Quick Summary of the Real Cost of Leaf Guards
The cost of leaf guards is not one size fits all. There are many options and some important choices to make. When buying leaf guards, keep in mind that you want to make a purchase that makes the most sense for your specific needs and preferences. You also want to consider the best options for the safety and integrity of your home. Leaf guards keep leaves and debris from clogging up your gutters, allowing the water to flow more freely from your roof into your gutters and through the system to your drainage area. Leaf guards range in price from $1.20 to $10 per foot, with some all-in-one systems that can be priced up to $25 per linear foot. Keep in mind that additional add-ons like new gutters and downspouts or repairing damaged gutters and fascias, and installing heating cables will improve your system’s performance but may increase its cost. These additions may be necessary to protect your home from water damage. The condition of your roof, the materials used, the roof pitch, the valleys, the gutters, and the materials used in house construction should all be considered. It is important to choose a quality leaf guard and to consider the costs of additional features and add-ons that may enhance the longevity and functionality of your gutter system. Leaf guards can feel overwhelming and complex, but MasterShield is here to help. We can help you understand the true gutter guard cost and how they can increase the livability of your home.
The cost of leaf guards is not one size fits all.
You’re ready to enhance the safety and integrity of your home with new leaf guards. So what is the real cost of leaf guards?
This is a big question. Of course, you want to consider the investment you are about to make and everything that’s involved.
Before you get too deep in the process of improving your gutter system, we’ve gathered some information about your options for leaf guards and the things that play into your final cost. Once you read this, you can get started on your leaf guard project with confidence.
How Much do Leaf Guards Typically Cost?
The answer isn’t one size fits all. Similar to many other home improvement options, the cost of leaf guards is not measured by simple price-by-foot analysis. Gutter guards can vary in price depending on the brand and style you choose as well as any add-ons you need. Much like buying a car, you have many options and some important choices to make.
Let’s keep that car analogy in mind. It really makes sense with this process. You want to make a leaf guard purchase that makes the most sense for your specific needs and preferences. You are also considering the best options for the safety and integrity of your home.
When it comes to leaf guards, homeowners like you will see different prices because you’ll need different things to suit your home. It’s great to pay attention to these prices and make a purchase that’s a great fit for you. But be careful not to get caught in the “lowest price wins” mindset. Because here’s the thing — you probably would not buy the cheapest car just because it’s the cheapest car.
If the check engine light continually comes on and you have to constantly get your car repaired — well, that car could end up costing you a lot. You may end up paying much more than if you’d paid a slightly higher price for a better car from the start.
If gutter systems are not working efficiently, the damage to your home and costs could be significant.
It’s the same thing with gutters. If your gutter systems are not working efficiently, the damage to your home and costs could be significant. The costs of leaf guards aren’t just about basic materials either. Costs also incorporate add-ons, manufacture, professional installation, and upkeep. A contractor will help you get the process started and offer an estimate for your leaf guards and installation.
As with the leaf guards themselves, we don’t recommend choosing the cheapest contractor just because they offer you the lowest price. You may unwittingly be choosing short-term affordability and get long-term leaf guard problems like poor gutter performance, increased gutter maintenance, and limited longevity. So, instead of just looking at the dollar signs, pay attention to the overall quality of the product and the contractor. We want you to feel confident you’re making the best choice for you. We’ll break it down so that you can understand what’s involved. These notes will help you know what you’re looking for.
Getting Started: Your Basic Options for Leaf Guards
When you’re ready to enhance your gutter guard system with leaf guards, you’ve got plenty of options. We want to help you unpack the cost of your home improvement project, so here we will focus on two categories. First, let’s dig into the cost of seamless gutters.
There are many options and some important choices to make.
Reverse Curve Gutters
There’s a new gutter on the block. One-piece reverse curve gutter systems. This style of leaf guards may suit you if you need to replace your aging gutter system. However, there may be better options available. Homeowners need to be aware that these gutter guards require a total gutter replacement, which is an expensive and labor-intensive procedure. The one-piece system incorporates a hood that does a similar job as a gutter guard. Like all gutter elements, the cost of the one-piece design can vary. Typically these cost anywhere between $3 and $25 per foot. The disparity in cost reflects the variety of materials that you can choose from for your gutters.
You’ll find that installing this gutter style tends to be more expensive than installing gutter guards on an existing system. Keep in mind, too, that determining the price by foot is not always going to be the most accurate cost measurement. As we mentioned before, this estimate can be missing important elements you’ll need for well-working gutters. Your contractor or installer will always have a better idea of the actual price you’ll pay because they will assess and suggest a price based on your exact situation. Now for the next category…
Leaf Guards
This is probably what you’re used to envisioning when you think about adding leaf guards to a gutter system. Leaf guards may be incorporated during your initial gutter installation. Or you may add them later to enhance the functioning of an existing system.
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Leaf guards essentially work to keep leaves and debris from clogging up your gutters. This allows the water to flow more freely from your roof into your gutters and through the system to your drainage area. Without leaf guards, you may have to frequently manually clear your gutters of leaves and other larger debris. Installing leaf guards will decrease the amount of cleaning your gutters require and leave you more time for other fun activities.
Leaf guards are usually more affordable than a comprehensive seamless gutter installation. Leaf guards range in price, typically from $1.20 to $10 per foot. Like seamless gutters, the price of leaf guards depends on the material. Plastic and vinyl are the least expensive options. Metal can be more of an investment upfront, but metal guards also last longer than other materials.
Keep in mind that leaf guards will need replacing eventually. If cutting costs over time is important to you, it’s wise to pay a little more upfront for longer-lasting materials. Just like your car, you’re less likely to have to replace your leaf guards as quickly when you choose a higher quality option.
With all of your options, the total cost including installation will depend on the size of your home and the layout of your roof as well as some other important factors. Let’s get into the details you want to be thinking about next.
Your gutters will function better and last longer.
Optional Add-Ons for Leaf Guards
Add-ons can make a huge difference in the way your rain gutters work. We’re not just talking about material additions here. These are gutter-related add-ons that can affect the way your whole system functions. Some of the MasterShield Gutter Guard add-ons include
- New Downspouts
Downspouts help your gutter system work efficiently by offering points of exit for water to drain to a lower level of the roof, to the ground, or to your ground-level drainage system.
- Damaged Gutters and Fascia Damage Repair, Touch-Up, & Painting
It’s disappointing to add new leaf guards to damaged gutters. Make sure yours are in a good state of repair while you have the chance. This will help you keep things working smoothly for longer.
- Gutter Guard Heaters
It’s easy to focus on the ways your rain gutters function in the spring, summer, and fall seasons and forget about the winter months. Heaters can help resolve freezing issues including icicles and ice dams related to cold weather climates.
- Underground Drain Maintenance & Repair
Ground-level drainage is essential to complete your gutter system and close the cycle. The slope of your yard or the structure of your home could lead to compromise in your foundation or wet conditions in your basement or crawl space. If that’s happening with your current gutter setup, it makes sense to make these changes now too.
- Rainwater Harvesting System
Water is precious. You are already moving lots of water with your gutter system, so you may consider adding a rainwater collection option so you can gather the water after heavy rains and use it for your lawn or garden or even to wash your car.
Obviously, these add-ons have major roles to play in the proper functioning of your gutter system. But how do you know if you’ll need these to enhance your home water management system?
Your contractor will be considering important aspects of your home when preparing for your installation. You can be thinking about these things ahead of time too:
- Condition of your roof
- Roof materials and how the roof shingles were installed
- Roof pitch — Is the roof walkable?
- Roof valleys where water and debris can accumulate
- Types and conditions of existing gutters (their shape, material, and size)
- Existing gutter sufficiency for water flow
- Upper gutter placement — Do they go to the ground or the lower roof?
- Materials used for fascia and soffit
- Materials used in house construction (e.g. wood, brick, stone)
Wow! That’s a lot to consider. You’ll want to work with a skilled professional to be sure you are making the right decisions for your home.
When you are discussing a gutter guard quote, whether it is from Lowe’s or another vendor, be sure it is itemized. This way you can be clear about the average cost of the leaf guards themselves and the cost of any add-ons and other investments in your home. Add-ons can elevate the price of your installation. Not all add-ons are necessary for every homeowner and it’s up to you and your contractor or installer to figure which add-ons are needed for your gutters.
The contractor should ask questions and make observations (like those from the above list) to determine what additional add-ons you want to consider investing in and what may impact the installation of your new leaf guards. These additions may be necessary to ensure the protection of your home from water damage.
Consider the best options for the safety and integrity of your home.
Summing It Up: The Final Cost of Leaf Guards
Now you know about your options to protect your home. Let’s sum up what you can be thinking about as you take the next steps.
When it comes to getting new gutter guards, you will know that your final price is based on several varying factors:
- Material Cost of Leaf Guards
This is a key component of gutter guard cost to homeowners. Some installers provide commodity leaf guards — a low-cost, low-quality option. In contrast, your installer will purchase MasterShield’s state-of-the-art Gutter Protection System directly from the manufacturer. So you can be certain of the quality and integrity of our product.
- Gutter Add-Ons
Additional considerations may enhance the longevity and functionality of your gutter system. These can be costly, but they are also significant contributors to your water management system. Make sure you consider the most important needs for your home. - Installation
The labor for installation is probably going to be your biggest cost. You’ll likely have a contractor visit you for an estimate. A crew of workers will deliver and install your new system, including any necessary add-ons. Lots of work goes into your gutters, and you want it to be high-quality work to match the quality system you’re having installed. - Business Costs
It may be helpful to remember that your contractor and installation team are part of a business with administrative and management costs. They do the work of making these products available to you. Ideally, the contractor you hire chooses quality equipment for transportation and installation. They have insurance policies and other business costs. You’ll likely find out about your installer’s business and services through their marketing initiatives. They do the work of informing you about their services and building connection and confidence. These overhead costs are relevant to the services they provide and should help you be comfortable knowing your leaf guards are installed by a quality business.
MasterShield is here to help.
Ready to Make Your Next Move?
If you get stuck thinking “Why am I paying all this when I can do it myself?” remember — this is all to protect the safety and integrity of your home. Every one of the factors we’ve shared plays a key role in the pricing of your leaf guards. As an informed homeowner, you can make a knowledgeable choice to meet your specific needs.
The pricing for leaf guards can feel overwhelming and complex, but MasterShield is here to help. If you have any questions about pricing or what you need for your gutters, reach out to us. We’ll gladly get you the information you need and help you feel like a gutter expert in no time!
A local MasterShield dealer will be able to talk to you about the true gutter guard cost as well as the superior quality of our patented, non-stick, micromesh copper, and stainless-steel type of gutter guards and how they will increase the livability of your home. You’ve got the basic information. Take the next step and connect with us today!
