure.

Gutter guards, as handy as they are, however, are not the ultimate solution to maintaining your gutter. Here are the cons of installing gutter guards:

• They still require cleaning. Smaller debris can still enter your gutter, which could clog it over time. You still need to set aside time to clean it regularly.
• They may cause roof ice dam issues. Unless you have a heated gutter guard, it can cause icicles and snow to form into ice dams in the winter. The ice dam will end up trapping debris and water, leading to potential damage to the roof.
• They can add weight to your roof. If you don’t clean your gutter and gutter guards regularly, the buildup weight can cause your actual gutters to sag. The result is water overflow and potential damage to your home. The best way to prevent this is by regularly cleaning your gutter and gutter guards.

Does your gutter have too much buildup? Maybe it’s time to install a gutter guard to ensure the water flows smoothly. Check with nearby professionals who can help you determine the best kind of gutter guard for your home, measure it, and install it.

Download the Thumbtack app, and start receiving cost estimates from local professionals today.