Gutter Guard Cost Calculator

Gutter guards cost $2–$15 per linear foot installed, depending on the type. Mesh/screen guards run $3–$6/lf, micro-mesh $6–$12/lf, reverse curve $8–$15/lf, and foam inserts $2–$4/lf. For a typical home with 150 linear feet of gutters, expect to pay $450–$2,250. Professional installation adds $1–$3/lf on top of materials for most types.

Gutter guards are worth it for most homeowners when you factor in reduced maintenance costs. Professional gutter cleaning costs $150–$300 per visit, 2–3 times per year ($300–$900 annually). Quality gutter guards last 15–25 years and can reduce cleaning frequency to once every 2–3 years. Over 20 years, guards save $4,000–$15,000 in cleaning costs versus the $500–$2,500 upfront investment.

Micro-mesh gutter guards are widely considered the best overall option at $6–$12 per linear foot. They block virtually all debris including pine needles and shingle grit while allowing water flow. Reverse curve guards ($8–$15/lf) work well for leaves but can miss fine debris. Mesh/screen guards ($3–$6/lf) are a good budget option. Foam inserts ($2–$4/lf) are cheapest but deteriorate fastest, lasting only 3–5 years.

Yes, DIY installation is possible for mesh/screen and foam insert guards, saving $1–$3 per linear foot in labor. Snap-on mesh guards are the easiest — just clip onto gutter edges. Foam inserts simply press into the gutter channel. Reverse curve and micro-mesh guards typically require professional installation due to precise fitting and sometimes roof-edge modification. DIY takes 3–6 hours for an average home (150 lf).

Gutter guard lifespan depends on the material: micro-mesh stainless steel lasts 20–25 years, aluminum mesh/screen 15–20 years, reverse curve aluminum 20+ years, and foam inserts only 3–5 years before they degrade. Most quality guards come with 15–25 year warranties. Factors that reduce lifespan include heavy snow loads, UV exposure, and tree sap. Stainless-steel micro-mesh offers the best longevity.

Most gutter guards handle moderate rainfall (1–2 inches per hour) effectively. In heavy downpours (3+ inches/hour), water can overshoot reverse curve guards due to surface tension limits. Micro-mesh and screen guards handle heavy rain better because water passes directly through the mesh. For homes in high-rainfall areas, micro-mesh guards with a larger mesh opening or oversized 6-inch gutters are recommended.

Yes, thorough gutter cleaning before guard installation is essential and costs $150–$300. Installers need to remove all debris, check for proper slope (1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts), repair any sagging sections, and ensure downspouts are clear. Skipping this step can trap existing debris under the guards, causing clogs and water damage. Most professional guard installers include cleaning in their price.

Some gutter guard installations can affect your roof warranty, particularly reverse curve guards that require mounting under roof shingles. This modification can void the shingle manufacturer's warranty if it involves lifting or altering shingle placement. Snap-on guards and foam inserts that attach only to the gutter (not the roof) generally do not affect warranties. Always check your roofing warranty terms and choose guards that mount to the gutter lip only.