If you are experiencing issues with your home’s gutter guards or looking to invest in a reliable gutter system, finding the right replacement might be challenging.
There are various gutter system companies on the market, but some of the most popular ones are Leaf Guard and Gutter Helmet.
The question is which gutter system solution is a better fit for your home, LeafGuard vs Gutter Helmet?
Leaf Guard Overview
Did you know? If you don’t clean your gutters at least once a year, it could lead to water damage to both the property’s interior and exterior. Gutter cleaning costs $325-$600 each time you hire a contractor to do it.
Clogged gutters damage the foundation of your house, not to mention the siding, windows and exterior walls. This is why gutter guards, or gutter helmets, can make a huge difference.
LeafGuard is one of the most trusted gutter solutions. Their gutter systems will prevent your gutters from clogging and leaking, which minimizes the chances of roof damage and other water-related issues.
LeafGuard claims its products are seamless with a no-clog guarantee.
Their gutter system is a patented one-piece design that provides a custom fit when installed by professionals.
How Much Does Leaf Guard Cost?
Use our new Gutter Guards Cost Calculator to estimate installation prices for LeafGuard, Gutter Helmet and other types of gutter protection systems.
Before you can get any information about what this gutter system will cost you, LeafGuard will perform an at-home estimate.
It includes identifying gutter issues, inspecting the current gutter system, and measuring the length of your home. This estimate will give LeafGuard trained technicians a general idea of the total price, including the new gutter solution and professional installation.
An average installation is priced at $8.50 to $30 per linear foot. At up to 200 feet, which is the size of an average residential property in the U.S., the entire installation process can cost $1,700 to $6,000.
Check out our guide on the Best Gutter Guard System.
Leaf Guard Features
These are some of the most important LeafGuard gutter solution features:
Liquid adhesion is used to draw only rainwater through the gutters, while leaves, twigs, insects, and other types of debris will be prevented from getting in and forming a clog.
Its patented one-piece construction is made from aluminum, so it will never rust or deteriorate. It’s strong enough to handle up to 32 inches of rain per hour.
LeafGuard assures clients that their gutters will never be clogged again with their no-clog guarantee. They even offer free gutter cleaning services to homeowners who may experience these issues.
The gutter system is covered with a scratch guard finish, making it resistant to scratches, cracks, and peeling.
Pros:
No water damage – LeafGuard gutter systems will prevent water damage to your home, which means that you won’t have to worry about foundation, driveway, and roof damage.
It also reduces the chances of mold, mildew, landscape erosion, basement flooding, and rotting fascia and soffit.
Custom fit – LeafGuard specialists will measure your house’s dimensions to provide a custom-fitting gutter solution.
Professional installation – Installing LeafGuard gutters includes removing your old gutter system, which usually costs extra. Every step of the installation process will be taken care of by LeafGuard.
Limited lifetime warranty – Along with the no-clog guarantee, LeafGuard offers a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects and material flaws.
Eliminates ladder-related accidents – According to LeafGuard, there are over 630,000 non-occupational ladder falls every year.
Since you won’t be required to clean your gutters anymore, it minimizes the possibility of falling down a ladder and hurting yourself.
Cons
More expensive than others – LeafGuard’s gutter solutions are among the most expensive ones for homeowners.
Only professional installation is available – While professional installation is convenient in many ways, some homeowners would rather install the gutter guard themselves. Unfortunately, LeafGuard doesn’t give you this option.
Heavyweight – LeafGuard gutter guards are made from aluminum, making them heavier than other models. This could be problematic if the gutter guard isn’t installed correctly.
Heavy rain flows over – Even though it uses liquid adhesion, these gutter guards can only handle light rain. In the case of heavy rain, it typically flows over the gutter.
Leaf Guard Homeowners’ Reviews
Here’s what homeowners have to say about LeafGuard gutter guards and their services:
Positive Reviews
Homeowners are happy with LeafGuard’s installation services from start to finish. LeafGuard specialists can get the job done fairly quickly without leaving a mess behind.
The limited lifetime warranty requires LeafGuard to repair or replace defective pieces.
Customers like that they won’t need to clean their gutters anymore, especially elderly customers who might find it difficult to climb on a ladder.
Homeowners who have worked with LeafGuard once are happy to use their services in the future.
Negative Reviews
Customers aren’t satisfied with how these gutter guards handle heavy rain, as it flows over and defeats the entire purpose of gutter guards.
These gutter guards won’t do you any good in winter, especially during heavy snowfall when snow and ice gather on the gutters.
Some customers believe that this gutter system is too expensive for its quality.
Do LeafGuard Gutters Keep Out Pine Needles?
LeafGuard gutters are made to prevent pine needles, leaves, twigs, and various other types of debris from getting in your gutters, no matter how small. It’s even said to keep out insects and pollen.
What If LeafGuard Gutters Clog or Need to Be Repaired?
Even though LeafGuard has a no-clog guarantee, it’s still possible for some debris to get in your gutters. If this happens, LeafGuard technicians will come over and clean or repair your gutters for free.
Do LeafGuard Gutters Work on Steep Roofs?
LeafGuard gutter guard systems can be installed on any roof, even if it is sloped.
Did you know? Gutter guards actually perform better if they’re installed on steeped roofs.
Gutter Helmet Overview
Gutter Helmet produces gutter protection systems that should be installed over your existing gutters. These gutter guards will prevent debris from entering your rain gutters and redirect water away from the base of your house.
It’s advertised as a permanent solution to homeowners’ gutter protection requirements, so you will never have to clean your gutters again.
Installing Gutter Helmet gutter protection systems will eliminate clogged gutters and prevent water damage and insect infestation.
These gutter guards are made from tough aluminum, and they use liquid adhesive to direct rainwater through the gutters. This gutter guard company provides clients with a triple lifetime warranty and professional installation services.
How Much Does Gutter Helmet Cost?
The total cost of a Gutter Helmet’s gutter system installation depends on many factors. The size of your home and the dimensions of your gutter system are some of the most price-determining ones.
Since Gutter Helmet’s products go over your existing gutter, their current condition and how they were installed will also affect the price.
Other consideration factors include the need for any special equipment, your roof’s steepness, the accessibility of your gutters, and more.
Generally speaking, the cost per linear foot for Gutter Helmet varies between $14 to $16. This price also includes the necessary materials and the professional installation fees.
That being said, the total cost for a home with 200 linear feet of gutters amounts to $2,350 to $3,515.
Gutter Helmet Features
These are some of the most important Gutter Helmet features:
The patented nose-forward design is suitable for handling heavy rain and large amounts of snow.
Gutter Helmet’s gutter guards come with a textured, ribbed surface and PermaLife™ finish, which prevents cracks, scratches, fading, peeling, and discoloration.
Gutter Helmet gutter systems come in various colors, so you can choose one that matches your home’s exterior.
These gutter guards use liquid adhesion and surface tension to direct rainwater into the gutters and away from your property.
Gutter Helmet offers a heated add-on option called Helmet Heat, which prevents ice and snow build-up in winter.
Did you know? Gutter protection also prevents infestation by birds, animals, and insects.
Pros
Sturdy construction – These gutter guards are made from tough aluminum and can handle 22 inches of water. They can even handle heavy rain and snow. The aluminum construction is lightweight, and it’s held by heavy-duty mounting brackets.
Triple lifetime warranty – Gutter Helmet’s triple lifetime warranty includes transferable lifetime materials and a product performance warranty.
Professional installation – Gutter Helmet’s trained specialists will cover the entire installation process from start to finish. What’s more, since these gutter guards go over your existing gutters, you will save money on not having to remove them.
Free written estimates – Gutter Helmet technicians will come to inspect your current gutter system, roof, siding, and all other areas of your home that will be affected by the installation. After the inspection, you will receive a free written estimate.
There is no need to clean your gutters – Gutter Helmet assures their clients won’t be required to clean their gutters after the installation is complete.
Cons
If you want Gutter Helmet to make future service calls, it will cost you extra, not to mention that these service fees are expensive.
If your property’s gutter system is fairly damaged, the installation fees will cost more.
They are only available from authorized dealers.
Gutter Helmet Homeowners’ Reviews
Here is what homeowners think about Gutter Helmet and its services:
Positive Reviews:
Gutter Helmet technicians offer friendly service. They arrive on time and clean up the mess from the installation.
Gutter Helmet aluminum products fit securely over the gutters and remain durable even in extreme weather conditions.
The warranty is extensive and transferrable, which is great if you’re planning to sell your house in the future.
Homeowners like that they won’t be required to clean their gutters ever again, so the risk of falling off a ladder or similar accidents is minimized.
Negative Reviews:
Some homeowners have had bad experiences with Gutter Helmet’s employees, who were called for maintenance checks and repairs.
Their pricing system could be too expensive if you consider all the fees.
If the gutter guards aren’t properly installed, heavy rain will overflow from the gutters, putting your home’s exterior at risk.
How Long Will Gutter Helmet Last Before I Need to Replace It?
Gutter Helmet is marketed as a permanent gutter system solution, which means that you won’t be required to replace it again.
What Size Debris Can Gutter Helmet Handle?
Not only can Gutter Helmet prevent leaves, twigs, and similar types of debris from getting in your gutters, but smaller-sized debris as well.
Thanks to its 3/8-inch wide slit, these gutter helmets can also handle insects and pinecone needles.
How Much Rain Can Gutter Helmet Handle?
Gutter Helmet gutter covers can handle 22 inches of rain per hour. It can also take heavy snowfall and hail.
LeafGuard vs. Gutter Helmet
LeafGuard and Gutter Helmet are similar in many aspects. For example, their gutter systems are made using aluminum and liquid adhesive, they offer professional installation, and they come with great, extensive warranties.
One major difference between these two gutter system companies is that LeafGuard replaces homeowners’ existing gutters, no matter their condition.
Afterward, they replace your old gutters with their one-piece constriction. Gutter Helmet, on the other hand, offers gutter guards that are installed on top of your existing gutters.
Due to this fact, LeafGuard’s services will always be more expensive than Gutter Helmet.
Even though Gutter Helmet’s starting price is around $14 per linear foot, the total amount for the gutter system and installation fees shouldn’t exceed $3,515 for properties with 200 linear feet.
This is much more affordable than LeafGuard’s prices, which can go up to $6,000 per 200 linear feet.
If your entire gutter system is deteriorating and needs to be replaced, LeafGuard is a better option.
However, if only parts of your gutter system need work, LeafGuard might be an expensive option. In this case, Gutter Helmet is a better fit for your gutters.
Did you know? Not replacing faulty or deteriorating gutter systems can lead to property damage, mold, mildew, and even damage your home’s foundation.
Final Verdict
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Gutter Helmet vs Leaf Guard.
| LeafGuard | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| No water damage | Expensive |
| One-piece construction | Only professional installation available |
| Custom fit | Heavyweight |
| Professional installation | Heavy rain flows over |
| Limited lifetime warranty | |
| No ladder-related accidents | |
| Gutter Helmet | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy construction | Expensive future calls |
| Triple lifetime warranty | Costly installation fees for damaged gutters |
| Professional installation | Only available from authorized dealers |
| Free written estimate | Doesn’t replace faulty gutters |
| No cleaning required | |
| Lightweight |
No matter which gutter solution you choose, LeafGuard or Gutter Helmet, if properly installed, you won’t have to worry about clogs or rainwater ever again. Both solutions prevent water damage and eliminate any debris clogs.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
I am confused about Leaf Guard’s statement that their system can handle 32″ of rain per hour vs Gutter Helmet’s 22″ per hour. The review states that Leaf Guard can only handle “light rains” with heavy rains overflowing the system. Yet Gutter Helmet is said to handle heavier rains?
Correction………………
Your site would be much more helpful if you included photos &/or drawing to clarify who & what you are talking about!!!!
Hour site would be much more helpful if you included photos &/or drawing to clarify who & what you are talking about!!!!