What Do Gutter Guards Cost?
Gutter maintenance is a regular, unavoidable part of home ownership, but opting for gutter guard installation can reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning work and gutter maintenance. Gutter cleaning costs can range between $100 and $300 per session and usually required at least twice a year. What gutter guards do is reduce the quantity of medium and large-size debris that can make its way into your gutters.
Smaller particles will still slowly collect in your gutter, so you'll need to do a minimum of one cleaning per year. The cost to install gutter guards varies depending on things like your location, how many trees surround you, and the height of your roof. Consider the following types when installing gutter guards around your home:
The 5 Types of Gutter Guards
- Mesh: A fine mesh made from metal sheets full of tiny holes. This gutter guard attaches to the roof's shingles in order to guard the gutter.
- Reverse: This type of gutter guard directs the water flow at a downward angle while forcing leaf debris to fall to the ground.
- Bottle Brush: Consists of multiple bristles which face upward from the inside of the gutter. Catches the leaves on top while the water flows through.
- Nylon: Thanks to an innovative design, nylon guards prevent snow and ice build-up, stopping freeze further during winter months
- Foam: Manufactured from plastic, these guards fit inside the gutter, blocking plant and leaf debris from entering the gutter stream.
How Much Will It Cost To Install Gutter Guards?
Every home is different so the cost to install gutter guards can vary quite a bit depending on various factors. The average home has a gutter length of about 200 linear ft. Therefore, this average will be used to calculate the costs for this particular guide.
Most American homeowners can expect to pay as little as $200, but in some cases up to as much as $3,600. On a national average, however, a gutter guard installation job is around $2,000. Fortunately, there are a number of options to choose from.
Getting in touch with a local professional for a free gutter guard installation estimate will help you nail down a more accurate price tailored to your home's needs.
Materials
Gutter guard installation requires certain materials. The cost of these materials will be influenced by the types of gutter guards chosen and the length of the sections required. On average, expect to spend between $2 and $20 per linear ft. Newer designs are more efficient and work a lot better than the older ones. The national average for gutter guard materials can range from as little as $100 and up to as much as $2,600.
There are also gutter guard companies which specialize in their own custom designs. These companies can charge a premium price for custom built gutter guards. Averaging around $6 to $8 per linear ft., some of these companies have also been known to charge exorbitant fees for custom work, so be sure to compare several estimates before you buy.
Consider the following gutter guard materials and costs per linear ft. versus an average price for 200 linear ft.
| Material | Cost Per Linear Ft. | Cost Per 200 Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $0.40 - $1.30 | $80 - $260 |
| Stainless Steel | $1.10 - $57.50 | $220 - $11,500 |
| Aluminum | $1.70 - $2.20 | $340 - $440 |
Labor
Professional installation can be completed fairly quick. Gutter guard installation could take roughly 5 to 7 hours, averaging $260, or around $43 an hour for labor. Tasks include preparing the layout, fabrication of gutter guards for fitment before finally securing them down.
Reasons to Employ a Gutter Guard Installation Specialist
With such variety of guard technologies on the market, finding the right one can be a gamble. A local professional with knowledge of your specific location will be able to provide invaluable insight into what your best option will be.
Also, keep in mind that improperly installed gutter guards may be ineffective or potentially damage your existing gutters, so you'll want someone with knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Poorly installed gutters can potentially compromise the integrity of your walls and roofs, thus possibly opening up your home to water damage.
Another factor to consider is that you'll want the guards to match the look of your existing gutters.Your downspouts may also need specific adapters to maintain the integrity of the overall gutter guard system.
Because of the vast amount of different gutters and gutter guard choices, a professional will be able to immediately pinpoint what it is you require and how to get your installation done in the least amount of time. Remember, you'll only get the best rates by comparing quotes from the top local contractors.
Benefits of Using Gutter Guards
Gutter guards easily be added to already existing gutter guard. When your gutter guards are performing optimally, they can save you a lot of time, effort, and money. The benefits of professionally installed gutter guards include:
- No more frequent gutter cleaning throughout the year
- Stops water stagnation (which is a prime for breeding insects/ prevents overflowing)
- Gutters last considerably longer due to less plant rot and rust
- Prevents nesting inside the gutter by birds and rodents
- Improves water quality and filtering when collecting rain water.
Compare Free Estimates To Get The Best Rate
In many cases, a gutter guard installation job can be adapted to the current gutter equipment that is already in place. A trained specialist will be able to recommend the best and most cost effective system. If any of your gutters are already damaged, you may need to replace them before gutter guards can be installed.
Once you decide that gutter guards could be a great addition to the outside of your home, you'll want to get estimates from trained gutter guard installation professionals in your area.
You can do this by simply entering your ZIP code into the form provided on this page. Do so now, and you'll receive no-obligation, 100% FREE estimate tailored to your specific needs from top professionals near you.
