We rated LeafGuard 4.3 out of 5 stars per our review standards, primarily because its reverse-curve gutter helmet is among the industry’s most expensive products at more than $20 per linear foot.
LeafGuard entered the gutter guard industry in 1993, and many customers today report satisfaction with its representatives’ professionalism, knowledge and customer service. Critical LeafGuard reviews note its high prices, bulky design and pushy sales tactics.
In this LeafGuard review, we will see if LeafGuard gutter guards live up to their reputation among the best gutter guards. We analyzed product details, read warranties and customer responses, and interviewed a gutter guard expert.
Our thoughts on LeafGuard
During our careful vetting process, LeafGuard scored highly in its gutter guard design, appearance and warranty factors but lower in the price and services categories.
LeafGuard provides high-quality reverse-curve gutter guards.
Pros
- Durable all-in-one system
- Limited lifetime transferable warranty
- Free gutter cleaning in case of a clog
Cons
- Clogging issues with small debris
- Higher price than many guards
- Persistent sales tactics
What we like
We like LeafGuard’s effective design, customization options, history of excellent customer service and long-lasting warranty. LeafGuard’s gutter guards have a reverse-curve design, often called a gutter helmet, that uses water flow to push debris onto the ground. This design makes it one of the easiest gutter guard types to maintain and clean.
LeafGuard’s quality gutter guard keeps out most materials. The LeafGuard system prevents debris such as leaves, twigs, seedpods and pests from entering your gutters. It comes in multiple colors, allowing you to match your guards to your home.
LeafGuard’s “no-clog guarantee” promises the company will return to fix any clogs and clean out your gutters at no cost. In addition to this guarantee, LeafGuard offers a limited lifetime warranty for its guards and gutter system. I read through LeafGuard’s warranty and noted its promise that it won’t “blister, flake, chip, crack, peel, split, rot, red rust, or structurally deteriorate as a direct result of manufacturing defects, under ordinary wear conditions.”
We read through available LeafGuard customer reviews and noted a consistent theme that its representatives’ performance and customer service are high-quality. Even critical reviews talked about the professionalism of LeafGuard’s customer service representatives and installation specialists.
What we don’t like
The majority of complaints for LeafGuard come from its high price point, persistent sales tactics and reports of occasional clogging.
While LeafGuard’s design successfully keeps out leaves, customers indicate it is less effective at blocking small particles, such as shingle grit. In reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), customers noted that their guards eventually clogged, requiring LeafGuard to make repairs. If you live in a rainy region, you may notice that LeafGuard’s gutters overflow in heavy downpours or create ice dams in the winter.
LeafGuard is expensive even by industry standards. Our independent survey of 300 LeafGuard customers and our review of available customer responses indicated an average price of more than $4,000 for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard installation. Some customers reported prices of more than $10,000 for 200 linear feet.
One recurring theme we saw in customer reviews was that LeafGuard sales representatives initially present inflated rates, then apply discounts and negotiate the price down to more reasonable rates.
Compare top gutter guard brands
LeafGuard has an impressive warranty that lasts for the lifetime of your home and is transferable to new homeowners if you sell. This warranty matches other top-ranking gutter guard companies, such as LeafFilter and All American Gutter Protection.
See how the top brands compare based on our rating methodology.
| Provider | Our Rating | Average Cost | Type | Get Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.7 | $4,484 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.6 | $3,546 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.5 | $3,699 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.2 | $3,624 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.1 | $4,014 | Reverse-curve | Get Estimate |
| Provider | Our Rating | Average Cost | Type | Get Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.7 | $4,484 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.6 | $3,546 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.5 | $3,699 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.2 | $3,624 | Micro-mesh | Get Estimate | |
4.1 | $4,014 | Reverse-curve | Get Estimate |
LeafGuard gutter guard type
LeafGuard sells one gutter guard: a reverse-curve gutter helmet. LeafGuard’s system uses an aluminum one-piece design that is custom fit to your home. It’s coated in a scratch-guard paint finish, making it more resistant to scratches, peeling, chipping, blistering and other damage.
Due to its one-piece design, LeafGuard must replace your current gutter system to install the guards. LeafGuard installs the gutters using hangers spaced two feet apart that attach directly to your fascia board. This design makes LeafGuard’s products highly durable and able to withstand more damage than other gutter guards.
LeafGuard’s gutter guards keep most materials out of your gutters. Customer reviews indicate that it excels at blocking large debris such as leaves, twigs, roof materials, seedpods and pests.
Smaller debris, such as pine needles, shingle grit and particulates, can get past the helmet. We tested types of gutter guards on a model roof and found that micro-mesh and foam guards were the most effective at blocking pine needles and other small debris.
LeafGuard products are designed and rated to handle 32 inches of rainfall per hour. The heaviest rainfall ever recorded was 12 inches per hour, and LeafGuard is built to handle nearly three times that amount. We noticed that most overflow complaints came from customers who also reported clogging, leading us to believe that LeafGuard’s system can handle heavy rain as long as it remains unclogged.
Kevin Brauer, owner of Storm Guard Roofing and Construction in St. Louis, expanded on this common issue with reverse-curve guards, noting that they work well “until you get into a real steep application.” Water can come down so fast during heavy rainfall that it will overshoot reverse-curve gutter guards.
Cost
LeafGuard costs are typically measured in linear feet, which is the length measured in a straight line. We conducted a survey of 300 LeafGuard customers and found the average price for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard installation to be just over $4,000.
Some customer responses on sites such as Trustpilot and BBB indicate costs as high as $7,000 to $10,000. Our survey results suggest this price range is accurate for more expensive installations. Of the 300 customers surveyed, 25 noted costs above $5,000, and 15 claimed prices at or above $10,000.
LeafGuard gutter guard installation costs vary depending on factors such as your total length of guttering, home height and local labor rates. LeafGuard offers free estimates to help you better understand how much your gutter guards will cost before you have them installed.
Warranty options
LeafGuard offers a limited lifetime transferable warranty on its gutters and gutter guard systems. This warranty extends up to 50 years to new recipients in the event of a home sale, which you can advertise as a selling point if you list your home.
LeafGuard’s warranty covers all defects that result from improper manufacturing or materials, in which case LeafGuard will cover 100% of the cost of repairs or replacements. The warranty requires you to notify LeafGuard within the first 45 days of the appearance of the defect.
You must take reasonable care of the LeafGuard system for the warranty to apply, including occasionally cleaning the system to remove dirt buildup. Homes within half a mile of a coastline are exempt from this warranty. The warranty does not cover any of the following:
- Accidental damage
- Building settlement and structural failures
- Damage as a result of the installation of incompatible accessories
- Exposure to damaging atmospheric conditions such as salt spray or acid rain
- Fires, floods, earthquakes, radiation, lighting, storms, hail or other “acts of God”
- Improper installation
- Misuse, intentional damage or vandalism
- Mold and mildew
- Normal weathering
- Unreasonable use
- Wind-borne or falling objects
Customer thoughts
LeafGuard holds an A+ rating on BBB and has a mix of positive and negative reviews across review sites.
I read more than 100 reviews between BBB and Trustpilot and noted that many customers appreciated its staff’s professionalism and expediency. This Trustpilot review from Carrie last year mentioned that the sales representative was thorough and helped her apply discounts. Most of the reviews we read stated that LeafGuard’s product works well.
Even negative reviews note the high quality of the product, such as this one from Dave, though he also mentioned its aggressive sales tactics. This was a common negative complaint. SallyJ, a Trustpilot reviewer, compared LeafGuard’s sales model to a timeshare sale pitch.
Our survey respondents told a different story about the sales process. Of the 300 individuals we surveyed, only two reported dissatisfaction with the quote process and sales reps; most customers were neutral or satisfied. Only three respondents claimed they were dissatisfied with the performance of the gutter guards in keeping debris out of their gutter system. These results indicate to us that clogging and poor sales representatives may be relatively uncommon occurrences.
What are reverse-curve gutter guards?
Reverse-curve gutter guards resemble large caps that sit on top of your gutters. Their unique design — which utilizes scientific principles to control water flow — allows water to push materials from your gutters to the ground.
This means reverse-curve gutters are essentially self-cleaning, making them one of the lowest maintenance options. However, low maintenance does not equal no maintenance. We recommend inspecting your gutters at least once a year to ensure that there are no blockages.
How easy are LeafGuard’s gutter guards to maintain and clean?
Thanks to the reverse-curve design, you ideally don’t have to clean or maintain the system other than removing dirt accumulation from the surface of the guards.
However, this design makes maintenance difficult if the system becomes clogged. Since the gutters are enclosed, unclogging them yourself is nearly impossible.
If issues arise, contact LeafGuard to send a representative to repair and clean your system. LeafGuard’s no-clog guarantee ensures you’ll never pay for covered repairs or cleanings. Customer reviews indicate that LeafGuard fulfills its guarantee. One Trustpilot review by Timothy noted that he has enjoyed years of clog-free gutters and quick service when issues arise.
For standard cleaning, LeafGuard recommends using a garden hose and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt accumulation. If your home is surrounded by heavily pollinating trees or pine trees, your guards may require more vigorous cleaning. These smaller debris types can make their way into nooks and crannies and need elbow grease to dislodge.
While no gutter guard can completely remove the need for gutter cleaning and regular maintenance, LeafGuard will make this cleaning easier and less frequent.
What is the installation process with LeafGuard?
Contact LeafGuard to speak to a customer service representative. They’ll ask you questions about your home, including its size and number of stories. Once the representative has collected your information, they’ll schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
LeafGuard’s website outlines its gutter installation process. A LeafGuard salesperson will inspect your home and gutter system for factors that will affect the cost of your gutter guard installation, including the following:
- Home height
- Landscaping slope and features
- Number of roof valleys
- Roof pitch
- Total length of guttering
Once the inspection is complete, the salesperson will generate a quote for the gutter guard installation. They will present how the LeafGuard system works, break down the quote, and answer any questions you may have. You can negotiate the price of your gutter guard system and apply applicable discounts at this time. If you reach an agreement on the cost, they’ll schedule an installation date.
When we talked to a LeafGuard representative, they said the time it takes to get an inspection varies from home to home depending on the factors mentioned above. But on average, the initial inspection will take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
In our survey of LeafGuard customers, more than 93% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the representative who performed the on-site estimate. Additionally, 40% of the respondents were able to negotiate with their representative to get a lower installation price.
On installation day, a small team of LeafGuard crew members will arrive and install your new gutter guard system. Since its guards can only be installed on a LeafGuard gutter, they’ll remove your existing gutter system and install new ones.
Forty-six percent of respondents said they were very satisfied with the workmanship of their installation, while 44% said they were satisfied with it.
You’ll get a new, longer-lasting gutter system out of your installation, which is a benefit if you have damaged or old gutters. The downside is you’re paying for a new set of gutters even if your gutters aren’t old enough to otherwise need replacement.
LeafGuard vs. professionally installed competitors
We rated LeafGuard 4.3 out of 5 stars according to our rigorous review standards, which is the lowest score out of the six providers we reviewed and tested. Our top-rated gutter guard company is LeafFilter, which scored 4.7 out of 5 stars and performed well during our firsthand testing process. It received high marks for debris filtration and cleanability.
Though LeafFilter is the most expensive company we reviewed, its guards are made of 275-micron surgical-grade stainless steel micro-mesh. This micro-mesh blocks small debris — such as pine needles and shingle grit — that LeafGuard gutter guards typically don’t. LeafFilter also offers a lifetime warranty on its products.
Gutter Guards America was our second-highest-scoring company, earning 4.6 out of 5 stars. Like LeafFilter, Gutter Guards America’s products are micro-mesh screens designed to keep large and small debris out of your gutters.
LeafGuard vs. DIY gutter guards
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may not need a professional to install certain gutter guards. We tested three DIY gutter guard brands: Raptor, A-M Gutter Guard and Amerimax to see how they stack up against professionally installed options, such as LeafGuard, LeafFilter and Gutter Guards America.
We gave Raptor the best DIY gutter guard rating with 4.5 out of 5 stars based on installation difficulty, debris filtration, durability and quality, water flow and cleanability. Raptor’s guards are made of micro-mesh, and the company provides an easy-to-understand instruction manual in each package.
While Raptor’s guards were effective in our tests, we noticed that the screen is thin and may be easy to dent or bend during installation if you’re not careful. But, just like with many DIY products and projects, you can save yourself a lot of money by tackling the job on your own.
After our extensive testing, we concluded that DIY gutter guards are perfectly suitable if you’re sticking to a strict budget. However, cutting costs and purchasing the cheapest guards on the market may result in gutter guards that aren’t up to par.
Final take: LeafGuard has a high-quality product and a price tag to match
On top of offering free estimates, LeafGuard offers a high-quality system and has a track record of success. LeafGuard’s benefits include good customer service, polite sales representatives, professional installations and an impressive limited lifetime warranty. However, it has one of the highest price points for gutter guards on the market, with some customers reporting costs up to and exceeding $10,000.
We find the LeafGuard one-piece gutter guard system to be a good investment depending on your needs. You may find LeafGuard is worth the price if you live in an area with large amounts of leaf litter and want to reduce your yearly gutter cleaning or if you have old rain gutters that will soon require replacement. Schedule a free consultation to learn how much a LeafGuard system will cost for your home.
Our rating methodology for gutter companies
To connect consumers with the right gutter protection solutions, we research and rate both professional gutter guard providers and do-it-yourself (DIY) products. Our aim is to provide thorough yet digestible information you need before investing in gutter guards.
We synthesize this information into review standards that focus on key aspects of the gutter guard buying experience and score each company out of 100. This score translates to the 5-star rating you see in our reviews. Professional providers and DIY products require slightly different analysis, which you can read more about in our full methodology.
