How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?
Photo by Stilfehler via Wikimedia Commons
Cleaning your gutters twice a year is probably one of the least glamorous home maintenance tasks, but it can significantly reduce the risk of water damage.
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If you'd prefer to skip clearing your gutters altogether, installing gutter guards could be a cost-effective, time-saving alternative. Here’s a cost guard … er … guide.
How Much Do Gutter Guards Cost?
According to Bob Vila, installing gutter guards costs about $1,350 (CAD 1,810) on average, and most homeowners spend between about $600 and $2,220 (CAD 800 and CAD 3,000) on installing gutter guards for an entire house. These prices include the cost of the guards themselves and professional installation.
You can get a more accurate idea of how much you should expect to spend on gutter guards if you know the linear footage of your gutters. Generally, branded gutter guards cost between $1.60 and $35 (CAD 2.15 and CAD $50) per linear foot.
LeafGuard is a gutter system with integrated gutter guards. Therefore, you'll need to replace your existing gutter system if you want LeafGuard gutter guards.
The manufacturer makes several products, so how much you spend depends on the gutter type. According to Forbes, LeafGuard gutters cost $24 (CAD 32) on average per linear foot, installed. However, you could spend anywhere between $11 and $37 (CAD 15 and CAD 50) per linear foot.
The gutter system alone costs between $9 and $33 (CAD 12 and CAD 44) per linear foot, excluding installation. However, you can't install a LeafGuard system yourself, so you'll need to pay the company to install it for you. Typically, LeafGuard charges between $2 and $4 (CAD 3 and CAD 5) per square foot for installation services.
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What Factors Impact the Cost of Installing Gutter Guards?
The most significant factor affecting how much it costs to install gutter guards is the size of your home. As you might expect, installing gutter guards on a larger home is more expensive because you'll need more linear feet.
Other factors that may impact your budget include the following:
Gutter Guard Type
Some types of gutter guards are more budget-friendly than others. According to data from This Old House, plastic screen gutter guards are the most affordable choice, costing between 40 cents and $1 (CAD 0.54 and CAD 1.34) per linear foot.
At the other end of the scale, solid-surface gutter helmets cost between $3.50 and $6.50 (CAD 4.70 and CAD 8.70) per linear foot.
Installation Method
It's cheaper to install gutter guards yourself because you can save a significant amount on labor fees. Plastic screen, foam and brush gutter guards are straightforward enough to install yourself in most cases.
However, some types of gutter guards are unsuitable for DIY installation because the technique is more complex. These types include steel screens, perforated aluminum and micro-mesh gutter guards. Installing a branded gutter guard system yourself could void the manufacturer's warranty, so it's worth checking your documentation first.
House Characteristics
Installers typically charge more to install gutter guards on homes with more than two stories because working at height is more challenging and dangerous. You could also pay more for installation if you have a steeply pitched roof or your gutter system has multiple bends or complex run systems.
Accessibility issues could also increase the cost of installing gutter guards. For example, encroaching trees or ground-level obstacles can make it harder for installers to reach your gutters and increase the total cost. Removing portable obstacles around your house, such as garden benches or ornaments, could help reduce installation costs.
Are Gutter Guards Worth the Cost?
Installing gutter guards could be worth it if you're happy to invest money upfront for a long-term benefit. Gutter guards remove the need for biannual gutter cleaning, saving the average household around $320 (CAD 430) per year. They can also prevent water damage to your home and reduce the risk of mold growth.
All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.
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